BackStage Utah

we saw it at NYMF a few years ago, when it was called "Feeling Electric" and then again off-broadway last year after some of the re-writes and the change to "Next to Normal".

I liked it better before the re-writes.

Fantastic show.  Outstanding performances (though I found J. Robert Spencer a little wooden and Jennifer Damiano's performance a bit "high school"...of course Mr. Spencer's character is emotionally withdrawn and Ms. Damiano was playing a high schooler...)  Alice Ripley was kooky and brilliant.  And the score is absolutely breathtaking.  This one is staying in my iPod forever.  I'm a bit concerned Billy Elliot will beat it for Best Musical, though this show is every bit as deserving.  But if Dolly or Elton snatches the Best Score Tony Award from Tom Kitt, there is no justice in the world.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I'm a little surprised the critics who complained The Story of My Life sounded too Sondheim didn't bitch about the Jason Robert Brown riffs in next to normal.  Oh well, as Johanna Gleason's character in Happiness says "I'd love to understand your point of view.  I just can't get my head that far up my ass."  Suck it, critics.