If someone were to explain to you what the hit musical "Next to Normal" is about, you would be hard pressed to envision it as a musical.  However, it is more than just a musical...it is an evening of compelling and thoroughly enjoyable theater.

Bi-polar leading ladies is not the usual formula for a Broadway musical, but  Alice Ripley is spectacular as the troubled mother who can't quite seem to put the past behind her.  The cast is extraordinary with absolutely no weak links.  J. Robert Spencer plays the father and his exceptional voice is on display throughout the entire show.  Aaron Tveit is magnificent as the son and his song "I'm Alive" is one of the high points of the show. Jennifer Damiano, though still a teen, is a seasoned veteran and creates a wonderful presence for herself onstage.  Adam Chanler-Berat plays the boyfriend to perfection and is just another critical piece of this magnificent cast.

Brian Yorkey, who wrote the book and lyrics, is the brains behind this extremely creative piece.  Tom Kitt's music is spectacular.  Mark Wendland's set design is hip, clever, and allows for the fast pace action that makes this show this year's best musical.

Why you should see it?  You like to be thoroughly entertained by a story line that is tight and fast moving and music that is engaging and first-rate.

Why you might not want to see it?  The subject matter involving bipolar disorder hits too close to home.  Then again, that might be the very reason you SHOULD see it.