Review: 'Next to Normal' by NVCC Dept. of the Arts

Dedicated to a very special Gabe that the theatre community will never forget, Luke Garrison

Waterbury, CT - Naugatuck Valley Community College Dept. of the Arts and The Stage Society at the college opened their production of ‘Next to Normal’ on the Mainstage Theater in the Fine Arts Building of the campus. A strong group of fellow NVCC students came out to support the cast and crew members and waited in the lobby following the performance to cheer each and every person involved in the production as they exited the backstage area and congratulate them on their fine work.

The cast of 'Next to Normal' at NVCC Set design by Bill Cone

Sasha Bratt is the new instructor of theatre at NVCC and he served as director for this show. Kevoy Somerville was the assistant director and Gil Harel was the careful musical director of this score, made to sound even more glorious when played by this little orchestra including John Tuohy on guitar, Eric Spoldi on bass, Jake Siberon on drums, Lindsey Hollister on keyboard, Katelyn Gomes on violin and Kielty Wintersteen on cello.

Bill Cone worked his magic in set design with another unique wooden display. Not really the usual slats, but a tall white work that suggested homes in a neighborhood that made interesting shadows with the smaller versions at the back of the set. The interior elements had accents of lilac and a working door; Will Jeffries served as master carpenter and the entire stage was beautifully lit by Jon Curtis in hues that matched the action. The actors used the aisles in the house as well as the side door of the auditorium, and both were amply lit to do so effectively. Overall, the blocking by the director and his assistant was totally effective. Costume design by Marjorie Tedesco was appropriate for the feel of the production.

‘N2N’ allows only a small number of NVCC students to appear onstage and it was good to see a couple were able to return for another production.

'Most people who think they're happy are really just stupid.' - Diana in ‘N2N’

Some of the performances were a bit tenuous at first, but in the end everything came together well. I had difficulty believing that for Danielle Eitapence, a music performance major, this marked the first time that she had performed in a theatrical production. I wondered if her new theatre family (that she generously thanks in her program bio) let her in on the fact that the role of Diana Goodman in ‘N2N’ is probably not the one that most theatrical newcomers would choose for their first time out. Ms. Eitapence gave it her all, especially when her microphone went out very early in the second act and did not come back on until shortly before the curtain call. Jack Douglas (‘Cabaret’) took on the challenge of the role of Dan and did well with making the audience feel the pain of a husband who has always been there for his mentally ill spouse.

Chris Varanko (‘Cabaret’ at NVCC) took on the role of son Gabe in what will be his final role at the college; his was a high energy, pitch perfect performance. I loved watching him bring this spirit to life and hearing him insist that ‘I’m Alive.’ Mr. Varanko also lost his microphone for a bit in the second act, but he plowed through.

Teagan Gavin also appeared in her very first musical and gave an outstanding performance as the couple’s long-suffering teenage daughter. She sang wonderfully and delivered a truly heartfelt performance. As Henry, Joshua Rodis (‘Grease’ with Landmark, Naugatuck Teen Theater) made his NVCC debut in his favorite show in a role that was “perfect” for him. It has been fun to see this young man grow up on area stages and this role showed his maturity. I was also very impressed with freshman Victor Roldan as Dr. Maddan and a scary rock star. He had such an ease on the stage that helped him make the role of the psychiatrist his own. Mr. Roldan was a performer with the New York Renaissance Fair. Jalon Copeland was also in the production as the male swing.

The powerful rock musical 'Next to Normal' with music by Tom Kitt and books and lyrics by Brian Yorkey continues at Naugatuck Valley Community College through Nov. 12. Congratulations to the new NVCC director on a well-produced version of ‘N2N,’ a show that may soon overtake ‘The Wizard of Oz’ as the work for which I have written the most reviews.