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Review: In second Triangle outing,'Next to Normal'cuts even deeper... http://www.newsobserver.conV2013/03/04/2724652/in-second-trian... <br /> hurt by her mother's obsessive preference for Natalie's brother, Gabe. After enduring a range of <br /> unsuccessful medical treatments, Diana changes doctors and undergoes hypnosis and ultimately shock <br /> therapy, finally forcing her to face her demons and make some life-changing decisions. <br /> The show is designated a rock musical, but the term misleads, as Tom Kitt's score contains many heartfelt <br /> ballads and stirring Broadway-style anthems. Brian Yorkey's lyrics are clever without being cute, <br /> repeatedly gripping in their poignant truths. Thankfully, the lyrics are easily understood here, as the <br /> backstage band, under Julie Florin's sensitive direction, is heard through speakers and never allowed to <br /> overpower the singers. Occasional imbalances and dropouts from the singers' mics are the only <br /> distractions. <br /> Deep Dish's small stage is shrewdly disguised by Rob Hamilton's design of gauzy, interlocking walls that <br /> swivel to create different scenes, revealing characters when lit from behind. Director Paul Frellick keeps <br /> the staging simple but nicely varied, the intimate space permitting every subtle facial expression and <br /> quietly spoken phrase to register. <br /> Lisa Jolley gives Diana full range, her desperation to understand her predicament moving, her realizations <br /> of it heartbreaking. As husband Dan, John Allore is extremely affecting, making Dan's feelings of <br /> helplessness and loss palpable. Abigail Coryell's Natalie is smartly judged, its hardened surface hiding a <br /> frightened, damaged soul. <br /> Wesley Miller's confident vocals and tender sincerity make Gabe's special connection to his mother <br /> sweetly touching, while Mark Ridenour gives both doctors depths beyond their stereotypical characters. <br /> As Natalie's love-struck boyfriend Henry, Jeffrey Uzcaino sings impressively but plays the character <br /> blandly. <br /> If you missed Theater in the Park's production last fall, Deep Dish's is equally recommended, its intimacy <br /> giving the material even greater force. And don't forget the tissues and handkerchiefs—you'll definitely <br /> need them. <br /> Dicks: rrxisic—theater@lycos.com <br /> Back to Top <br /> < Previous Story <br /> � < Theater review. 'The Cripple of lnishmaan' at Deep Dish is lukewarm <br /> Text Stony > <br /> Spoleto Festival reaches new heights <br /> Email Newsletters > <br /> Manage newsletter subscriptions <br /> Tablets > <br /> Apps and services for tablet devices <br /> 2 of 3 5/22/2013 10:50 AM <br />