I just saw Next to Normal yesterday at a local theater company--damn. That is all I can say. It was so powerful I felt emotionally drained when I stepped out of the theater. I ended spending the rest of the day in bed I was that spent out. I don't think I'll want to see this show live again because it's overpowering, but when time settles I'll listen to the soundtrack.
+harrietamidala1691 That's when you know you've seen a good show, or a good 'version' of a show. When theatre touches you, you don't forget it.......ever.
yes but this one is especially draining for a lot of us. its raw and just in your face (i mean my fave shows are rent and les mis but they never had thaqt effect on me)
I saw this show a two years ago, and I still resonate with it. I still get the chills. The themes of this play is just so powerful. This by far has to be one of the greatest Broadway musicals I've ever seen.
I just love the character of Gabe, and Aaron Tveit's portrayal of him. Gabe isn't just a hallucination, and he isn't just a ghost. He represents depression and the insanity that comes with desperation. In this song and "I'm Alive", I don't really think of the character as Gabe, but as depression itself singing. Truly awesome performance.
Hmm, that's interesting. See, I think you might be taking Dan's acknowledgement of Gabe in the reprise a bit too literally. I think it's just him coming to terms with his infant son's death for the first time, not necessarily having the same delusion Diana's had the whole time. He thought he could continue to bury it, but he realizes when Diana leaves that he had never really dealt with his pain so he seeks help. I just think it's very unlikely that he was ALSO mentally ill and having delusions.
I am amazed at this performance. The level of intensity is just amazing. You can SEE the feelings and internal battle in her face. It's truly amazing acting complimented by amazing singing. By far one of the best performances I've seen in a broadway production in a while.
it combines two of my favorite things... the drama and the intensity of a deep play with the great music and voices of a musical... God i hope i'll be able to see this one day... this was amazing
Oh my. Everyone in this song/musical is just brilliant and I love that line, "If you think I don't give a damn then you just don't know who I am.". I want to write a musical similar to this.
i couldnt until i saw an awesome production of it and now im obsessed , its one of those shows that moves you and changes you and until youve experienced it you dont really appreciate it ,
Haha! At the end it looked like Gabe was like kissing his mom. Am I like the only one who thinks that? Well I can never get tired of this musical I just keep watching it over and over again. Its amazing!!! Why didn't it win?!
I love next to normal!!!! This is amazing! I want to be alice ripley when i star in a broadway show some day! J robert spencer is just great and aaron tveit is a cutie. :)
The woman, Carrie Fisher (famous for playing 'Princess Leia' in the original 'Star Wars' films), battled numerous personal issues, including depression and drug addiction. She is an actress, a novelist, a screenwriter, and known now for being very frank about her past. The audience, I think, were laughing because it is funny and maybe from nerves. At this time her semi-autobiographic novel had come out, so they either understood and laughed or laughed just to laugh.
A local regional theatre is doing this show in January... I plan on applying for jobs the day after my 14th birthday in august, and saving up all my money so I can see the show at least 10 times during it's month-long run... maybe more if the guy playing gabe looks like and sounds like aaron tveit :)
@KikimoLie Actually he WAS in Rent as Steve (on the tour). But that wasn't where I knew him from. I actually knew him as Frank Jr. from Catch Me if You Can's Seattle pre-Broadway run.
holy shit, i've only heard the cast recording, the performance is amazing. the victorious look on aaron tveit's hot face. omg. the dad ain't bad either
I think you have a really interesting take on the situation. I personally don't believe that he is in any sense real. He is just a manifestation of her illness and I think it is the memory of him that is haunting them. This personification is a brilliant metaphor for Diana's internal struggle to grasp what is real. At the end, I think the scene with Gabe and his dad is purely symbolic of his father finally accepting and coming to terms with his death. Although I like your interpretation too!
Oh, and she also has ECT every so often. THAT she really mentions a lot. Check out her HBO special. It's pretty funny! Brutally honest, a little crass (which I personally enjoy), but funny.
After her first line why did shhe start to not sing in tempo or in sync with in the music. Is it because the sound kept bouncing back off of the theater (I forgot what thats called when the sound bounces back like when a marching band plays inside an arena and the sound bounces back)?
This is all guesswork, but to me it seemed like most performances showed off either the actor who had the best chance of winning or the show as a whole. This performance was centered around Alice Ripley, who pretty much had the Tony from the start, whereas Rock of Ages' performance showed off everyone and Shrek's performance showed off Chris Sieber. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's what it looked like to me.
this video made me think about Dan. I think it's possible that Dan has always seen Gabe along with Diana, but he has been pressurizing in and pretending that he doesn't for the good of his wife. In I Am The One's reprise when he acknowledges Gabe it could be that he's finally giving in, making this song have even more tension. Just a thought.
@aznboiofpower I saw him in Catch Me if You Can. He was amazing! and shirtless twice. I then went to the stage door to get his autograph, I lost my voice.
they are so amazing, and Alice Ripley has one of the greatest voices to ever hit the broadway stage! i havent seen the show (YET), but i want this song on my ipod, but i was searching itunes and i'm thinking that this is a compilation of a few songs, not just one. so, if im right, can someone tell me what they are?
The trouble with that number is that it doesn't have a true resolution to it. It quits because Diana has had a mental break. And I don't know if it would have worked if they put an end to the song.
i love how aaron is just lurking in the dark in "you don't know"
It's 2016 and i'm still mad that Next to Normal didn't win the Tony.
QuoteChloe me too
Chloe Hunt who won it?
The MitchellG Billy Elliot The Musical won
Billy Elliot was amazing though and much more uplifting.
2018 and same
it's funny how perfect Aaron tveit is for Gabe, even the majority of the audience can't help but give their attention to him...
Camilleon the invisiblessed for real like when he wasn't even doing anything and he was sitting up there watching, I was watching him
one of the best tony performances to this day.
the smile at 5:28 and the sniff or whatever it is after... aaron tveit is basically flawless
I just saw Next to Normal yesterday at a local theater company--damn. That is all I can say. It was so powerful I felt emotionally drained when I stepped out of the theater. I ended spending the rest of the day in bed I was that spent out. I don't think I'll want to see this show live again because it's overpowering, but when time settles I'll listen to the soundtrack.
+harrietamidala1691 That's when you know you've seen a good show, or a good 'version' of a show. When theatre touches you, you don't forget it.......ever.
yes but this one is especially draining for a lot of us. its raw and just in your face (i mean my fave shows are rent and les mis but they never had thaqt effect on me)
oh man, im so gay for Arron Tveit
James Kelling I think every man should be
James Kelling i'm gay but i'm straight for aaron tveit
I'm so straight for him
I'm so bisexual for him
We all are it’s ok
I saw this show a two years ago, and I still resonate with it. I still get the chills. The themes of this play is just so powerful. This by far has to be one of the greatest Broadway musicals I've ever seen.
I just love the character of Gabe, and Aaron Tveit's portrayal of him. Gabe isn't just a hallucination, and he isn't just a ghost. He represents depression and the insanity that comes with desperation. In this song and "I'm Alive", I don't really think of the character as Gabe, but as depression itself singing. Truly awesome performance.
Hmm, that's interesting. See, I think you might be taking Dan's acknowledgement of Gabe in the reprise a bit too literally. I think it's just him coming to terms with his infant son's death for the first time, not necessarily having the same delusion Diana's had the whole time. He thought he could continue to bury it, but he realizes when Diana leaves that he had never really dealt with his pain so he seeks help. I just think it's very unlikely that he was ALSO mentally ill and having delusions.
I am amazed at this performance. The level of intensity is just amazing. You can SEE the feelings and internal battle in her face. It's truly amazing acting complimented by amazing singing. By far one of the best performances I've seen in a broadway production in a while.
it combines two of my favorite things... the drama and the intensity of a deep play with the great music and voices of a musical... God i hope i'll be able to see this one day... this was amazing
I came here for a nice musical and got Carrie Fisher. She literally died like a day ago. I don't need to be reminded.
oh sorry it must be so hard for YOU that YOU were reminded of her death. Get over yourself.
That triumphant laugh Aaron does at 5:09 adds to Gabe's win all the more. I love the way he does this performance. Damn good acting sir
I love how you can totally see Aaron hugging his knees and waiting at 1:03. :)
Oh my. Everyone in this song/musical is just brilliant and I love that line, "If you think I don't give a damn then you just don't know who I am.". I want to write a musical similar to this.
Me: *sings along absentmindedly till the end* Ooo hey there's Lin
4:22-4:29 - perfection.
i couldnt until i saw an awesome production of it and now im obsessed , its one of those shows that moves you and changes you and until youve experienced it you dont really appreciate it ,
Aaron Tveit has stolen my heart! He is absolutely gorgeous and has an amazing voice.
Okay I didn't have the chance to understand the lyrics before, and now everything hurts and I'm dying :)
All of their voices are unique and beautiful. I love this
Haha! At the end it looked like Gabe was like kissing his mom. Am I like the only one who thinks that? Well I can never get tired of this musical I just keep watching it over and over again. Its amazing!!! Why didn't it win?!
Every time I watch this video it gives me chills...They are all such amazing performers.
CHILLS. every time.
Lin-Manuel Miranda at 5:50 tho :))
+Lawrence Dave Llorin oh my god it's him
+Lawrence Dave Llorin THANK U FOR POINTINT THAT OUT THIS WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY DAY
+Lawrence Dave Llorin ALL HAIL LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
waterbot I think you mean ALEXANDER HAMILTON!
I looooooove Aaron. So much. Like, wow.
I'm still not sure why Billy Elliot won best musical......
5:29 don't make out with your mom Aaron lol...
+TheZeitergeist3 omg i was just about to say that lel
TheZeitergeist3 😂😂😂 my reaction when I saw that was: whoa now *blinks very slowly* what ya doin' there Aaron?
This is amazing beyond compare
Such a great song!!! Heared it for the first time
Too bad this one song, does'nt do the show justice. Seriously if you ever have the chance to see it, jump all over it.
Over 3 years later and I do not get sick of watching this!
This play brought me to tears
I get goosebumps everytime she throws the silverware down....I can't stop watching this!
Oh Aaron Tveit, you're GORGEOUS.
I was so incredibly lucky to see Next to Normal in DC before it went on Broadway and I remember being completely stunned by how amazing it was.
4:26 OMG THAT SMILE
i will see this in manila philippines. march 2011.
not enough love for j. robert spencer in the comments, he is phenomenal!!
I REALLY WANT TO SEE THIS...that Performance was awesome, one of my favorites of the night!!!
They all sound great but doesn't it hurt to have two different people belting out into both of your ears? It seems like It's very loud Lol
WHAT THE FUCK I DIDNT REALIZE IT WAS CARRIE FISHER IM BEING ATTACKD????
the presenter not the one performing lmao
i am in love with this musical and i havent even seen it yet lol
i mean I fangirl whenever graceland is on because of him
I rock out to Next to Normal... like a boss!
she is incredible!
I really need to see this musical.
I think Alice sounds better here than on the recording
1) I'm so excited to see Alice Ripley when the tour comes to L.A.
2) I wish I didn't live so far away from Broadway
3) Aaron Tveit=Yum!
the actor who plays the son is YUUMMMY omg
Spectacular! My favorite performance of the night by a mile.
alA tremendous thank you to this video which first introduced me to Aaron thank god!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh man , me too!!! amazing!
"Are you Bleeding, Are you bruised Are you broken" Most powerful words in the show!!!!
That moment when you realise it's Aaron Tveit and you almost faint. This is absolutely sensational!
I fangirled when aaron came on.
Jordan Niesel me too
I literally squealed when Aaron started singing
I love next to normal!!!! This is amazing! I want to be alice ripley when i star in a broadway show some day! J robert spencer is just great and aaron tveit is a cutie. :)
My god, I have to see this show...
LOVE YOU AAROOOOOONNNNN
Am I the only one who thinks Aaron looks like he could actually be Alice & J. Robert Spencer's kid?
Jacqueline Hope he does!
Woow Aaron was so young
Okay so... am I the only one who can't seem to find the mics?
***** in the hair line
The woman, Carrie Fisher (famous for playing 'Princess Leia' in the original 'Star Wars' films), battled numerous personal issues, including depression and drug addiction. She is an actress, a novelist, a screenwriter, and known now for being very frank about her past.
The audience, I think, were laughing because it is funny and maybe from nerves. At this time her semi-autobiographic novel had come out, so they either understood and laughed or laughed just to laugh.
He's in Iraq right now :(
I MISS HIM! I watch this all the time it reminds me of him! Kyle come home soon!
AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEE
ooh okay, thank you so much!!
Love!!!
Okay, Thanks so much!!! Makes much more sense now! haha!
5:06.....the most powerful moment in theatre
Wow, I didn't know "Next To Normal" was so heavy.
I can't think of anything less I'd like to see on the musical stage than this.
Love this
A local regional theatre is doing this show in January... I plan on applying for jobs the day after my 14th birthday in august, and saving up all my money so I can see the show at least 10 times during it's month-long run... maybe more if the guy playing gabe looks like and sounds like aaron tveit :)
YES!!! SOMEONE FINALLY AGREES WITH ME!!! No one will EVER play the role of Gabe as PERFECTLY as Aaron originated him!
wahooo princess leah!!
Even as a manipulative hallucination, Aaron Tveit still makes me swoon..
Aaron Tveit. Uughhhhhh he's so perfect.
@KikimoLie Actually he WAS in Rent as Steve (on the tour). But that wasn't where I knew him from. I actually knew him as Frank Jr. from Catch Me if You Can's Seattle pre-Broadway run.
holy shit, i've only heard the cast recording, the performance is amazing. the victorious look on aaron tveit's hot face. omg. the dad ain't bad either
I think you have a really interesting take on the situation. I personally don't believe that he is in any sense real. He is just a manifestation of her illness and I think it is the memory of him that is haunting them. This personification is a brilliant metaphor for Diana's internal struggle to grasp what is real. At the end, I think the scene with Gabe and his dad is purely symbolic of his father finally accepting and coming to terms with his death. Although I like your interpretation too!
Dear Lord. Aaron is such a BABE. NOMNOMNOM
I really missed my general, my princess, my leader Leia Organa - Carrie Fisher
@KikimoLie he was also Roger, and will be again at the Hollywood Bowl.
Oh, and she also has ECT every so often. THAT she really mentions a lot. Check out her HBO special. It's pretty funny! Brutally honest, a little crass (which I personally enjoy), but funny.
After her first line why did shhe start to not sing in tempo or in sync with in the music. Is it because the sound kept bouncing back off of the theater (I forgot what thats called when the sound bounces back like when a marching band plays inside an arena and the sound bounces back)?
Reverb, or slap back, or echo.
I think it's just the echo.
This is all guesswork, but to me it seemed like most performances showed off either the actor who had the best chance of winning or the show as a whole. This performance was centered around Alice Ripley, who pretty much had the Tony from the start, whereas Rock of Ages' performance showed off everyone and Shrek's performance showed off Chris Sieber. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's what it looked like to me.
this video made me think about Dan. I think it's possible that Dan has always seen Gabe along with Diana, but he has been pressurizing in and pretending that he doesn't for the good of his wife. In I Am The One's reprise when he acknowledges Gabe it could be that he's finally giving in, making this song have even more tension. Just a thought.
@aznboiofpower
I saw him in Catch Me if You Can. He was amazing! and shirtless twice. I then went to the stage door to get his autograph, I lost my voice.
Took me a while to figure out the relationships...
I need to watch the musical...
Wish i could see Aaron Tveit ;)
That evilish smile Aaron Tveit has at 5:28!!!!
5:50 LIN!!!
they are so amazing, and Alice Ripley has one of the greatest voices to ever hit the broadway stage! i havent seen the show (YET), but i want this song on my ipod, but i was searching itunes and i'm thinking that this is a compilation of a few songs, not just one. so, if im right, can someone tell me what they are?
The trouble with that number is that it doesn't have a true resolution to it. It quits because Diana has had a mental break. And I don't know if it would have worked if they put an end to the song.
3:43 ohgod...
RIP CARRIE
Commence fangirl squeals at 3:43, 3:54, 4:14, 4:26, 5:03, and finally, 5:28 :D
Lol Lin in the back
thumbs up if you wish you were alice ripley just for 5:25 until the end of the video...