next to normal

As much as I enjoyed listening to the OBC, there's something particularly special about this cast. It might be because the sound is taken from the proshot, but it's infused with emotion and every actor gives 110% for every song.

The film version is probably one of the best proshots I've ever seen (I'm biased I love this musical!). Jack Wolfe is sooooo haunting in this role in the best way possible. Despite most of the cast being British, their accents hold up and their voices blend together wonderfully.

They do such a good job at portraying this family which is just trying to not fall apart. Caissie Levy's rendition of I Miss the Mountains will never leave me. You feel Diana's loss and pain so clearly, her anguish at losing her old life. I don't think I will ever get over this production of Next to Normal.

BRB PLAYING EVERY SONG ON REPEAT!

Going into the OBC cast recording, I was a little hesitant as I am SO deeply attached to the London cast...

However, there would be no show without these icons who originated the roles! What I absolutely love about listening to different cast recordings of the same musical is the interpretations of the characters. Aaron Tveit and Alice Ripley are just SO GOOD!!!!!! I adore the songs in Next to Normal and honestly kicking myself for only discovering it last year!

The emotional through lines of the plot really give way to some wonderful vocal performances. (Having been so attached to the London cast, my ratings of the songs are perhaps a liiiiitle different than what they would've been if I hadn't heard it but I tried to not compare tooooo much!).

Next to Normal has quickly become one of my favourite musicals so venturing into the Italian cast recording was a great experience. Some amazing vocal performances, which really met the emotion the show demands. Although it's hard to pick between them, Lo Sono (I Am the One) will always come out on top for me.