Earlier this week I attended the opening night of Lindenwood's production of "Next to Normal." Being a theater major, I was very excited and interested in seeing the show, even though I haven't seen or read up on "Next to Normal." The show blew me out of the water. It wasn't just the plot of the story or how talented the performers were but the entirety of the show.

The show had only 7 actors in it, and the stage was set up to have three points of view. The set was creative being that it was framework, and spinning flooring in the center. The set was built like this so that for one the audience could see everything and that the floor was a creative use of a metaphor.

The show is about a mother suffering from severe depression, to the point of seeing things. At one point she says "I think the room is spinning" as referring to her mental state while physically spinning on the rotating floor. I loved the use of this because it really put in perspective how the mother felt about her life though out the show.

Some of the other aspects incorporated in to the show were that there was no stage crew to move set pieces or props onstage. Instead the actors who were not in the scene were incorporated as if it was normal for your doctor or your daughters boyfriend to bring you your silverware for dinner.

"Next to Normal" seemed flawless, and the actors really connected and became their characters. The show has moments of deep intensity and has emotional factors. There was a point that most of the audience was so overwhelmed they were moved to tears. I am usually not one to cry for a show or movie, but the way this show was performed was so real that I couldn't help but feel a part of it and cry. I definitely suggest this show for patrons and I can't wait to see what else Lindenwood's theater department brings to the table.