Next to Normal is a Pulitzer Prize winning musical that deals with love, loss, grief, mental illness and overcoming the hard obstacles many of us face in our lives. Last seen in Toronto this past summer, Clearwater Theatre is putting on a regional production this week at The Tarragon Theatre. BWW sat down to speak with the six person cast about what the show means to them, and why they think people should see it.
The six person cast performs in the intimate space with a live band and without mics, adding to the intense feel of the material. Our interview is divided into two parts, the 'grown-ups' and the 'kids' of the story. Today we're finishing up by speaking with the 'youth' of the production, Sara Farb who plays Natalie, James Daly who plays Gabe and Andre Morin who plays Henry. We also speak with director Kate Stevenson.
Sara Farb
What's your name and who do you play?
What's your favourite song in the show and what do you think is the overall message behind the production?
My favourite song is Make Up Your Mind/Catch Me I'm Falling. The overall message behind the production is that no matter how together any of us may seem, we all have reasons to need others. There's no such thing as complete emotional independence.
What would you say is the number one reason to come out and see the show?
It provides the rare opportunity to experience a musical that so elegantly and honestly deals with a topic that touches so many of us, yet that so many of us know very little about. It also happens to be performed by very strong singing actors, which makes the story all the more moving and clear.
What's your name and who do you play?
What's your favourite song in the show and what do you think is the overall message behind the production?
My favourite song that I sing is probably "I'm Alive (reprise)" because there is so much power and emotion that suddenly explodes from the entire cast on stage. However I also really love the song "Maybe" which Diana sings with Natalie. In this song Diana connects to Natalie for the first time and they decide that a life that's "Next to Normal" is perfect for them. And I think that is the overall message behind the production. There is no perfect family or relationship because perfect doesn't exist. So next to normal is the most normal thing out there. All we can do is live with what we have, remember what we've lost and keep fighting for who we love.
What would you say is the number one reason to come out and see the show?
I think the number one reason to come out and see the show is that if you've seen "Next to Normal" you've never seen it like this. This production is very raw, it is up-close and personal. Using no microphones, a bare set and an intimate space, you get to hear everyones natural voice and really see the pain on everyones face. You will feel like you're inside the house with the family and you will be very moved by the production.
ANDRE MORIN
What's your name and who do you play?
My name is Andre Morin and I play Henry.
What's your favourite song in the show and what do you think is the overall message behind the production?
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 Kelly Cameron's love affair with the theatre began when she was just five years old, on an outing to see the Original Canadian Cast of Les Miserables at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. She instantly fell in love, and since then has been lucky enough to be involved in various theatre activities and productions, including a regional production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and a local production of Where the Sidewalk Ends. She has also received training from various teachers throughout Southwestern Ontario in both piano and voice, and competed in vocal competitions for which she received a few awards. Her writing career started almost by accident, when she had the opportunity to become a ghostwriter for up and coming businesses. She continues to do this, writing the content for all sorts of companies who are starting websites and looking to find their voice. Her passion and love for theatre led to her becoming involved with BroadwayWorld where she is thrilled to be writing for the Toronto contingent of the rapidly growing website. When she isn't at the theatre, you can generally find her firmly planted in front of her trusty Blackberry - tweeting, Facebooking or partaking in other such social media activities to ensure that those who want to know are kept apprised of everything that Toronto theatre has to offer. Other interests include movies, art, music, shopping, fashion and martial arts with the occasional foray into the world of finance. Follow Kelly on Twitter at @broadwaybabyto Creep her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kelly-Cameron/500187141 |
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