WHAT’S NORMAL THESE DAYS ANYWAY?
It’s anything BUT… NEXT TO NORMAL down there in Coronado. Plenty of really strong performances are holding forth on that stage. No, it’s not the Lamb’s Theatre this time; instead, it’s the CORONADO PLAYHOUSE sending out some seriously significant sound waves. And it’s in the rock idiom!
A pleasure it is for me to appreciate the Music Direction (and bass underpinnings) of the extraordinarily busy Martin Martiarena and the drum magic of friend Mike Massesa. The band totally rock the premises while engaging the audience in the panoply of this ravishing Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey score.
The recent high profile tragedies of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain highlight the need for all of us to delve into the daily struggles of our citizenry as they rumble through a host of mental health issues. This Tony-winning musical from a few years back is right on the money and deserving of a close examination.
In this production the talents of Seejay Lewis are on thrilling display as the son “Gabe”. Another standout proves to be the mother in crisis, one “Diana” played by Rebekah Rawhouser, who helplessly stands her family on its head as these victims feverishly attempt to cope with her chaotic thrashing. It should be noted that at its core this production features solid work from its entire cast. Yes, accolades deserved by all in this endeavor with a special shout out in particular to the undoubtedly proud papa, director Chad Oakley.
Only a few performances remain for this eye-opening and important production now on stage for a short time. All the while, in retrospect, my fellow audience members are seemingly mesmerized by the exploration of this strife playing out in Coronado’s inviting theatre space. Methinks it’s because the story hits very close to home for all of us.
Theatre Curtain Calling…Reviewing the Situation
