Summary: Next To Normal

Next to Normal contains both core and high concepts. In my opinion, the core concept attempts to make mental illness relatable to the audience. For the song “My Psycho-pharmacologist and I”, a giant pill bottle prop and many smaller pill bottles are shown on stage to give the audience an idea of how much of an ordeal it is for Diana to treat her mental illness. Throughout the show, the colors and direction of lighting are used to create a surreal atmosphere in which nothing feels ‘real’ for Diana. Even Diana’s costuming aims for relatability. Although Diana is struggling to keep herself afloat, she still wears in bright colored dresses. This is a really interesting choice because it alludes to Diana’s longing for control. Although everything