To some, a night of musical theater could conjure up thoughts of kitsch song and dance numbers and enchanting fairy-tale love stories.

Composer Tom Kitt and author Brian Yorkey’s “Next to Normal” has none of that.

Brought to life by leading ladies Kolleen Park and Jung Young-ju, who alternately play the role of the struggling mother Diana, “Next to Normal” stretches the scope of musical boundaries by addressing often socially taboo topics such as suicide, substance abuse and questionable moral directions. 

The Korean language rendition of the show is unlike any other local musical production out there -- no over-the-top stage props, no full-size orchestra, just a mother and her heartache.

The musical first made its off-Broadway debut in 2008 before making it to Broadway just a year later and follows the tale of a desperate mother, Diana, who is not only unable to cope with the tragic loss of a loved one, but struggles with bipolar disorder.

Unearthing the sometimes harsh realities of seemingly “normal” suburban households, the musical attempts to shed light on the devastating effects Diana’s illness has on her family, as well as ethical quandaries involving psychiatry and drug therapy.

The production was an unforeseen success, nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 2009 and winning three -- Best Original Score, Best Orchestration and Best Performance by a Leading Actress. It also won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, becoming only the eighth musical in history to receive the honor.
Despite having to perform in the shadow of Park in the open-run production, Jung’s performance as a grieving mother in search of answers to all of life’s impossible questions is nothing short of heart-wrenching.

Her ability to translate the pangs of a mother who has reached the end of her rope and is desperate to cling on to the memories of her late son is enough to make anyone question the definition of normality, and will assuredly have the audience vicariously suffering her pain.

The vocal performances by young actor Suh Kyeong-su, playing the role of her late son, was also worthy of a standing ovation. His powerful serenades to his mother, asking her not to let her memories of him fade, lent to Diana’s pain seeming so tangible.

The production also stars Nam Gyeong-ju and Lee Jung-yeol as husband Dan, Choi Jae-rim as the son Gabe and Oh So-yeon, Jung Sung-min and Jeon Ye-ji as daughter Natalie.

“Next to Normal” will be staged daily except Mondays until March 13 at the Doosan Art Center in Seoul. Tickets are priced at 66,000 won ($56) and 88,000 won. For more information, call (02) 744-4033.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)