Can we talk about Heather Kerr-Merril's voice for a second? If there was one reason to put on Next to Normal on Cape Breton Island, it's because Heather Kerr-Merril's voice exists. Heather's voice wasn't trained in any hallowed halls of a Juilliard conservatory. It was brought up on the mean streets of Glace Bay Karaoke with a raspness and rock crackle that can only be learned by belting out Heart ballads and Stevey Nix at two in the morning after one too many. In short, Heather doesn't have a voice for regular musicals, which is perfect, because Next to Normal is not a regular musical.

Let me just get this out of the way early. Next to Normal is the best production I've seen at The Highland Arts Theatre. The performances, the band, the story, and the staging were all of a caliber that people from the mainland probably wouldn't expect from the little Island of Cape Breton. If you want to know what modern musical theatre is all about, go see Next to Normal. If you want to know the kind of talent the Cape Breton theatre scene has to offer, go see Next to Normal. If you have a free night at any point between now and the 24th, go see Next to Normal. 

Regular Disclaimer: I don't get paid for this, and if I did, I would be saying the exact same things.

Next to Normal is about a family dealing with a mother's debilitating and dangerous mental disorder. It's a heavy play, with heavy themes, and it comes at you like a freight train. I've been in a few musicals with a fair bit of musical numbers. Next to Normal has about 2 musical numbers; the first half before the intermission, and the second half after. There are probably 20 lines of actual dialogue in this play. Every other plot point, exposition, and character interaction is contained in either a stirring emotional ballad or a pounding rock anthem. It's relentless. If you see any of this cast out on the town, buy them a round. They deserve it.

The production is directed by Cape Breton born Ron Jenkins, who returns to the island with over 25 years of theatre experience under his belt. Ron brings with him a sense of production value and clever design that let's you know the team understands the vision and story that Next to Normal is trying to tell. The play actually begins with the house lights still up, which is unorthodox, and I could see confused faces in the audience, but when the entire theatre went black at the first thud of the base drum, I knew surprises were in store.

And let's talk about the band. During the show, the band stays ever so visible behind a translucent sheet, which is the only clue that what you're listening to isn't a recording. This is a rock band, comprised of guitars, drums, and all the modern trappings of a Killers concert. Plus, a string section! (Spoiler alert: That cello gets plucked!) Also, they don't stop playing. I hope that guitarist is good and calloused, because he's got his work cut out for him.

From Left: Alison Crosby, Emily O'Leary, Ron Newcombe, Brandon Carabin, Heather Kerr-Merrill, Wesley Colford.

Let's talk about this cast for a second. They sing good. That's first and formost but lets dive a little deeper. The entire play hinges on Heather's performance, for us to follow her through the highs and lows and earn our sympathy while making every other characters' life a living hell. She kills it. Enough said. Marty Burt is making his Highland Arts Theatre debut after winning this year's Merritt Award for his work in Chasing Champions at the Ship's Company Theatre in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. Marty plays Dan, Diana's husband, who does his best to help and comfort Diana through this mental illness, but unfortunately, like most characters in the play, has no idea how.

That's an important theme in Next to Normal. There are no bad guys. Nobody consciously makes bad decisions. It's just... complicated. At no time during the show does a character do something that I wouldn't do myself, under the same circumstances. This is what makes the play real.

The night I attended, Alison Crosby was playing Natalie, an anxiety-ridden, over-achieving high schooler with little to no faith in anybody around her. Honestly, that's not too far from who Alison actually is, so it's the perfect part for her. I'm not even sure if she's technically acting. She sure is singing though. Few people have ever heard Alison sing, but on this occasion, her voice is as beautiful as it is rare.

Every other night, Natalie is played by Emily O'Leary. I didn't see her, but I'm sure she does great.

Brandon Carabin plays Gabe, Diana and Dan's son. I won't give anything away here, but it's a great part for Brandon, because if I were to imagine an ideal 18 year old, he would probably look and act a lot like Brandon. Ron Newcombe plays a rock star therapist, which is great casting because I find his voice a pretty calming influence. If he prescribed me drugs, I would probably take them. Rounding out the cast is Wesley Colford, playing Henry, a high-school stoner, the polar opposite and love interest of Natalie. Wesley does well in adding a sense of nihilism to the play that none of the other characters can afford to have.

Next to Normal is a relentless play that takes you through the journey of a family where nobody really wins. It's not an easy play, and comes at you as hard with the music as it does with the themes and questions it presents. After the final number on opening night, before the lights came back up after the blackout, the audience was standing, cheering for more. This was not a "Oh, he stood up, so I should stand up situation." This was a communal catharsis brought on by 2 hours on a stage.

You should go.