Review: Next to Normal

Broken mind

At first glance, you wouldn’t think that a mental health topic would turn into a musical. Helsinki City Theatre’s Next to Normal proves the suspicion to be unfounded. The musical, directed by Markku Nenonen and brought to Studio Pasila by six actors and six musicians, comes straight to the skin. The music sounds beautiful. When the mother of the family becomes mentally ill, the whole family is in pain. There is great distress, helplessness and a lot of loneliness.

When the patient’s mind is treated with electric shocks, the pain eases a little, but at the same time, dear memories disappear. What is important in the end?


Jonna Järnefelt plays a harrowingly believable role as Diana, a mother who has lost her child, and she sings absolutely wonderfully. Juha Junttu plays a downright moving role as a husband who tries to help his wife. Judging by the reactions of the audience, the topic is touching. The performance sings “Our family is the one that lacks the “we””.