Star Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Disappointingly, neither Aditi Brennan Kapil, who plays inconsolable mentally ill mother Diana, nor Thomas Jones II, who depicts her husband, Dan, is well-suited to their pivotal parts. These two strong, in-the-moment actors are not able to credibly deliver the songs at the heart of this show."
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Twin Cities Daily Planet - Recommended

"... Director Reuler has brought together an effective cast for the production. Although without great singing range, Aditi Kapil as the Mother and Thomas W. Jones II as the Father are effective singers for their roles. Kapil’s and Jones's less-than-perfect singing is effective in portraying two adults who had the promise of their youth smothered by the debilitating effects of the Mother’s mental illness. Kapil renders a powerful performance showing how lost she was in her mental illness. Following shock therapy, Kapil convincingly conveys the character’s ability to finally gain some clarity in her life. Jones gives a compelling performance as a codependent spouse who is trying to do the right thing while he struggles to understand his wife’s illness and his role in her life."
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How Was The Show - Recommended

"...Ah, but if you want raw power and passion, fire and fervor, spirit and brio, then MBT has the production for you. I’ll admit it took me a while to get past the lack of peerless musicianship but once hooked I was with this portrait of a family’s reaction to mental illness, this study of the disruptive (and redeeming) nature of grief, this love story, all the way. It’s wonderful."
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Aisle Say Twin Cities - Highly Recommended

"...Next to Normal, winner of three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is a rousing rock musical that explores mental illness, bipolar disorder, teenage angst, grief and suburban family dysfunction. Set to powerful lyrics and music, the musical balances these difficult and often uncomfortable topics with humor, humanity and raw honesty. Standout vocals by Tom Reed (Henry), Brittany Bradford (Natalie Goodman), and Ricardo Vazquez (Gabriel Goodman) and powerful dramatic performances by Thomas Jones II and Aditi Kapil, as Dan and Diana Goodman, round out this must-see performance at the Mixed Blood Theatre."
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