‘Next to Normal’ well worth your theatre bucks in Fort Collins

There is a superb production of Next to Normal at the Midtown Arts Center dinner theatre in Fort Collins.

This show is the 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner that traces the journey of a family learning to cope with mental illness. Margie Lamb is outstanding in the role of Diana. We’ve seen her many times on the stage in Denver at such venues as The Country Dinner Playhouse and Town Hall Arts Center. But you’ve never seen her this good. Lamb has truly become a musical theatre star.  Her performance will most assuredly be remembered when award time comes around.

Cameron Steven is a knockout as the husband. You will remember him from numerous roles in Denver such as his brilliant work as Dickon in Town Hall Arts’ The Secret Garden.

This production of Next To Normal is outrageously well produced and well worth the trek up and back. The son is played with heart pounding brio by an actor from Cleveland named Kyle Smith.

As Natalie, the daughter, Sarah Grove proves to be a star on the ascendancy.

Matt Casey stuns as Natalie’s boyfriend Henry.

Kenny Moten does a great job as the psychiatrists.

Nick Kargel’s lighting design adds immeasurably to the proceedings. The gleaming silver scaffolding that forms Marc Haniuk’s very fine scenic design dazzles.

The live stage band with keyboards, strings and percussion performs Tom Kitt’s sensational musical score flawlessly. It’s a straight shot up I25 to Fort Collins and well worth your bucks. (The menu is rather typical dinner theatre fare. Skip the Chicken Marsala and go straight for the Wild Berry Pork.) The show is only up through November 13. Rush to buy tickets.

Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason St., Fort Collins. Tickets $39-$49.

On the Web at http://boxoffice@dinnertheatre.com or http://adinnertheatre.com.