BUTLER TWP — The Musical Theatre Guild's “Next to Normal,” which opened Friday night at the Succop Theatre on the Butler County Community College campus, frankly was anything but normal.

Truly, it was one of the unique musicals I have ever seen. Tackling the tough subject of bipolar disorder and the effects the illness and treatments have on the family, the show was a roller coaster and the audience was taken for a ride.

Paula Baptiste carried the role of Diana Goodman, mom, wife and patient. She conveyed what I can only imagine to be the nightmare of trying to live under the weight of loss, grief and mental illness while trying to manage a family.

She was believable and her vocals rich and strong.

She shone most in “I Miss the Mountains,” a lament to feeling in lieu of being drugged numb. Baptiste pulled the audience in on the twists and turns and highs and lows of her journey.

It was an emotionally moving performance from start to finish.

The always professional Brady Patsy played the husband, Dan, the optimist and steady partner believing treatment was possible. He was tender and sweet and desperate all rolled into one.

His vocals were a delight and his range remarkable. I loved his “He's Not Here” and “A Promise.”

He also served as co-director on this production.

Many of the songs seemed a bit hard to sing both in lyric and composition, but the actors did not waiver. They all offered up commendable performances. It was not the toe-tapping sort of musical that leaves you singing but the messages were conveyed.

Zach Frye offered up a haunting performance in his role of Gabe, the son. Powerful, energetic and yet tender moments were expressed with confidence. He belted out angry lyrics with great clarity and captured the heart of the character well.

The daughter Natalie was played by the captivating Megan Flannery who seems a natural in every role. She too had a range of emotions to portray and did it admirably. Her sarcastic wit and charm were evident in this role.

Most delightful was her chemistry with Henry, played by Justin Anderson. The duo seemed natural and at ease with one another, none of the awkward tension that the audience often picks up from mismatched actors.

They were sweet in “Perfect For You” in both Act One and Act Two. Anderson, who also co-directed, was a great supporting actor.

James Kasparek played Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden and had the most comedic role in the production during the Dr. Rock scene. He appeared confident and his delivery was flawless.

“Next to Normal” is classified as a rock musical, and it won the Pulitzer Prize for both Drama Book and Lyrics.

Several songs overlap and have the actors singing over one another. At those times, the music was a little too loud and the lyrics got lost.

It also was at times a bit chaotic with a cacophony of sound assaulting the ear, but I think that was intentional.

The language and several of the scenes were definitely adult material and tissues might be a good item to bring.

The production was well cast and stacked with talent. It was a tough subject to tackle, but it was done well.

If you can stomach the language, “Next to Normal” might be an interesting journey to take.

WHAT: Musical Theatre Guild’s production of “Next to Normal” by Brian Yorkey with music by Tom KittWHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. SundayWHERE: Succop Theater on the Butler County Community College CampusTICKETS: $17; $12 for a student rate with valid student ID; on sale at May’s Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., BC3 Box Office, or online at www.mtgbutler.org