This long weekend, treat yourself to a compelling musical theater performance and an evocative new album. Our staff highlights two standout works: the stunning proshot of Next to Normal recently aired on PBS, and Lido Pimienta’s deeply personal and genre-defying new album, La Belleza. Both promise emotional depth and artistry that linger long after the final note.
Next to Normal: revisiting a modern rock musical masterpiece
For those with a soft spot for musical theater’s more profound and challenging works, Next to Normal is a landmark. First premiering on Broadway in 2009, this Pulitzer and Tony-winning rock musical struck a chord with its honest exploration of mental illness and family dynamics. While I wasn’t lucky enough to catch the original run, I spent years watching grainy bootleg videos, captivated by the performances of original stars Alice Ripley and Aaron Tveit. Now, thanks to PBS’s Great Performances series, the West End revival of Next to Normal has been beautifully captured in a proshot that brings the story to life with fresh eyes and impeccable craft.
This production, directed by Michael Longhurst and starring Caissie Levy as Diana, alongside Jamie Parker, Jack Wolfe, and Eleanor Worthington-Cox, presents a more grounded and intimate interpretation. Levy’s portrayal is especially powerful, embodying Diana’s struggles with bipolar disorder with raw vulnerability and grace. Wolfe and Worthington-Cox deliver nuanced performances as her teenage children, balancing emotional intensity with quiet strength. The filming technique skillfully captures the complex staging and emotional weight, making the story accessible even to those new to the material.
Fans of the original may notice some differences—most notably, the absence of the striking visual effects like sliding purple panels and giant eyes—but these changes highlight the production’s more realistic tone. One content warning worth noting is a graphic depiction of self-harm, which speaks to the show’s commitment to portraying mental illness honestly. Despite these shifts, the timeless songs by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey still resonate deeply. Tracks like “You Don’t Know,” “I Am The One,” and “I’m Alive” remain as impactful as ever, and the emotional journey will likely leave you reaching for tissues. The proshot is available for streaming on PBS through June 30, a must-watch for theater lovers and newcomers alike.
Lido Pimienta’s La Belleza: A transcendent and introspective journey
Five years after the release of her Grammy-nominated album Miss Colombia, Colombian-Canadian artist Lido Pimienta returns with La Belleza, a contemplative and richly textured fourth studio album. This latest work marks a clear departure from the propulsive rhythms and sharp critiques of misogyny and racism that defined Miss Colombia. While that album was charged with dance beats and fiery emotion, La Belleza embraces a more stripped-down, reflective sound that showcases Pimienta’s vocal range and artistic depth.
A multitalented creative, Pimienta continues to explore Afro-Colombian culture and history, blending soaring vocals with classical interpretations of dembow and other inspired fusions. Yet her music transcends geography and genre, drawing from influences spanning the Caribbean, Italy, and the Czech Republic. In this way, La Belleza recalls the spirit of Rosalía’s El Mal Querer—not just as Spanish-language albums but as works that breathe new life into their respective cultural traditions.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed Pimienta’s ability to tour after Miss Colombia, she remains a powerful force in music and culture. Commissioned to score the New York Ballet’s Sky to Hold in 2021, Pimienta’s artistic range is undeniable. While she currently has just one tour date scheduled for 2025, there is hope she will soon share La Belleza with wider audiences. This album may not always invite dancing, but its emotional resonance and sonic richness will undoubtedly move listeners deeply.
Together, these two picks offer something truly special: the raw emotional storytelling of Next to Normal, and the genre-defying, culturally rich sounds of Lido Pimienta’s La Belleza. Whether you’re streaming from your couch or diving deep into new music, they provide powerful reminders of the arts’ ability to connect, challenge, and inspire.
