REVIEWS

“Whitney's lead worthy of Broadway's best reviews. The cast, the music, the venue all very impressive. Excellent! Looking forward to Private Lives in January!”

“This show "Next To Normal" is the best play we have ever seen after going to some 50 plays in 7 theaters in and around Philadelphia! Singing was outstanding by all and they were backed by professional musicians who were spot on without overpowering the vocals. Griping. Moving. Grieving. Hopeful. Blessed.””

“What fantastic performances in an intimate theater. The actors are literally so close we almost feel as though we are part of the play. I am overwhelmed by Whitney Morse's talent and the great talent she has brought to The Villages.

Actors Whitney Morse and Leslie Munson thoroughly and thoughtfully bring out the struggle and conflict between two mismatched sisters in this family-secrets play.

Hard-edged, cigarette-addicted, quarrelsome, Rosemary could easily be off-putting. But right from the start, Morse makes it sparkingly clear that there’s more to this woman who has spent her life waiting, waiting, waiting for something that may never happen. Morse is a joy to watch and when she exhorts “Wake up and live!” it’s all you can do not to respond with a lusty “I will!”

The performance (and especially the singing) of Whitney Morse as Diana, the mother whose illness threatens to wreck her family as well as her own life, suggests much bigger things in her future: she’s rueful but free of self-pity, funny without resorting to stereotype, and all-around engaging.

The emotional range of actors Zealand and Morse is absolutely amazing. While this show has parts that are more happy, overall it's a deeply introspective and sad look at the trials that many relationships face.

Whitney Morse shines as Miss Minerva Pilbeam. While stern and straightforward in character, Whitney Morse has an eloquent, one of a kind character voice and strong stage presence that stands out among the cast, and delivers some terrific laugh lines along the way.

The performance (and especially the singing) of Whitney Morse as Diana, the mother whose illness threatens to wreck her family as well as her own life, suggests much bigger things in her future: she’s rueful but free of self-pity, funny without resorting to stereotype, and all-around engaging.