by Sylvia Blush ~

Norman P. Dixon’s struggles are not any more gripping or action-packed than any one of ours, but the painstaking vulnerability in facing life’s fears is one we can all relate to.

Becoming Norman takes you on a spiritual journey of one man’s struggle to uncover his internal spirit; not to be confused with a secular voice. Norman P. Dixon, writer and actor, plays himself and over a dozen other characters as he attempts to give us a glimpse into the arduous task of doing as the title suggests, become Norman.

Unfolding events through song and storytelling, the play touches on courage, fear and existentialism. Thematically they are intertwined with the constant struggle for self-acceptance.

Born and raised in an understanding yet conservative Mormon family from Utah, Norman fulfills all of his parent’s expectations in order not to disappoint them. This act of loyalty, however, uncovers the truth about his sexuality and his true passion for music and theatre. What he learns along the way is that he hasn’t turned his back on God, but on himself; a line he says emphatically in a poignant moment in his life.

When Mr. Dixon peered around a doorway opening at the top of the show and released one of the most melodic sounds I have ever heard, I felt we were in for an exciting afternoon. Mr. Dixon’s voice is at its purest form; fluid, gentle, and passionate. His songs were well executed and fit perfectly within the prose, unlike the structure of some musicals in which the songs jut out like a jagged sword. The music is sparse, but only because this is where he truly shines as a performer.

The play doesn’t hide behind any of its themes. It’s structure is more revealing than shocking and no sudden revelation jarring you out of your seat takes place throughout its ninety minute duration. In fact, once Norman comes out as a gay man, his parents, who were not too hip on him playing with dolls in his pre-teen years, easily accept him. Under the guiding hands of director Debra De Liso, Mr. Dixon’s sweet and heartwarming storytelling was well executed, yet I felt the dramatic tension in the text lacked luster. I could appreciate the struggle on a personal level and understood fully the complexity of trusting in one’s gift, yet nothing in the text allowed the performer to take risks. It all played out a little safe on the surface, unfortunately falling short of perfection.

Humbly accompanying Mr. Dixon on piano was musical director Steven Applegate. Lighting was ambitiously designed by Coby Chasman-Beck. After the show, patrons lingered to enjoy the life-sized scrapbook set design by Lacey Anzelc. A black rehearsal box was cleverly covered with music sheets symbolically representing the cornerstone of Mr. Dixon’s life. The photo filled walls wrapped around the actor like a comforting blanket.

Becoming Norman runs Friday and Saturday at 8 pm; Sunday at 3 pm through September 12.

The NoHo Arts Center is located at 11136 Magnolia Boulevard, in North Hollywood, between Lankershim and Vineland.

Don’t forget to arrive early for parking. It is limited with a small lot adjacent to the theatre and street parking after that.

Tickets: Friday – $20. Saturday & Sunday – $30. Group rates available at (323) 786-0823.

For reservations call (800) 595-4849, or reserve online at www.BecomingNorman.com.