Next to Normal Fans Get Top Billing in Kyle Dean Massey's Dressing Room

It’s always a pleasure to check in with Kyle Dean Massey, former Broadway.com video blogger and charming star of the hit Broadway musical Next to Normal. Massey’s cozy dressing room at the Booth Theatre is literally covered with photos, letters and other reminders of friends, family members and fans—and the Broadway.com Audience Award winner gave us a peek during a recent pre-show backstage visit. Kyle Dean’s favorite things are a mix of keepsakes and practical items that help him keep in top vocal shape for the demanding role of Gabe. Check it out!

Photo by Jenny Anderson for Broadway.com


“Let’s start with my Grether’s Pastilles and Entertainer’s Secret throat relief spray. They’re essential! The pastilles are a glycerin lozenge, and Entertainer’s Secret is a glycerin spray. Glycerin is the most soothing thing on your vocal cords when you’ve been singing eight shows a week.”


“Tend Skin is a crazy chemical that I put on your face after I shave. When you have to shave twice a day, it rips your skin apart, So this protects against razor burn. It saves my face!”


“I’ve got tons and tons of photos of family, friends and loves. I have the most terrific family, and looking at these photos reminds me of that—as opposed to the family of my character! I stare at my photos a lot.”


“My steamer is essential in the winter when it’s dry, but I tend to use it all year round just because it’s soothing and it hydrates my cords before the show.”


“My fan letters cover basically all my free space on the walls. Originally, I would answer my fan letters and then toss them; it didn’t even occur to me to keep them. But people write such heartfelt things, so I started taping them up on the walls. I’m surrounded by beautiful messages, and it helps me remember that the show is meaningful to so many people.”