Next to Normal

Book/Lyrics: Brian Yorkey  Music: Tom Kitt

Directed by Olivia Gacka

January 31-February 16, 2020

Diana Goodman: Lorraine Cotten

Natalie Goodman: Katy Cotten

Dan Goodman: John Maness

Gabriel Goodman: Bruce Huffman

Dr. Madden, Dr. Fine, Anesthesiologist: Jacquelene Cooper

Henry: Oliver Jacob Pierce

Next to Normal, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next to Normal was also chosen as “one of the year’s ten best shows” by critics around the country, including The Los Angeles TimesThe Washington PostRolling Stone and The New York Times.

Dad’s an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling manic depression for 16 years. Next to Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy and heart.

This deeply moving piece of theatre provides a wonderful opportunity for performers to explore dramatic material and showcase vocal talents with an energetic pop/rock score. Next to Normal is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life.