Future of American Musicals. Our new season opens September 14 with Next to Normal, described by critics as “the future of American Musicals,” and “A brave, breathtaking musical…” Next to Normalwon the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score.

This is a moving, honest and compelling story about family, struggle and commitment. It’s about the strong and subtle forces that both draw family members together and separate them, and how each deals with the 

struggle to find and hold on to home and joy. The specific struggle of Next to Normal‘s family – Dan, Diana, Gabe and Natalie Goodman – is Diana’s (wife and mother) serious bipolar disorder, which works its way into both wrenching and comedic dialogue and song.

The genius of Next to Normal is how difficult it is to characterize. One critical called it a “feel-everything” musical because you can’t easily summarize it. That great observer of our daily lives, Woody Allen, quips, “90% of life is showing up.” So, Next to Normal is about “showing up,” and about hope, healing, and our individual struggles for love – familial and romantic. However, the simple heart of this musical is the characters — as real and recognizable as our neighbors and families, yet somehow universal.

Next to Normal will be performed Fridays (Sept. 14, 21 at 8PM), Saturdays (Sept. 15, 22 at 8PM) and Sundays (Sept. 16, 23 at 3PM) on our intimate Newberry Loft stage. A live orchestra supports the cast for this powerful rock musical. Special Event: Sunday, September 16 after the performance – Talkback with the director and cast. An opportunity for audience members to ask questions. Directed by Kevin Laibson; Music Directed by Deborah Stimson-Snow. Next to Normal music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

TICKETS for Next to Normal here.

Single Ticket Prices

Adult – $19
Senior (65+) – 17
Student/Child – 15