The University’s Theater Arts Program presented five performances of the award-winning musical Next to Normal to the delight of audiences April 10–13 in the Ely Studio Theatre.
Junior Emily Stratton and seniors Jake O’Kane and Glenna Forgue played the lead characters in the production, directed by Sabine Klein, Ph.D., associate professor of English and coordinator of the Theater Arts Program, and supported by the design team of Heather Crocker Aulenback, Caitlin Smith Rapoport, and Dustin Yager.
Written by Brian Yorkey, Next to Normal follows the life of Diana Goodman and her family as she struggles to overcome a longtime battle with mental illness onset by the death of her infant son. The production explores contemporary issues such as grief, trauma, mental illness, mental health treatment, and the definition of family and highlights a small cast of actors to showcase their individual vocal talents. Music is written by Tom Kitt with lyrics written by Brian Yorkey.
The award-winning production has received accolades such as the 2009 Tony Award for best musical score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize. The original Broadway production was produced by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, and Second Stage Theatre.