SUU’s theater and dance department offers the regional premiere of the acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-winning musical, “Next to Normal.” This provocative contemporary musical centers on a family coping with crisis and mental illness. Directed by theater major and Utah Shakespeare Festival actor Joshua Durfey, the production will run Oct. 28-31 and Nov. 2 in SUU’s Auditorium Theatre. Performances start at 7:30 p.m., and there will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 31. The musical involves adult situations and language.
With book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, “Next to Normal” won three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize. The musical was also chosen as one of the year’s best shows by critics around the country, including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times.
They look like the picture-perfect family. Dad’s an architect, Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal, and their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens. They appear to be a typical American family. 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, empathy, and heart.
The cast of “Next to Normal” comprises Evangeline Stott as the mother Diana, Luke S. Johnston as her husband Dan, Keaton Johns as son Gabe, Brittany Reed as daughter Natalie, and Colton Needles as both Henry and Alec TerBerg, two distinctly different doctors treating Diana.
Music director Shane Sommers, choreographer Michaela Kelly, scenic designer Emily Smith, costume designer Kaitlyn James, lighting designer Heather Reynolds and sound designer Spencer McFadden, and production stage manager Austin Andrews assist Durfey in bringing the production to the stage.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for alumni, and $7 for youth. Both productions are free for SUU faculty, staff, and students with valid ID. Faculty and staff are eligible to bring one guest. The Flex Pass is also accepted for admission.
