Winner of three Tony Awards, including best musical score, and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, “Next to Normal” is an unflinching look at a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness.
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts will present the musical April 5 – 20.
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.
With an energetic pop/rock score, “Next to Normal,” book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, is an emotional powerhouse that takes the audience into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting the family’s story with love, sympathy, and heart. This show is suitable for mature audiences.
‘Next to Normal’ is the best kind of emotional storytelling,” director Deana Duncan said. “It’s funny, heartbreakingly tender and stunningly beautiful.
“Come ready to ‘feel everything,’ but above all, just come. This is one of the strongest cast, band and creative teams WICA has ever assembled. This is a show and an experience you won’t want to miss.”
Musical direction is by Sheila Weidendorf. Cast members include Melanie Lowey, Ken Stephens, Ada Faith-Feyma, Josh Pulley, Gabe Harshman and Alexander Matthews. A stellar live band of local musicians includes Scott Small on drums, Troy Chapman on guitar, Gerry Reed on bass, Brian Kenney on violin, James Hinkley on cello and Weidendorf on piano. Set design and lighting is by David Mackie, who works at the Village Theatre.
“This play is pertinent to anyone who has ever loved anyone who has struggled with mental illness, to anyone who has ever had to reach deep within to face their own demons or transcend their own limits — or to anyone who is human,” Weidendorf said.
Adults are $24, seniors are $20 and youth are $17. Matinees are $15. Performances are at 7:30 p.m., on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Piano bar opens one hour before each performance. Thursday, April 4 is “pay what you will” at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at the WICA Box Office or online.
