Pulitzer Winning Musical next to normal for Newcastle
Groundbreaking Pulitzer Prize winning rock musical next to normal, with its story of a woman’s struggle with bipolar and its impact on her family, will be presented by Newcastle Theatre Company from May 15, 2013.
The Goodman’s seem like a perfect family. The only problem is that sometimes mother Diana seems, well...a little too happy, and we soon find out why. Her husband Dan worries all the time. Their daughter Natalie is intent on getting a scholarship to Yale and leaving home, whille her friend Henry hopes she might put her "Red Bull" down for a moment and notice he wants to 'go with her'. And their son Gabe, well...that’s another story entirely.
This production, co-directed by David Fitzgerald and Carl Young, features 2012 CONDA winner Matt Graham as Henry and Alana Silcock as Natalie. Callan Purcell plays Gabe with Wendy Ratcliffe as Dian and Michael King as Dan. David Fenwick plays Dr Fine and Dr Madden.
Co-director Carl Young says, “This musical bravely tackles mental illness and isn’t afraid to discuss the big issues involved in our societies diagnosis and treatment of the mentally ill. It also shows us how mental illness can affect not only those suffering, but the people around them as well. That it achieves this through the form of a musical is a triumph.
“I thank David Fitzgerald for asking me to work with him, and for being such a fantastic support as a co-director. His ideas and guidance (especially as I’m not a musical person) have been first-class.
“The cast have taken on these challenging roles, worked incredibly hard at them over an intensive rehearsal period, and come out the other end victorious. I could not be more proud of their performances and commend their bravery as an ensemble. Likewise I thank the tireless crew for their efforts.”
The team for next to normal also includes Marty Worrall as Singing Coach and Keiran Norman as Band Leader. David Fitzgerald is the Musical Director. Lighting Design will be by the Conda Award winning team of Davids Fitzgerald & Murray.
“Many of us involved in this production have experienced dealing with mental health issues in someone we love, so this musical is dear to our hearts and we are keen to use it to promote understanding and awareness of mental health issues,” NTC Vice-President David Murray told Stage Whispers.
“We are also proudly supporting beyondblue and will have a wishing well in the foyer for donations to beyond blue.
“Beyondblue information packs will also be available and we encourage anyone who needs information or help or who knows someone who needs information or help to take an information pack and get in contact with beyond blue.”
next to normal
Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Music by Tom Kitt.
May 15, 17, 22, 24 & 25 at 8pm and a matinee on Sunday May 19 at 5pm.
Bookings: 4952 4958 (3pm – 6pm Monday to Friday)
www.newcatletheatrecompany.com.au
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