Next to Normal
A family determined to balance sanity and happiness against the gale force winds of mental illness finds strength in their commitment to love each other through their pain. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this groundbreaking musical is an insightful and deeply moving look at a modern family, and raises the rafters with its Tony Award-winning score.
Note: The June 6th performance is a dress rehearsal.
Themes
- The family in this play is grieving the loss of a child. The parents experience their grief in very different ways. The remaining child has their own grief experience that is distinct from those of their parents. How can we support our loved ones and community members, while experiencing challenges in our own specific ways?
- While grief and mental illness are different experiences, they can occur simultaneously. The healing process can be complex and, for the family in this show, sometimes even perilous. How do we know when our healing journeys require help from others in some way? Who do we talk to about it?
- This family experiences a combination of challenges and tragedies that aren't often discussed in public. At times they feel isolated from community, and don't know what to do. With this in mind, consider the title of this show. What meaning might you see in the words "Next to Normal," based on what you know so far?
Tuesday, June 06 2023 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 01 2023 at 2:00 pm
Ritz Theater
In partnership with
Theater Latté Da
Transportation
If you do not have access to a ride, call Project Success and we can provide transportation for you. Please let us know if you need a ride when you make your reservation. We will need at least 2 days’ notice to set up transportation.Additional Information
Next to Normal
Tuesday, June 06 2023 at 7:30 pm
-
Show All Date/Times (2)
Saturday, July 01 2023 at 2:00 pm
Ritz Theater
In partnership with
Theater Latté Da
Transportation
If you do not have access to a ride, call Project Success and we can provide transportation for you. Please let us know if you need a ride when you make your reservation. We will need at least 2 days’ notice to set up transportation.A family determined to balance sanity and happiness against the gale force winds of mental illness finds strength in their commitment to love each other through their pain. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this groundbreaking musical is an insightful and deeply moving look at a modern family, and raises the rafters with its Tony Award-winning score.
Note: The June 6th performance is a dress rehearsal.
Themes
- The family in this play is grieving the loss of a child. The parents experience their grief in very different ways. The remaining child has their own grief experience that is distinct from those of their parents. How can we support our loved ones and community members, while experiencing challenges in our own specific ways?
- While grief and mental illness are different experiences, they can occur simultaneously. The healing process can be complex and, for the family in this show, sometimes even perilous. How do we know when our healing journeys require help from others in some way? Who do we talk to about it?
- This family experiences a combination of challenges and tragedies that aren't often discussed in public. At times they feel isolated from community, and don't know what to do. With this in mind, consider the title of this show. What meaning might you see in the words "Next to Normal," based on what you know so far?
Additional Information
In the show, Diana struggles with her bipolar experience. Here is a real-life person’s experience with it (this video contains references to drug use and attempted suicide):
At one point in the show, after being dissatisfied with the results of other forms of treatment, Diana agrees to undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Here is some info about how it is used in real life today: