And it’s the only hit musical about treating a psychological disorder.
“Next to Normal,” recently on Broadway where it was honored with Tonys and, uncommon for a musical, the Pulitzer, is being staged at the Pioneer Theatre Company Sept. 16 through Oct. 1.
“It’s a tough subject but it’s also great theater,” says director-choreographer Karen Azenberg. “It’s just too good to not see.”
The characters of “Next to Normal” are not larger than life or stock cardboard cutouts, but our next-door neighbors — their struggles, yes. And also their joys.
“The storytelling is key,” Azenberg adds. “The music of ‘Next to Normal’ has been classified as rock ’n’ roll, and it is really quite brilliantly written and so appropriate. But because of that, it’s easy to get sidetracked from this very truthful story that is told just so beautifully.”
While the storyline can sound like yet another tedious “disease of the week,” Lifetime TV drama, the characters are vividly three dimensional, and there’s no quick-fix solution that fits within a typical format. Also, the plot is not easy to discuss without giving away crucial details that unfold on stage.
Diana Goodman, a middle-aged wife and mother living in suburbia, is manic depressive. Her patient husband Dan has been shepherding her through treatments and therapy, certain she can be helped. They have two children: Gabe, who Diana loves steadfastly; and Natalie, who is full of teenage angst. The only other characters are Natalie’s boyfriend, Henry, and the two doctors who treat Diana.
The names of songs reveal portions of the storyline. They include “My Psycho-Pharmacologist and I,” “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” and “Why Stay?”
“Calling ‘Next to Normal’ a rock musical can have a negative connotation,” says music director Larry Goldberg. “This is not ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’ Musical shows that have used rock as the only musical style have not been largely successful. This show uses a wide range of musical styles, including classical, folk, waltz and Celtic. The music is used to express the characters’ strong emotions, and the musical styles are used very intelligently.”
The Salt Lake staging of “Next to Normal” is the musical’s only third production after its successful New York run and national tour and a major coup for PTC.
“It’s incredibly liberating to take on a new piece,” says Azenberg. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to look at it fresh and decide how to approach it. And the actors are also able to make their own contribution and own their role more completely.”
Azenberg is also pleased with the caliber of talent she cast for the production.
“This is a phenomenal cast,” she says. “I was completely blown away with the level of talent in this production. I was able to cast my first choice for each of the roles, which isn’t always possible.”
Playing the two lead roles are Judy McLane as Diana and Jonathan Rayson as Dan.
McLane will return to her role as Tanya in the New York production of “Mamma Mia” and has appeared in Broadway productions of “Kiss of the Spiderwoman,” “Aspects of Love” and “Chess.” She earned acclaim for her lead role in the recent “Johnny Guitar” off Broadway.
Rayson appeared on Broadway as Seymour in “Little Shop of Horrors” and in “A Year with Frog and Toad,” and off Broadway in Christopher Durang’s “Adrift in Macao” and “That Time of Year.” He recently released a solo CD, “Shiny and New.”
The remaining cast members have impressive credits. Matt Dengler (Gabe) appeared in the recent Broadway productions of “A Little Night Music” and off Broadway in “The Fantasticks”; Ephie Aardema (Natalie) toured in “Fiddler on the Roof” as Chava and “The Sound of Music” as Leisl; Alex Brightman (Henry) played Boq in Broadway’s “Wicked” for two years; and Ben Crawford (Doctors) performed on Broadway in “Les Miserables” and “Shrek.”
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