Andrew Burkum and Dianne Kocher star in Next to Normal.
Edmond Bennett Young and Kayla Bennett in Next to Normal.
Actors Matt Cantu and Dianne Kocher in Next to Normal.
“Next to Normal,” the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical about a family struggling with mental illness, will be performed at Playhouse Merced March 16 – April 1.
One of the most critically acclaimed musicals of the last decade, “Next to Normal” is filled with powerful music and a story that encapsulates what it is to be a modern family dealing with contemporary problems. It follows the stories of genuine characters with real-world problems, and is filled with all the humor and drama of their lives.
“Next to Normal” tells the story of a seemingly ordinary family. Dad is an architect, Mom is packing lunches and making breakfast, and two teenage siblings crack jokes and get ready for their day.
But underneath the seeming normality, Mom has been battling manic depression for sixteen years, something that has put continual stress on the family no matter how much they pretend otherwise.
As the character’s stories unfold, we are taken into their minds and daily routines in a way that is both heartfelt and sympathetic.
With a stunning pop/rock score by Tom Kitt and brilliantly layered lyrics and dialogue by Brian Yorkey, “Next to Normal” is one of those rare musicals that both entertains and enlightens.
Performances are March 16 – April 1, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults, with $10 student tickets available at the box office with a valid student ID. Playhouse Merced is located at 452 W. Main St. in downtown Merced.
For more information, call the Playhouse Merced Box Office at 725-8587 or go to www.playhousemerced.com.
“Next to Normal” is recommended for older teens and adults due to language and mature themes.