In this contemporary rock musical, a suburban wife and mother copes with the unpredictability of her worsening bipolar disorder while her family tries desperately to be “normal.” Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three Tony Awards, including Best Score and Best Orchestration.
Next to Normal is a deeply moving exploration of the impact of mental illness on an ordinary American family, blending raw emotion with a powerful rock score. The story delves into the lives of the Goodman family as they navigate the aftermath of a devastating loss and the ongoing challenges of Diana’s bipolar disorder, which manifests in both manic highs and crushing lows, as well as vivid hallucinations. Through its intimate focus on each family member—Diana, her steadfast husband Dan, their ambitious daughter Natalie, and the lingering presence of their late son Gabe—the musical confronts themes of grief, trauma, and the search for stability. The show’s innovative structure weaves together moments of humor, heartbreak, and hope, offering audiences an unflinching yet compassionate look at the realities of mental health and the resilience required to endure.
Book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Music by Tom Kitt
Licensed by Music Theatre International
Directed by Marjie Scott
Fine Arts Building Studio Theatre (next to the Museum of the Big Bend).
Featuring Olivia Pertuso, Justin Hinton, Cristian Sanchez, Jenna Reyes, Garrison Rutledge, and Bret Scott.
CONTENT ADVISORY: Next to Normal contains mature themes, profanity, and depictions of drug use, mental illness, and attempted suicide. Viewer discretion advised. Suitable for ages 14+. This production contains flashing lights.
Coming Up:
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is our production for ToBB’s 60th’s season!
Show opens July 10th. Tickets available now!
