Next to Normal

Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Music by Tom Kitt

Winner of 3 Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama, Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt’s Next to Normal has taken Broadway, and the musical theater world by storm over the past decade. An emotional powerhouse of a musical with a thrilling rock score, the show takes an honest look at the sometimes harsh realities of “normal” life.

A typical American family to the outside world, the Goodmans secretly struggle in their suburban home as they deal with the effects of their mother’s worsening mental health. As they navigate their changing world, they deal with the pressing contemporary issues of trauma, loss, mental health treatment, and what it means to be a family.

Making its debut at the Mac-Haydn, Next to Normal promises to be an artistic highlight of the 2022 season and is unlike anything you have seen on our stage. Trust us when we tell you, this show is not to be missed. Prepare yourself to be overwhelmed by the raw and exhilarating reality of what it means to care for yourself, and for one another.

Please be advised that Next to Normal contains language and subject matter that may not be suitable for all audiences. The production addresses topics and conversations surrounding mental illness, drug abuse, and suicide. For more information on the show’s content, call the box office at 518-392-9292 or email boxoffice@machaydntheatre.org.

The Mac-Haydn Theatre encourages audiences to visit https://omh.ny.gov/ for more information and resources.

At the helm of the premiere production is Mac-Haydn Artistic Director John Saunders, who has earned numerous Berkshire Theatre Award nominations for his direction in recent years, as well as a win for Outstanding Production of a Musical for Ragtime (2019).

“Knowing that Next To Normal has not been really seen in the region, it feels like a tremendous honor to be presenting the show,” said Saunders. “While some may not consider it “Summer Stock” fare, I believe the show magically does what theatre is intended to do; it holds up a mirror for the viewer and offers an incredibly truthful look at a real family facing very real issues. Though the material is, at times, heavy, the show is written so beautifully to encompass great moments of levity, humor, and above all else, hope.”

Saunders is joined by Music Director Eric Shorey and Assistant Music Director Emily Croome. The production will feature scenic design by Emma Cummings, who will bring the Goodmans’ home to life on the Mac-Haydn stage, along with lighting design by Andrew Gmoser, costume design by Bethany Marx, sound design by Nick Caburis, wig design by Caitlin Maxwell, hair and makeup design by April Gerbode, and props design by David Tankersley, who will also assist Cummings.

Broadway’s Beth Kirkpatrick (Les Miserables, Hello Dolly) makes her Mac-Haydn debut as Diana. She is joined by Eric Van Tielen (Broadway: Les Miserables, A Tale of Two Cities) as Dan. Rounding out the cast are Mac-Haydn favorites Amber Mawande-Spytek (Pippin) as Natalie, Kylan Ross (Pippin, Urinetown) as Gabe, Andrew Burton Kelley (Little Shop of Horrors, She Loves Me) as Henry, and Gabe Belyeu (Man of La Mancha, A Chorus Line) as Dr. Madden.

“My goal is to really surprise our audience with this extraordinary piece and tell them a story that is even more relatable than some of the good old classic musicals,” said Saunders. “The score is both contemporary and classic at the same time which I know our audiences will enjoy tremendously and I just know the Mac-Haydn audiences will genuinely appreciate their experience with the show.”