Emotional Powerhouse 'Next to Normal' On Stage at the Caine Lyric Theatre
Cast members for Utah State University's production of "Next to Normal" include (standing) Michael William Dale, (seated left) Katie Francis and (right) Tracy Gubler. The emotionally powerful production plays Oct. 24-29 at the Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan. (photo by Andrew McAllister)
Utah State Theatre, the production program in the Department of Theatre Arts at Utah State University presents the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical Next to Normal Oct. 24-29. The play, described as an “emotional powerhouse” can be seen nightly at the Caine Lyric Theatre, 28. W. Center, Logan. Curtain is 7:30 p.m.
The contemporary rock musical, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores the sensitive subject of mental illness in the modern age. Audiences will see how one all-American family navigates the ups and downs of daily life with a mother who has battled depression for 16 years.
“In spite of its serious subject matter, Next to Normal has connected with audiences because it deals with a very important issue — a medical condition that affects a surprisingly large percentage of the U.S. population,” said Ken Risch, the production’s director and professor in the theatre department in the Caine College of the Arts. “Depression is often a closeted disease because those who have it are often afraid to admit they suffer from it out of fear of personal and sometimes professional consequences.”
The show also addresses issues like grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry and suburban life.
“Next to Normal deals with the impact of a mother’s bipolar depression on herself and her family,” Risch said. “The musical does not offer solutions, but does emphasize the need for ongoing treatment and for compassion towards those whose lives are affected by the disease on a daily basis.”
Sharing directing duties is Luke Shepherd who is music director for the production, which is almost entirely sung, Risch said in program notes. The production also includes a live pit orchestra with Shephard conducting and on keyboard.
The production includes adult themes and language.
Tickets for Next to Normal are $13 adults, $10 seniors/youth, $8 USU faculty/staff and free for USU students with ID. For more information or tickets, contact the CCA Box Office in room L101 of the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus, call 435-797-8022, or see the Caine College’s website.
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Writer and contact: Whitney Schulte, 435-797-9203, whitney.schulte@usu.edu
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