Next to Normal | Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey | Music by Tom Kitt
Old Academy Players to Stage Tony & Pulitzer Prize Award-Winning Musical Next to Normal Philadelphia, PA — As part of its 2023-2024 Season, The Old Academy Players is proud to present a powerful and poignant journey with the award-winning musical Next to Normal with book and lyrics by American playwright and lyricist Brian Yorkey and music by American composer Tom Kitt.
Directed by OAP member Josh Tull, Next to Normal, The Old Academy Players’ 540th production, will run April 19–May 5, 2024; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm (no performance April 21). It is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. In 1998 Brian Yorkey conceived of the idea for Next to Normal, first presenting it in the form of a ten-minute workshop called Feeling Electric. He brought the idea to Tom Kitt when both were students at the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Several readings later, Next to Normal was produced Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theatre. It ran from January 16 through March 16, 2008. The Broadway production opened on April 15, 2009, and closed on January 16, 2011, after over 750 performances. In 2009, it was nominated for eleven Tony Awards and won three: Best Original Score, Best Orchestration, and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. In awarding the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Pulitzer Board called Next to Normal "a powerful rock musical that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family and expands the scope of subject matter for musicals."
Next to Normal dives into the inner workings of a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness and loss. The father is a working architect; the mother rushes to get kids ready for school, the children are normal teenagers; appearing to be the typical American family. However, behind closed doors, their lives are anything but normal as the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Next to Normal explores how bipolar disorder impacts family dynamics and makes everyday issues immensely challenging to overcome. The show takes you into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with empathy and care.
Content Warning: Next to Normal contains adult themes and adult language, it is not suitable for young children. Viewer discretion is advised.
Josh is honored to be able to direct Next to Normal at OAP. Recent directing credits include Mamma Mia! and The Phantom of the Opera. Previous OAP productions (roles) have included: The Broken Hollow Banshee (Silas Pembroke), Company (Bobby), and The Fantasticks (Matt). The stellar cast includes: Christie Fischer as Diana, Nic Fallacaro as Gabe, Tom Stone portrays Dan, Casey Bilger as Natalie, Sean Tyrik as Henry, and Ryan Baber as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine.
Music Director Cheri Tigh is a newcomer to Old Academy. She works also as the Collaborative Accompanist/ Asst. Music Director for Neshamiy’s Summerstock Program. The show’s producers are Annie Hnatko and Steve Hnatko (The Broken Hollow Banshee and Agnes of God). Alyssia Sims serves as Stage Manager. Carla Childs is in charge of set construction. Galadriel Sevener is the costumer. Set Design is by T. Mark Cole (The Broken Hollow Banshee, Agnes of God, and Suddenly Last Summer).
Ticket prices are: $25 per adult; $15 for students under 25 with valid ID; group rate (15 or more) $21 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.OldAcademyPlayers.org. Reservations and more information can be obtained by calling the Box Office at 215-843-1109. Old Academy Players is located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129. Parking for all performances is free.
The Old Academy Players has provided continuous community theater entertainment since 1923 and is a non-profit community theater in East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Constructed in 1819, the Old Academy building has been the OAP home since 1932. Old Academy Players is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Most notable alumni include Tony Award-nominated actor Robert Prosky and Hollywood icon, Grace Kelly. Support is provided by the "Philadelphia Cultural Fund".
