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Next to Normal delves into the raw and complex world of mental illness, specifically focusing on bipolar disorder. The story centers around Diana, a wife and mother grappling with the highs and lows of the condition. The musical doesn't shy away from the challenges Diana faces – hallucinations, erratic behavior, and strained relationships with her husband Dan and their two children,
Through a powerful rock score that blends soaring vocals with melancholic melodies, Next to Normal explores the impact of mental illness on not only the sufferer but also the entire family. We see Dan's struggle to support Diana while maintaining some semblance of normalcy for the children. Natalie, caught in the emotional crossfire, seeks solace in drugs and rebellion. The musical doesn't offer easy answers, but it portrays the journey of a family confronting mental illness with honesty and compassion. It sparks conversations about mental health awareness, the importance of support systems, and the enduring strength of love in the face of adversity.
- Brian Yorkey
- Tom Kitt
Authors
News About NEXT TO NORMAL at EAST WEST PLAYERS
GRUMPY MONKEY, THE MUSICAL World Premiere Extends at Pasadena Playhouse
February 15, 2024Pasadena Playhouse is extending its world premiere of Grumpy Monkey, The Musical through Sunday, March 10.
Interview: Chelsea Sutton's No Fool With Creating CAROUSEL OF FOOLS
January 22, 2024Rogue Artists Ensemble starts up their 2024 season with a one-night fundraiser Carousel of Fools at the Santa Monica Pier January 25, 2024. Known for its interactive, immersive, site-specific shows with puppetry, Rogue Artists Ensemble will be an interactive, immersive carnival experience utilizing the historical carousel with midway games, puppet shows, sword-swallowing and an actual treasure hunting play. Rogue Artists Ensemble’s associate artistic director Chelsea Sutton came in out of the rain to answer a few of my queries.
Casting Announced for the World Premiere of GRUMPY MONKEY, THE MUSICAL
December 05, 2023Pasadena Playhouse announces casting for the world premiere of Grumpy Monkey, The Musical from February 3 through March 3, commissioned by the Playhouse, and based on the book Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne and Max Lang.
East West Players Extends SPRING AWAKENING
November 09, 2023East West Players has announced the extension of the Tony Award winning best musical Spring Awakening. Based on the play by Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening features book & lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik.
Cast Set For SPRING AWAKENING at East West Players
September 14, 2023East West Players presents the Tony Award winning best musical Spring Awakening. Find out who is starring in the cast here!
Rolling World Premiere of COLONIALISM IS TERRIBLE, BUT PHO IS DELICIOUS Starts This Month at Chance Theater
March 11, 2023Chance Theater, Anaheim's official resident theater company, has announced the Rolling World Premiere of “Colonialism is Terrible, But Phở is Delicious.” Written by Dustin H. Chinn and directed by Oánh Nguyễn, this exciting new comedy will preview from March 31 through April 7, with regular performances being April 8 through April 30 on the Cripe Stage at Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center.
Photos: Go Inside (mostly)musicals' SONGS FOR A HAPPY NEW VENUE
February 02, 2023On Tuesday, January 10th (mostly)musicals kicked off their 9th season with their annual Happy New Year show, featuring Gregory Nabours and a stellar lineup of talent from Broadway and LA. Their 44th edition took the stage in front of a full house at their NEW venue – the Knitting Factory NoHo (Upstairs at the Federal)! Scroll down for photos of the show and celebration!
Additional Casting Announced For (mostly)musicals' Happy New Year Show
January 06, 2023On Tuesday January 10th, kick off (mostly)musicals' 9th season with Gregory Nabours and a stellar lineup of talent from Broadway and LA in their annual HAPPY New Year show! Who says January needs to be dull? Keep your holiday sparkle going with mmLA in a NEW venue - the Knitting Factory NoHo (Upstairs at the Federal)!
EAST WEST PLAYERS Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
EAST WEST PLAYERS is at 120 Judge John Aiso St., LOS ANGELES, CA.
EWP was founded by nine Asian American artists (Mako, Rae Creevey, Beulah Quo, Soon-Tek Oh, James Hong, Pat Li, June Kim, Guy Lee, and Yet Lock) seeking to create roles beyond the stereotypical parts they were offered in mainstream Hollywood. In 1998, EWP Artistic Director Tim Dang led the company’s move from a 99-seat Equity Waiver “black box” theatre into a new 240-seat venue at an Actors Equity Association contract level. EWP’s main stage is the David Henry Hwang Theater, housed within the Union Center for the Arts in downtown Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district. The theater serves more than 25,000 people each year, and has become a creative center in this historically significant setting. When Dang retired in 2016, his successor Snehal Desai was appointed to guide East West Players into a new wave of artistic leadership. Desai has committed to steering the work of East West Players with an intersectional focus that further unveils the diversity of Asian Pacific identities as portrayed on stage.
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Footloose The Musical
Mira Costa High School (4/26 - 5/4)
PHOTOS
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VOX Cabaret
Catalina Jazz Club (5/5 - 5/5) | |
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Change The Game
McCadden (6/9 - 6/16) NEW MUSICAL
PHOTOS
VIDEOS
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Spring Awakening
The Broadwater Mainstage (4/26 - 5/11) | |
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PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL
South Coast Repertory (4/5 - 5/4) | |
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What The Constitution Means To Me
International City Theatre (5/2 - 5/19) | |
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The Play That Goes Wrong
Canyon Theatre Guild (5/25 - 6/30)
PHOTOS
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ALEICHEM SHOLOM! The Wit and Wisdom of Sholom Aleichem – a musical for our times!
Santa Monica Playhouse (4/6 - 5/19) | |
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Beauty and the Beast
Nocturne Theatre (5/10 - 5/26) | |
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A Faery Hunt Adventure and Their Animal Friends
Kindred Spirits Care Farm (6/2 - 6/2) | |
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Jersey Boys
La Mirada Theatre (4/19 - 5/12) | |
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