Next to Normal

NIDA acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we learn and tell stories, the Bidjigal, Gadigal, Dharawal and Dharug peoples, and we pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.

ENTER

Next to Normal

Directed by
Darren Yap

Book and lyrics by
Brian Yorkey

Music by
Tom Kitt

28 Oct – 02 Nov 2020

NIDA Theatres, Parade Theatre

140 minutes, 2 acts, 20 minutes interval

About the show

The landmark musical Next to Normal premiered in 2009 on Broadway – winning three Tony Awards – and is an unflinching tale of an ordinary family trying to deal with the effects of mental illness. It is an emotional powerhouse.

With over 30 brilliant songs from soul-soaring rock to heart-warming ballads, Next to Normal tells the story of suburban housewife Diana, struggling to come to terms with her son’s death. It explores issues of grief, suicide, drug abuse, ethics in modern psychiatry and the underbelly of suburban life with love, sympathy and heart.

This new production for NIDA features spectacular choreography from one of Australia’s most outstanding dancer, singer and choreographers Kelley Abbey, who brings her deep sense of joy and movement to NIDA's Parade Theatre.

Directed by theatre, event director and actor Darren Yap – known for his award-nominated productions of Diving for Pearls (Griffin Theatre) and his critically acclaimed productions of Jesus Wants me For a Sunbeam (Belvoir and National Theatre of Paramatta) and Double Delicious for Sydney Festival and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance – the production draws together a creative team of NIDA alumni including Production Design by theatre, film and event designer Nick Fry and stunning costume design by Charlotte Mungomery.

Cast

In order of appearance

Diana
Charlotte Grimmer

Gabe
Lachlan Kent

Dan
Brodie Masini

Natalie
Rebecca Attanasio

Henry
Albert Mwangi

Doctor Madden/Doctor Fine
Luke Visentin

Voices, an Anaesthesiologist, Nurses, Doctors and others all played by the company

Gallery

Director*
Darren Yap

Musical Director**
Andrew Ross

Choreographer*
Kelley Abbey

Set, Video & Co-Costume Designer*
Nick Fry

Co-Costume Designer*
Charlotte Mungomery

Lighting Designer
Jesse Greig

Sound Designer
Ella Van Dam

Vocal Coach*
Simon Masterton

Production Team

Assistant Director
Liam McIlwain

MFA Vocal Support
Gareth Isaac

Construction Manager**
Nick Day

Costume Supervisor
Tess Healy

Properties Supervisor
Amanda Torrisi

Production Manager
Anastasia Mowen

Deputy Stage Manager
Isaac Barron

Assistant Stage Managers
Ethan Hamill
Chloe Langdon

Head Electrician
Saint Clair

Sound Systems/Floor Electrician
Eleanor Weller-Brown

Video Systems
Alex Makaronopoulos

Staging Assistant
Angus Nott

Costume Assistant
Lucy Francis

Properties Assistants
Ally Vyner
Tallulah Baran

Design Assistants
Lachlan Odgers
Ruby Jenkins

Mic Tech/Technical Assistant
Zoe Davis

Fly Operator/Technical Assistant
Scott Cleggett