Directed by
Darren Yap
Book and lyrics by
Brian Yorkey
Music by
Tom Kitt
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.
Directed by
Darren Yap
Book and lyrics by
Brian Yorkey
Music by
Tom Kitt
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.
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
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
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
* Guest
** Staff
*** Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance