The Goodmans seem like a perfect family. The only problem is that sometimes mother Diana is, well … a little too happy. Her husband Dan worries all the time. Her daughter Natalie seems awfully intent on getting that scholarship to Yale so she can leave home. And her son Gabe, well … that’s another story entirely. A musical about the devastating toll of mental illness on a contemporary suburban family might seem odd, but NEXT TO NORMAL turned out to be one of Broadway’s biggest hits. This modern rock musical won three Tony Awards in 2009 and the Pulitzer Prize for its heartbreaking, humorous and unflinchingly authentic look at a suburban family struggling with the effects of one’ family member’s bipolar disorder. Each character’s journey is punctuated by powerful music scored by Tom Kitt (AMERICAN IDIOT).
NEXT TO NORMAL is, in the words of The New York Times, “much more than a feel-good musical; it is a feel-everything musical.”
A tremendously moving and intimate musical about deeply complicated and flawed human beings, NEXT TO NORMAL is a natural fit for the kind of storytelling we love at Keegan.
Helen Hayes Winners – HELEN Productions
Outstanding Musical, NEXT TO NORMAL
Outstanding Direction, Mark A. Rhea and Colin Smith, NEXT TO NORMAL
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical, David Landstrom, NEXT TO NORMAL
Helen Hayes Nominations – HELEN Productions
Outstanding Music Direction Musical, Jake Null, NEXT TO NORMAL
Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical, NEXT TO NORMAL
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical, Christian Montgomery, NEXT TO NORMAL
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical, Kari Ginsburg, NEXT TO NORMAL
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical, Caroline Dubberly, NEXT TO NORMAL
The Washington Post Review
“The Keegan Theatre’s production is overall an effective showcase for a hugely affecting story.”
DC Theatre Scene Review
“Directors Mark A. Rhea and Colin Smith and their cast have honored Kitt and Yorkey’s revelatory work with an unforgettable production. “
MD Theatre Guide Review
“Keegan not only has a reputation for its remarkable company of actors, the technical aspects of the show were equally magnificent.”
DCist Review
“Mark A. Rhea and Colin Smith have put together a production that’s light on flash, but heavy on heart.”
Broadway World Review
“DC theatergoers now have a fantastic opportunity to see the 2010 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama in a powerful, yet intimate, production at Keegan Theatre.”
DC Metro Theater Arts Review
“Thanks to Musical Director Jake Null, Choreographer Kurt Boehm, and Directors Mark A. Rhea and Colin Smith, Next to Normal is musical theater at its finest—a feast for the ears and a delight to the eyes.”
DC Metro Theater Arts Review
“The pain of these characters is palpable, but what makes the production so breathtakingly absorbing is the omnipresence of love; as a healing presence, as a source of torment, and as the ultimate gift we can give to another person.”
Diana Kari Ginsburg
Dan Chad Wheeler
Gabe David Landstrom
Natalie Caroline Dubberly
Henry Christian Montgomery
Doctor Fine/Doctor Madden Scott Ward Abernethy
Understudies
Diana Valerie Adams Rigsbee
Gabe / Henry / Doctor Fine / Doctor Madden Matthew Hirsh
Natalie Cara A. Bachman
Dan Scott Ward Abernethy
Directors Mark A. Rhea and Colin Smith
Assistant Director Christina A. Coakley
Music Director Jake Null
Choreographer Kurt Boehm
Stage Manager Alexis J. Hartwick
Assistant Stage Manager Jessica Story
Set Dressing and Properties Designer Carol H. Baker
Properties and Set Dressing Assistant Katrina Wiskup
Scenic Designer Matthew J. Keenan
Projections Designer Ryan Smith
Lighting Designer Allan Sean Weeks
Sound Designer Rachel Barlaam
Sound Engineer Gordon Nimmo-Smith
Costume Designer Alison Johnson
Hair and Make Up Designer Craig Miller
Photography Cameron Whitman Photography
Piano/Conductor Jake Null
Guitar Jaime Ibacache
Bass Brad Emmett
Drums/Percussion Manny Arciniega
Keyboard 2 Deborah Jacobson
Violin Alexandra Touzinsky
Cello Katie Chambers
