An intriguing rock musical that addresses heavy issues such as grief, suicide, drug abuse, and mental illness, Next to Normal presents the crises of a suburban family. The plot centers on Diana Goodman, a mother struggling with worsening bipolar disorder, and the effect her illness (and attempts to alleviate it) have on her family. Bioflyer Productions, in partnership with Asheville Community Theatre, will present the Western North Carolina debut of this Broadway hit musical March 11–27 at 35below, beneath ACT.
Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama, Next to Normal was nominated for 11 Tony Awards, winning three. Rock Eblen directs this production and Sarah Fowler serves as music director. “I saw this show with the original cast in New York City and was very moved by it,” says Rock. “Finding out that it later won the Pulitzer was no big surprise because the modern theme of family dysfunction is so realistic yet compassionate in this story. In early rehearsals, each member of our local cast had a similar story in their own family history, which made the material highly relatable and emotional to them.”
The New York Times reviewed, “No show on Broadway right now makes as direct a grab for the heart—or wrings it as thoroughly—as Next to Normal does … brave, breathtaking … a work of muscular grace and power.”
Daniel Hensley plays the role of Diana’s husband Dan. “This show is about the journey the family goes through together,” says Daniel. “(With) each moment that passes, you start to realize the damage to each member of the family. As an actor, this hits home because I am the caretaker of my own mother who suffers from bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorder, so I relate heavily to the subject.”
Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. In connection with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “talk backs” will take place following Sunday matinees. Tickets ($20) are available at
ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at 828.254.1320, or at the box office, 35 E. Walnut Street.
