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Whimsical Productions Unveils Stellar Cast for "Next to Normal"
An unflinching look at a suburban family struggling with the complex reality of mental health
Brace yourselves for an unflinching journey into the depths of the human psyche as Whimsical Productions proudly presents "Next to Normal."
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With its powerful narrative written by Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics) and composed by Tom Kitt, this enthralling show invites Sydney theatre-goers to experience how a seemingly ordinary household copes with crisis and mental health challenges.
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Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, this contemporary rock musical is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life.
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The story centres on Diana, a suburban mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effects that managing her illness has on her family. Her husband Dan is an architect, their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical family. And yet their lives are anything but normal.
Next to Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family's story with love, sympathy and heart.
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PERFORMANCES
ALL PERFORMANCES AT ARA DARLING QUARTER THEATRE
WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2023 7:30pm
THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023 7:30pm
FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2023 7:30pm
SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2023 2pm
SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2023 7:30pm
CAST
CLAIRE PERRY - Diana
SEBASTIAN NELSON - Dan
CHAYA OCAMPO - Natalie
JACEN BENNETT - Gabe
LIAM FAULKNER-DIMOND - Henry
MARCUS RIVERA - Dr Madden/Dr Fine
CLAIRE BRODERICK - Diana (Standby)
JOSHUA KARRAS - Dan (Standby)
ALEXANDRA GONZALEZ - Natalie (Standby)
VINCENT HUYNH - Gabe (Standby)
CHRIS RUTTER - Henry (Standby)
NOUNE KHAMO - Dr Madden/Dr Fine (Standby)
PRODUCTION TEAM
EEZU TAN - Director
MARIE-JO ORBASE - Director
GIANNA CHEUNG - Music Director
ROSANNA LAM - Assistant Music Director
ANGELIQUE RIOU - Stage Manager
ADELAIDE TUSTIAN - Production Designer
RAVEN JOY BOWER - Sound Designer/Operator
DOM HORT - Lighting Designer/Operator
MELODY DUAN - Artistic Director
MATTHEW YUEN - Producer
MICHAEL OSBORNE - Business Coordinator
VERONICA CLAVIJO - Team Assistant
CREDITS
Music by TOM KITT
Book and Lyrics by BRIAN YORKEY
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Next to Normal is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
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CONTENT WARNINGS
This production contains strobe lighting, strong language, sexual references, drug use, adult themes, references to self-harm and suicide. Recommended for ages 16+. If Next to Normal raises any concerns for you following the performance, additional services include Lifeline (lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14), Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au or 1300 224 636) and Headspace (headspace.org.au) or consider speaking to your local GP.