Vagabond Players Stage NEXT TO NORMAL, Now thru 11/25

The Vagabond Players will present the Baltimore City premiere of Next to Normal, tonight, October 19, running weekends through November 25. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt took Broadway in a whole new direction in 2009.

Eric Potter directs this emotional powerhouse that focuses on a family torn apart by the effects of mental illness. The pop rock score is handled deftly by the voices of a stellar cast: Shannon Wollman, Darren McDonnell, Tom Burns, Chris Jehnert, Julia Capizzi, and Jim Baxter. Douglas Lawler provides the music direction. Next to Normal is one of the most produced new musicals across the country. It is devastatingly realistic; it touches the lives of all who have dealt with mental illness themselves or with loved ones. Due to subject matter, it is recommended for mature audiences only.

As part of Free Fall Baltimore, there will be a talk back session with representatives of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the actors after the Sunday, October 21 performance. This discussion will focus on the issues presented in the play and the resources available to help cope with mental illnesses.

Vagabond Players, America’s Oldest Continuously Operating Little Theatre, is located in historic Fells Point at 806 S. Broadway.

Next to Normal runs Fridays and Saturdays, at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm, October 19- November 25.

For tickets or more information visit www.vagabondplayers.org.

Pictured: Goodman family: (clockwise from upper left) Dan (Darren McDonnell), Natalie (Julia Capizzi), Gabe (Chris Jehnert), Diana (Shannon Wollman)