New Vision Players to Present NEXT TO NORMAL at Luna Stage, 5/25 - 6/3

New Vision Players, Inc, an up-and-coming theater Production Company located in Paramus, New Jersey, will be producing the Broadway hit NEXT TO NORMAL at the end of this month. As the New Vision Players' inaugural performance, NEXT TO NORMAL is bound to be a powerful production that solidifies the fledgling company in the New Jersey theater scene.

The New Vision Players' production of NEXT TO NORMAL will play at Luna Stage in West Orange, New Jersey running from May 25th through June 3rd with 10 performances.

About Next to Normal:

The Broadway hit NEXT TO NORMAL won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2010, just the eighth musical ever to receive such an honor. Through the use of rock music, the show examines a mother's battle with bipolar schizophrenia and its effects on the rest of the family. Regardless of age or personal history, this show has the potential to touch every audience member. It is an emotional journey that explores a familial pattern of relationships which allows every viewer to relate personally.

New Vision Players, Inc. is the brain child of Michael Haber and Amanda Villafuerte. The two co-founders honed their craft both onstage and behind the scenes since a young age. They have now been working together for years in the theatrical realm. Haber and Villafuerte first met at the University of Delware, where they developed a tremendous friendship and excellent working rapport. This director/stage manager tandem has produced dozens of shows together while never losing sight of the ultimate goal: to create a professional product while maintaining an enjoyable and fulfilling rehearsal process.

The duo found that while there were theater companies available that produced professional-quality work and there were theater companies available that provided a fun experience for the cast and crew, there weren't many options for a company that encompassed both aspects of the process. From this determination to build a space where actors, crew, and musicians could rehearse, grow, laugh, and ultimately develop a top-notch quality show, New Vision Players, Inc. was born.

The cast of their current production of NEXT TO NORMAL can attest to this vision being met. Karen Mascolo, the oldest cast member at 28 years old, is one of two actresses portraying the lead role of Diana. According to Mascolo: "Mike Haber challenges me each rehearsal to go outside my comfort zone and actually feel the emotions my character is experiencing throughout the show. I often have to remind myself to shut Diana off when I leave rehearsal. It has been incredible to work with such a talented group of artists. This production will touch every audience member in so many ways."

The cast's youngest member at 17 years old, Alyssa McGraw, has also found working with New Vision Players, Inc. to be a rewarding yet fun experience. McGraw says: "I have never experienced anything as powerful or rewarding as playing Natalie in New Vision Players' production of Next to Normal. It has been so wonderful working with sucha talented cast and production staff on this project. The rehearsal process has been so fulfilling and we are beyond excited to get this show into the theater!"

Learn more about New Vision Players, Inc. at www.newvisionplayers.com

Ten performances. Two amazing casts. One incredible show.
New Vision Players' production of Next to Normal is double-cast with ten performers each performing in five of the ten performances.

Performing on May 26th at 2pm and 8pm, May 31st at 8pm, June 1st at 8pm, and June 3rd at 2pm:
Ben Simons as Dan
Cara Selick as Diana
Alyssa McGraw as Natalie
Justin Long as Gabe
Jon Lee as Henry
Corey Chichizola as Dr. Madden

Performing on May 25th at 8pm, May 27th at 2pm, May 30th at 8pm, and June 2nd at 2pm and 8pm:
Ben Simons as Dan
Karen Mascolo as Diana
Morgan Assante as Natalie
Kevin Hack as Gabe
Anthony Crouchelli as Henry
Corey Chichizola as Dr. Madden

STAFF:
Michael Haber- Director
David Maglione- Musical Director
Amanda Villafuerte- Stage Manager
Chris Bediones-Production Manager/Assistant Stage Manager
Ariana Trahanas- Assistant Stage Managers
Laura Iacometta- Props Mistress
Christa Lewandowski- Costume Designer

NEW VISION PLAYERS PRESENTS: NEXT TO NORMAL
May 25, 26, 30, 31; June 1, 2 at 8 PM, May 26, 27; June 2, 3 at 2 PM
Luna Stage, 555 Valley Road, West Orange, New Jersey