Hayes Theatre Co to Present NEXT TO NORMAL, From 8 January

Boasting the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three Tony Awards including best musical score, Doorstep Arts in association with Hayes Theatre Co will present Next to Normal at Hayes Theatre Co from Thursday 8 January after a wildly successful season in Geelong earlier this year.

With poignant lyrics and a powerful contemporary rock score, Next to Normal is an insightful and fiercely honest story of love, loss and family life. Reprising her critically claimed role, Natalie O'Donnell (Mamma Mia, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), leads a superb cast as Diana, a troubled woman in danger of being engulfed by her past. Cathartic and ultimately uplifting, Next to Normal challenges us to ask the question, 'What is normal?'

Joining Natalie in the cast are some of Australia's finest musical theatre talent including Anthony Harkin (Avenue Q, Shane Warne The Musical), Alex Rathgeber (An Officer And A Gentleman, Fiddler on the Roof), Brent Trotter (Jersey Boys, Four Seasons In One Night), Kiane O'Farrell (Carrie: The Musical, 42nd Street) and Clay Roberts (CATS, Thoroughly Modern Millie).

Playing its Sydney professional premiere, Next to Normal was rated the Theatre People's Choice for the number one production over its two-week Geelong season and Director Darylin Ramondo is excited to introduce this critically acclaimed production to a Sydney audience.

"We are thrilled to have Doorstep Arts' production of Next to Normal is part of the line up Hayes Theatre Co for 2015. Next to Normal is a powerful piece of modern music theatre that manages to touch the heart and soul of those who see it. Though it's subject matter is complex, it is intelligent, witty and full of heart, and is beautifully conveyed by this exceptional cast, led by Natalie. Hayes Theatre Co has built a strong reputation for offering audiences an intimate theatrical experience and this production continues in that tradition. We cannot wait to introduce this extraordinary show to Sydney audiences", said Director Darylin Ramondo.

Based in Geelong, Doorstep Arts is a leading independent theatre company committed to creating exceptional and innovative theatre. We relish in our enviable reputation for bringing contemporary musical experiences to our audience, for enriching the cultural identity of our community, and for promoting the artistic excellence of our city. Starring some of our nation's most recognised performers, recent productions include the Australian premiere of Three Sides, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Songs for a New World and The Last Five Years.

Hayes Theatre Co is a dedicated music theatre and cabaret venue in Potts Point. Named for Australian musical theatre legend, Nancye Hayes OAM, Hayes Theatre Co honours and builds on the vast history of Australian Musical Theatre and its practitioners. This not-for-profit venue is managed by Independent Music Theatre, a collaborative partnership focusing on providing a permanent home for small-scale musical theatre and cabaret. By providing venue space to newly mounted productions, Hayes Theatre Co, will be a presenting partner together with independent producers and artists. Hayes Theatre Co is made possible through the City of Sydney's Accommodation Grant Program.

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