Rob Reiner to Helm NEXT TO NORMAL Film?

Hollywood heavyweight Rob Reiner is eager to turn the Pulitzer and Tony-winning musical, Next to Normal into a movie musical. Says Reiner to The Malibu Times: "I'd love to do Next to Normal...It's about ordinary people, but set to music. It's funny and dark and uplifting. You know, about real stuff." 

Reiner attended the opening of the production in LA this week. This is not the first time Reiner has expressed interest in adapting the musical for the screen.  He has told numerous media outlets of his desire and efforts to direct the project on screen since it went to Broadway.

Next to Normal, with music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, is making its west coast premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. With a thrilling contemporary score, "Next to Normal" is an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other. The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical features original Broadway star Alice Ripley, who won the Tony for her performance. Next to Normal also features Asa Somers (Dan), Curt Hansen (Gabe), Emma Hunton (Natalie), Jeremy Kushnier (Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine) and Preston Sadleir (Henry).

From the director of RENT comes Next to Normal, an emotional powerhouse of a musical with a thrilling contemporary score about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other.

Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical Score, Next to Normal is the most talked about new show on Broadway - and chosen as "one of the year's TEN best" by major critics around the country including the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times.

Previews Began November 23, 2010. Opens November 28. Through January 2, 2011. Previews (November 23 - 27):Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Opens Sunday, November 28 at 7 p.m. Regular Performances (November 30, 2010 - January 2, 2011)

For additional information, visit: www.centertheatregroup.org.