Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

NEXT TO NORMAL Returns to Atlanta in Jennie T. Anderson Theatre and Atlanta Lyric Remount

Performances run February 16-26, 2023.

NEXT TO NORMAL Returns to Atlanta in Jennie T. Anderson Theatre and Atlanta Lyric Remount

Cobb PARKS and the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre are teaming with the Atlanta Lyric Theatre to bring their 2022 hit, NEXT TO NORMAL, back to the stage.

"The whiplash we received from NEXT TO NORMAL was unlike any other show we've produced in our series. To this day, patrons continue to email and call us asking to bring it back," says Jono Davis, producing artistic director of the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre.

When NEXT TO NORMAL hit the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre stage for two sold out performances in July 2022, ideas and dreams began swirling to somehow remount the production and provide the community another swing at the show and, this time, have more than two performances. When the Atlanta Lyric Theatre rebooted their current 42nd season, this allowed the two companies a chance for NEXT TO NORMAL to return for ten performances and carry the exact same production mounted last summer.

The musical centers around Diana, a mother struggling with bipolar depression. Diana's mental health causes ripples with her family and the show explores the ways each member is affected by these struggles. "You tend to find yourself in this show," says Golbanoo Setayesh who portrays Natalie, Diana's daughter. "It's the story of a family who at first glance seems so 'normal' but when we learn each member is fighting mental illnesses that are so rarely presented onstage, it is such a raw experience that makes you feel really vulnerable. It's almost cleansing in that way."

"We had such a positive response to the first time that we produced this show," adds director Amanda Wansa Morgan. "I spoke to people in the lobby who told me stories of how they were impacted by mental illness or their loved one was, and how much this show moved them. The cast does such a fantastic job of bringing themselves to the piece with authenticity, vulnerability, and powerful energy, as does the band."

Brian Wittenberg returns as everyone's favorite stoner boyfriend, Henry. "When we did NEXT TO NORMAL in July, we all knew that this beautiful show was lightning in a bottle, an experience that none of us would soon forget. But only a small portion of the Atlanta community was able to see the extremely limited engagement. Now, this incredible cast and creative team are able to come together again to pour ourselves back into this powerful story of connection, coping with loss, and finding oneself through mental illness and give a much larger audience the chance to experience this cathartic, once (or twice)-in-a-lifetime evening at the theatre."

NEXT TO NORMAL stars Mary Nye Bennett as Diana and Taylor Buice* as Dan. The ensemble cast is filled with Atlanta favorites: Kayce Denise, Golbanoo Setayesh, Brian Wittenberg, and Jacob Ryan Smith. This concert-staging is directed by Amanda Wansa Morgan, co-music directed by John-Michael D'Haviland and Holt McCarley, production managed by Bobby Johnston, stage managed by Jackie Lenz, assistant stage managed by Savannah Rootes, costumes designed by Cole Spivia, properties by Amanda Wansa Morgan, Taylor Buice, and Jono Davis, lighting designed by Michael Carver, and sound designed by Bobby Johnston.



Captain Planet Foundation Raises Over $650,000 At Annual Gala Photo
Last night, Captain Planet Foundation, the global non-profit dedicated to empowering youth to be changemakers for the environment, held their annual Gala at Flourish Atlanta and recognized environmental honorees Xiye Bastida and Louie Schwartzberg.

THE LADY OF ZOUAVE To Have World Premiere In Atlanta In August 2023 Photo
The Lady of Zouave, written by Nicole Wanga and Linda Kirkpatrick, scheduled for world premiere in August at Synchronicity Theatre, 1545 Peachtree St NE #102, Atlanta, GA, prior to a New York run. Special engagement: August 11 - 13, 2023, 3:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Directed by Cyd Prather.

Peach State Summer Theatre Runs June 2 - July 22, 2023 Photo
The 2023 Peach State Summer Theatre season runs June 2 through July 22 on Valdosta State University’s Sawyer Theatre stage and features Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” “Mahalia: A Gospel Musical,” and Nickelodeon’s “The SpongeBob Musical.”

Subscriptions Now Open for 2023/2024 Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta Photo
Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta announced that 2023/2024 season subscriptions are now open to new subscribers.


More Hot Stories For You


Captain Planet Foundation Raises Over $650,000 At Annual GalaCaptain Planet Foundation Raises Over $650,000 At Annual Gala
March 19, 2023

Last night, Captain Planet Foundation, the global non-profit dedicated to empowering youth to be changemakers for the environment, held their annual Gala at Flourish Atlanta and recognized environmental honorees Xiye Bastida and Louie Schwartzberg.

THE LADY OF ZOUAVE To Have World Premiere In Atlanta In August 2023THE LADY OF ZOUAVE To Have World Premiere In Atlanta In August 2023
March 17, 2023

The Lady of Zouave, written by Nicole Wanga and Linda Kirkpatrick, scheduled for world premiere in August at Synchronicity Theatre, 1545 Peachtree St NE #102, Atlanta, GA, prior to a New York run. Special engagement: August 11 - 13, 2023, 3:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Directed by Cyd Prather.

Brian Jordan Jr. Will Helm THE WIZ at True Colors TheatreBrian Jordan Jr. Will Helm THE WIZ at True Colors Theatre
March 16, 2023

Brian Jordan Jr., who stars as Maurice Web on the hit BET series 'Sistas,” will direct and choreograph a brand new production of the Tony Award-winning musical, The Wiz at True Colors Theatre Company (915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA 30331).

Photos: First Look at THE BOY WHO KISSED THE SKY World Premiere at Alliance TheatrePhotos: First Look at THE BOY WHO KISSED THE SKY World Premiere at Alliance Theatre
March 15, 2023

Get a first look at photos for the world premiere of THE BOY WHO KISSED THE SKY at Alliance Theatre!

Actor's Express Shares an Open Letter From the Metro Atlanta Arts CommunityActor's Express Shares an Open Letter From the Metro Atlanta Arts Community
March 15, 2023

The Managing Leaders Group, a group of managing directors and leaders from numerous Atlanta arts organizations came together during the pandemic to discuss strategies to strengthen the arts in our community.