NEXT TO NORMAL Opens At Adrian's Croswell Opera House

One of the only musicals to have won the Pulitzer Prize for drama is now playing at the Croswell Opera House in Adrian. The rock musical NEXT TO NORMAL, which features music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, opened Oct. 19 and runs for two weekends.

The musical centers on a suburban mother, Diana Goodman, and her struggles with depression and bipolar disorder.

"It deals with an important topic and it's addressed in a way that's really interesting and unique," said Natalie Kissinger of Maumee, Ohio, who plays Diana and is also the production's costume designer.

Kissinger said the score is contemporary and approachable, and "almost sounds like music you would hear on the radio."

Diana's husband, Dan, is played by Joe Nolan of Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Nolan is new to the Croswell stage but has played Dan in three other productions of the show.

Their daughter, Natalie, is played by Emily Courcy of Ann Arbor, and son Gabe is played by Dominic Seipenko of Northville. Jonathan Stelzer of Temperance plays Natalie's boyfriend, Henry. Andrew Buckshaw of Canton plays a double role as two doctors who treat Diana's illness.

The director and scenic designer is Doug Miller and the music director is Dave Rains. Lighting design is by Tiff Crutchfield and sound is by Chris Goosman.

NEXT TO NORMAL runs the weekends of Oct. 19-21 and Oct. 26-28, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. An additional matinee will take place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27.

The Croswell is at 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Tickets range from $15 to $35 and may be ordered by calling 517-264-7469 or online at croswell.org.