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next to normal

Ages: 14+
Closing: March 16, 2008

next to normal - 2008 Off-Broadway History , Info & More


Next to Normal delves into the raw and complex world of mental illness, specifically focusing on bipolar disorder. The story centers around Diana, a wife and mother grappling with the highs and lows of the condition. The musical doesn't shy away from the challenges Diana faces – hallucinations, erratic behavior, and strained relationships with her husband Dan and their two children,

Through a powerful rock score that blends soaring vocals with melancholic melodies, Next to Normal explores the impact of mental illness on not only the sufferer but also the entire family. We see Dan's struggle to support Diana while maintaining some semblance of normalcy for the children. Natalie, caught in the emotional crossfire, seeks solace in drugs and rebellion. The musical doesn't offer easy answers, but it portrays the journey of a family confronting mental illness with honesty and compassion. It sparks conversations about mental health awareness, the importance of support systems, and the enduring strength of love in the face of adversity.


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Interview: Megan Hilty Talks Upcoming Concerts at The Umbrella Arts Center
by R. Scott Reedy - May 23, 2026


Two-time Tony Award nominee Megan Hilty isn’t on an official concert tour, but that hasn’t stopped the popular Broadway and television performer from booking numerous upcoming dates including three in the Bay State alone.

Did You Know That These Broadway Shows Originally Had Different Names?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 17, 2026


Perhaps the most well-known instance of a show changing titles during the development process belongs to the groundbreaking 1943 phenomenon, Oklahoma! The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that changed the art form in terms of subject matter, integration of elements, and more was originally titled Away We Go! when it went out of town for a New Haven tryout. Oklahoma! is far from the only instance where a musical changed its title along the development road.

Review: NEXT TO NORMAL at Maxim Teatern
by Annette Stolt - Apr 24, 2026


Great vocal performances and high emotional intensity by the cast. Do not miss this short run of Next to normal

SPRING AWAKENING Original Broadway Cast: Where Are They Now?
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 11, 2026


Two decades after Spring Awakening first premiered on Broadway, BroadwayWorld is taking a look back at what the cast of this era-defining musical, including Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff, and more has been up to.

Review: NEXT TO NORMAL at SNAP! Productions Will Take You on a Wild Ride
by Christine Swerczek - Mar 23, 2026


SNAP! Productions has booked us a seat on a roller coaster and it’s an extreme ride! Hang on, because the ups and downs will leave you breathless! Read the review here.

Broadway Deep Dive: Telly Leung Unpacks His Career Onstage and the Roles That Led to MASQUERADE
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 22, 2026


Current star of Masquerade Telly Leung discusses with Jennifer Ashley Tepper playing the Phantom in the immersive production, the full circle from Rent fan to Rent actor, Gavin Creel’s leadership during a production that never was, and much more. 

Review: NEXT TO NORMAL at Twin Valley Players Colonnade
by Andrea Stephenson - Jan 31, 2026


Next to Normal is a show that sticks with you, speaking to the complexities of the human mind, emotions, and relationships. This production at Twin Valley Players Colonnade only has two performances left, so don’t miss out on seeing Next to Normal.

Jonathan Groff From Stage to Screen: GLEE to MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 9, 2025


Though the revival of Merrily We Roll Along ended its limited Broadway run in 2024, the show will live on in the form of the new filmed version, now in theaters. To celebrate the release of the hit Stephen Sondheim musical, we are taking a look back at the storied careers of its three leading stars, including Tony Award-winner Jonathan Groff.

Which Pre-Broadway Tryout Theater Boasts the Most Best Musical Tony Award Winners?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 30, 2025


While different tryout theaters have different relationships to the development of new shows, it’s worth looking at both which commercial rental theaters and which non-profit theaters have had the most Best Musical Tony Award winners come from their stages.

Cast Set For Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Actors Theatre of Indiana
by Stephi Wild - Oct 14, 2025


Actors Theatre of Indiana will perform Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN October 24 - November 9. If you like good music, like to laugh and like Mel Brooks, then you'll love this show!

REEL TO REEL Comes to Los Angeles
by Stephi Wild - Jul 8, 2025


Rogue Machine has added a co-production with HorseChart Theatre alongside their 2025 Season. Directed by Matthew McCray, the production will feature Samantha Klein, Brett Aune, Alley Mills Bean, and Jim Ortlieb.  

Greg Reiner Named as The New Managing Director of Barrington Stage Company
by Joshua Wright - Jun 20, 2025


Greg Reiner will be the new Managing Director of Barrington Stage Company. Reiner, who most recently served as Director of Theater and Musical Theater at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), joins BSC as of August 4, 2025. 

A History of Off-Broadway Venues
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jun 22, 2025


Second Stage Theatre’s 43rd Street off-Broadway house, right near 8th Avenue, recently changed hands and is now the home of Studio Seaview . Seaview’s first production in the space is Angry Alan, starring John Krasinski. They have renovated and updated the space since Second Stage switched off-Broadway locations to now present shows at the Signature.

Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele und Nicholas Christopher werden CHESS am Broadway anführen – Promo-Video ansehen
by Joshua Wright - May 28, 2025


Tony-Award-Gewinner Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge), Emmy-Award-Nominierte Lea Michele (Funny Girl) und Nicholas Christopher (Sweeney Todd) werden die allererste Broadway-Wiederaufnahme von CHESS anführen. Hier findest du alle Details zur Produktion.

Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele y Nicholas Christopher protagonizarán CHESS en Broadway: mira el video promocional
by Joshua Wright - May 28, 2025


El ganador del Tony Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge), la nominada al Emmy Lea Michele (Funny Girl) y Nicholas Christopher (Sweeney Todd) encabezarán el primer revival de Broadway de CHESS. Aquí encontrarás todos los detalles de la producción.

Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele & Nicholas Christopher Will Lead CHESS on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - May 28, 2025


Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge), Emmy Award nominee Lea Michele (Funny Girl) and Nicholas Christopher (Sweeney Todd) will lead the first-ever Broadway revival of CHESS. We have all of the details on the production here, plus watch a promo video!

The Second City Announces 2025 Victor Wong Fellowship Recipients
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 17, 2025


Legendary comedy institution The Second City has announced the recipients of the third annual Victor Wong Fellowship, a program to train and mentor rising Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) comedic talent.

Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Iconic Plays That Shaped American Theater
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 3, 2026


The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is one of the most prestigious honors in American theater, celebrating outstanding works that have made a significant impact on the stage. Here's a closer look at what the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is, how it works, and why it matters.

Hart Theater Company Will Perform NEXT TO NORMAL
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025


 Hart Theater Company will continue its season with the revered rock musical 'Next to Normal,' in the company's new space, the Regent Street Black Box at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City. 

Review: NEXT TO NORMAL Breaks Your Heart Into Pieces
by Jude Cartalaba - Feb 22, 2025


Mental health a few years back wasn't something very alarming, but due to high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, it has become more and more a growing concern. In 2025, the staging of the 2008 American rock musical 'Next to Normal' (with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt) is indeed a timely move by The Sandbox Collective.

Exclusive: Shiela Valderrama, Nikki Valdez Reflect on Diana Goodman
by Jude Cartalaba - Feb 11, 2025


Sexy, seemingly sharp Diana Goodman is one challenging character in 'Next to Normal,' which centers on a mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effects of managing her illness on her family.

Previews: PROVA A PRENDERMI al TEATRO BRANCACCIO
by Ettore Farrattini - Jan 31, 2025


PROVA A PRENDERMI al TEATRO BRANCACCIODebutto al Teatro Nazionale di Milano il 27 febbraio per poi approdare a Roma il 19 marzo per l'adattamento in italiano del musical ispirato al celebre film

Meet the Cast of REDWOOD, Now on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jan 24, 2025


Redwood on Broadway, starring Idina Menzel is now playing on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre. The production also stars De’Adre Aziza, Michael Park, Zachary Noah Piser, and Khaila Wilcoxon. Meet the cast here!

Broadway League Names Recipients of the 2024 Leadership Awards
by Stephi Wild - Dec 11, 2024


The Broadway League has revealed the three recipients of the 2024 Broadway League Leadership Awards that were presented during the League’s Annual Meeting. Learn more about the honorees here!

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 10, 2024
by - Dec 10, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 10, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

next to normal History

Other Productions of next to normal

2008   Off-Broadway Original Off-Broadway Production
Off-Broadway
2009   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2010   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
2010   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
2013   Weston Playhouse Production
2020   Washington, DC (Regional) Kennedy Center Broadway Center Stage Production
Washington, DC (Regional)
2024   West End
West End

next to normal - 2008 Off-Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
next to normal — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2008 The Hewes Awards Scenic Design Mark Wendland
2008 The Lortels Outstanding Lighting Design Kevin Adams

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