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Next to Normal

wilbury group next to normal providence

Next to Normal
Music by Tom Kitt, Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Directed by Wendy Overly, Music Direction by Juan Rodriguez

May 21-June 13, 2015 


ABOUT NEXT TO NORMAL
Suburban housewife Diana struggles to battle her mental demons, brought about, in part, by her bipolar disorder. Husband Dan fights to help keep both her mind and his family stable, even as Diana decides to stop taking her meds.  Sixteen year-old Natalie, on the other hand, can’t seem to escape the shadow of her mysterious eighteen year-old brother.  Winner of three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Next to Normal is the most talked about new play in years and the acclaimed, groundbreaking rock musical “that pushed Broadway in new directions” (Rolling Stone). 

NEWS & REVIEWS

"The Wilbury Theatre Group’s stripped-down take on the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical Next to Normal is, first and foremost, a genuine work of art. No whirling set, no syrupy plot line — just some on-the-nose acting by a small cast with lungs of steel." -RI Monthly

"You know, all those people breaking into song all the time,” he said. But the author also pointed out that, somehow, a good musical can be “sublime.”And, indeed, that is largely the case with “Next to Normal.” which is receiving a heartfelt, truthful production under direction by Wendy Overly at the Wilbury Group, a theater not afraid to take on tough subjects." -Rhode Island Public Radio

"This is a chance to see a heartfelt staging of a really special musical... Perhaps the show's big heart comes from the director, Wendy Overly, one of the true theatrical treasures around these parts. Whoever made it click really doesn't matter, though, for this is a special production that shouldn't be missed."-The Providence Journal

"For a well written, electrifying musical that captures the true emotional impact of mental illness on a family, be sure to catch Next to Normal at the Wilbury Group. It is definitely not next to normal, it is stupendous and is one of the must see musicals of this spring season." -Theater Mirror

"It is art for our time, and this production is a must-see... Go for the story, go for the music, go for the humanity, but go." -Motif Magazine

"Stunning... A difficult subject for a musical, but under the watchful, caring direction of Wendy Overly and the excellent work of the six member cast, Next to Normal is a next to perfect production  that pulls at the audience’s heartstring and makes them care for the characters." -Cranston Herald/Warwick Beacon

"The Wilbury Theater Group has a hit with its production of Tom Kitt’s and Brian Yorkey’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning Next to Normal... without question, this is a show not to be missed." -630 WPRO

"All of the actors and every member of the creative and technical teams are a part of this show's huge success. While some of Wilbury's past musicals have been hit-or-miss, this is the most polished, most professional and most perfectly executed musical the company has produced to date. It portends exciting things for next season, but that is then and this is now, and right now, you need to make sure you see Next to Normal before it's gone." -Broadway World

"Upon leaving the theater after having experienced this mesmerizing production, masterfully directed by Wendy Overly, audience members undoubtedly feel different...Next to Normal is profound, captivating and not to be missed, with a riveting soundtrack and unforgettable performances." -Edge Providence


CAST

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Moira Costigan-Carraher
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Julia Bartoletti
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Andrew Iacovelli
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James Fernandes
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Jeff Church
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Jesse Dufault

Crew

Scenic Design by Katryne Hecht
Light Design by Gerritt Turner
Costume Design by Amanda Downing-Carney

Sound Design by Terry Shea
Stage Management by Seth Finkle


The Band

Guitar, Jesse Dufault
Drums, Tom Grace

Bass, Brian Grotowski
Keyboards, Juan Rodriguez

Assistant Direction by Kate Kataja
Production Management by Natalie Brough


interested In 
Learning More? 
JOIN US FOR OUR 
TALKBACK SERIES!

Supported in part by a grant from the RI Council for the Humanities, Next to Normal talkbacks are completely free and always open to the public. Come join us  to discuss the themes and topics explored in the play following our Sunday performances. 

Sunday, May 31st 5:00pm
The Arts and Mental Illness
The arts, in many different forms, have been proven to help people who suffer from all sorts of mental illness. The effects that the arts have on people suffering from mental illness can be life altering and life changing. 

Jessica Chase, Theatre Manager at the Artists Exchange in Cranston works with clients who have special needs to help create and teach theater joins Marty Cooper, the Community Relations Director at the Jewish Alliance of Rhode Island, and Moira Carraher the lead actress of The Wilbury Group's Next to Normal  for a lively discussion on  how the arts can have a positive effect on people with special needs who suffer from Mental Illness.


Sunday, June 7th 5:00pm
Ethics in Psychology
Theatre brings forward the topics and issues that otherwise might stay in the background are never discussed.  Adolescent Substance Abuse and  is just one of the many topics Next to Normal  sheds light on.

Join Psychologist Ben Johnson and Holly Cekala, Executive Director of RI Cares for a conversation of how ethics in psychology, adolescent substance abuse and how it's glorified (or not) in television and film, and how theater brings attention to topics that are easily kept at a distance through other forms of media.


For questions or more information on our Sunday night talkback series, contact Education Director Seth Finkle at (401) 400-7100 ext. 3, or seth@thewilburygroup.org. 

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The Next to Normal talk back series is supported by a grant from the
Rhode Island Council for the Humanities.              

CALENDAR OF PERFORMANCES

Thursday, May 21, 7:30pm preview
Friday, May 22, 7:30pm preview
Saturday, May 23, 7:30pm preview
Sunday, May 24, 7:30pm PWYC
Monday, May 25, 7:30pm opening
Thursday, May 28, 7:30pm*
Friday, May 29, 7:30pm
Saturday, May 30, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 31, 2:00pm
Thursday, June 4, 7:30pm
Friday, June 5, 7:30pm
Saturday, June 6, 7:30pm

Thursday, June 11, 7:30pm
Friday, June 12, 7:30pm
Saturday, June 13, 7:30pm



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​​© 2024 Wilbury Theatre Group
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(401) 400-7100    ·    info@thewilburygroup.org
  • Our Work
    • 2024 / 25 SEASON >
      • What the Constitution Means to Me
      • NOISE
      • THE FATHER: A TRAGIC FARCE
      • FAT HAM
      • AMERICAN IDIOT
    • SPECIAL PERFORMANCES + EVENTS >
      • God Talks to an Agnostic
      • Rasputin, Live!
      • Ricky Rainbow Beard
      • Amusements by Ikechukwu Ufomadu
      • The Manton Avenue Project
      • The Empire Revue
      • Motion State Dance Festival
      • I'm At Your Window
      • FRINGEPVD: The Providence Fringe Festival, presented by Wilbury Theatre Group
  • Tickets
    • Membership
    • Gift Cards
  • Support
    • Never Mind the Bollocks: A Fundraiser for Wilbury Theatre Group
  • Classes
    • Embodied Action
    • The Booboisie
    • The Director's Forum
  • About
    • Mission & Values
    • Leadership
    • Resident Artists
    • Board of Directors
    • Community Engagement
    • Contact
    • Health and Safety Precautions
    • Anti-Harassment Policy
    • Black Lives Matter
    • Get Involved
    • Auditions
    • Production History