Music by Tom Kitt
Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
August 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30pm
August 18 at 2:00pm
Play Circle Theatre, Memorial Union
Directed by Kevin James Sievert
Music Direction by Zach Busch
Tickets available July 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the electrifying Next to Normal tells the story of the Goodman family, seemingly normal on the surface but carrying a devastating secret. Full of multi-faceted characters and heart-wrenching material, Next to Normal mines the depths of mental illness and grief with complexity, wit, and even humor. The rock and pop score shines as the characters navigate life, loss, and what it truly means to love.
This project is supported by Dane County Arts with additional funds from the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation; The Evjue Foundation, Inc., charitable arm of The Capital Times; the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation; and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, the Wisconsin Arts Board with additional funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
CONTENT ADVISORY:
Next to Normal contains some adult language. It also deals explicitly with mental illness. A suicide attempt is talked of but not shown. The person who attempts suicide is shown with bandages on their arms.
References to the death of a child recur throughout the play.
Next to Normal features a character dealing with going on and off psychiatric medication. Neither Music Theatre of Madison nor the writers support any specific treatment course for those suffering from mental illness. It is a personal decision.
TICKET INFORMATION
Box office services are provided through Campus Arts Ticketing at UW-Madison. Click here to see their hours and policies.
Ticket Prices: $33 (Sunday and Thursday) -$38 (Friday and Saturday) general admission. Students with a valid ID can be admitted for $15 (Sunday and Thursday)-$20 at all performances.
***Unless you elect to have your tickets mailed to you, there are no extra fees added to these prices.***
How to order:
Tickets can be purchased in one of three ways:
2. Call the Campus Arts Box Office at 608-265-ARTS.
3. Order in person at the Campus Arts Ticketing Box Office in Memorial Union (800 Langdon St.) during business hours or starting one hour before performances. Enter through the doors at Park and Langdon Streets. Click here for a map.
VENUE INFORMATION
Parking/Transportation: Click here for complete information on parking. Please note: The Lake Street lot has been torn down, but there is still a garage accessible one block over, entering on Frances St.
Location: The Play Circle is located on the second floor of the Memorial Union. Enter through the doors at the corner of Park and Langdon Streets. The box office is on your left, past the information desk. The elevator to the second floor is on your right. The stairs just inside the door will take you to other parts of the building to enjoy dining and drinks before the performance. Click here for additional location information.
Pre-show dining: The Memorial Union is home to several casual dining restaurants including standard American fare, pizza, custom sandwiches, coffee, ice cream, and full-service bars. Visit the Memorial Union website for details. You can even bring your drinks with you into the theatre! The UW Campus and State Street are within walking distance and have many options for dining and drinks.
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible. If we can do anything to make your experience more accessible in other ways, please e-mail info@mtmadison.com to let us know!
Austin Brummett (Costume Designer, He/They) is honored to be part of his second production of 'Next to Normal,' this time behind the scenes! He was previously seen as Dan in UW Rock County's production in 2019! Previous costume design credits include 'Disaster!' (VACT), 'Legally Blonde' (MFHS), 'Elf' (VACT), Cinderella (MFHS), and 'The Wedding Singer' (assistant, VACT). A huge thank you to NR for all her help, as always. There will be light!
Maaz Ahmed (Lighting Designer) is a Milwaukee based designer and a member of the Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Cohort. Maaz works as a freelance designer and serves as the Assistant Lighting and Sound Director at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. Recent designs include 'Jeeves Saves the Day' (Third Avenue Playworks), 'The Lightning Thief' (First Stage), and 'Kill Move Paradise' (Next Act Theatre). Upcoming designs at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Next Act Theatre, First Stage, and the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. They hope you enjoy the show! www.maazahmedLX.com.
Scott Glogovsky (Sound Designer) has been working with MTM for the past ten years. Previous designs include 'Baghdaddy', 'Ten Days in a Madhouse,' 'Bonnie & Clyde', and many more. Other credits include American Players Theatre, QuantUM, and The World's Stage.
Andrew Lonsdale (Scenic Designer) has worked with MTM as an actor in 'Murder Ballad' and '35MM' and a designer for 'Indecent.' He works extensively in the Madison community as a singer and technical director.
Sarah DeRubis (Props Designer) After helping with props for community theaters in the area, Sarah is pleased to be joining a professional company as the props master. The fact that 'Next To Normal' is such an important show makes it even more exciting. Enjoy our musical!
Alex Brusky (Wardrobe) Alex is thrilled to be a part of Next to Normal with Music Theatre Madison. She’s recently done wardrobe for ‘Candide’ and was a production assistant for Opera in the Park with Madison Opera. She’s also costume designed Digital Escort’s ‘Windshield’ and Bourbon House’s ‘Freight Train’. Alex received a bachelors degree in theatre, with a focus on technical theater, at UW Madison.
Production photos by Julia Ragalie
Trailer by Tilt Media
RESOURCES
If you or someone you know are suffering from mental illness, there is help. Please visit this website for more information and places to reach out.