Opening soon is one you do not want to miss! This talented cast brings the dark musical Next to Normal to life at Canterbury Woods beginning August 13th!
If you are not familiar with Next to Normal, it is a dark psychological musical about a family navigating the complexities of emotions, family trauma, and mental health. It centers on Diana, mom to Gabe and Natalie and wife to Dan, as she manages her grief, bipolar diagnosis, and distress. Although the nature of this show is heavy, it is a wonderful illustration of the real-life struggles many folks experience with untreated or unregulated mental health. Through sequence and song, we are moved through the trials and tribulations of this family as they cope with and navigate their challenges.
Diana, the protagonist of this production, is played by Meagan Millar, a wonderful casting choice who embodies Diana’s raw emotional earnestness. From start to finish, she draws the audience in, leaving you with empathy for her character and supporting her through her challenges.
Supporting Diana is her husband, Dan, played by TJ Wilcox, another phenomenal vocalist whose attempts to stabilize the family are often complicated by his own grief, which remains hidden from plain view. Wilcox also serves as the director and vocal director of the production, bringing a strong understanding of the show’s emotional and musical demands to both sides of the stage.
Completing the family, we have Natalie, a spunky, intelligent young woman with a fiery disposition for life, played by Allie Clark. Natalie struggles to deal with her family’s dysfunction as we watch her progress throughout the show. Clark, who has graced the stages of Open Door Productions, has achieved quite the skill for portraying this strong-willed character. Not missing a cue or beat, Clark takes us through the ebbs and flows of psychological emotion as we see Natalie struggle with substance use, navigate relationships, and stay in school, all while feeling invisible.
Last but not least, we meet the golden child, Gabe, played by Shawn Ward, the family’s superboy. Ward harnesses this character’s wit and spunk and truly deserves recognition for showcasing such talent and vocal stamina.
Supporting the family throughout the show is Jacob Aguglia, who plays several doctors tending to Diana, as well as delivering a ballad that helps drive home the importance of mental health and self-care.
Love interest and supporting character Henry, played by Will Streicher, leads with strong vocals and committed engagement. The chemistry and affection between Natalie and Henry are driven by both actors’ dedication and experience in the craft. Wonderful demonstration of navigating support through relationship building.
Providing additional support as a body and swing, we have Jade Huang, who should not be dismissed. It is not easy being a body on stage and creating talent through movement, which is essential in completing this cast.
Behind the scenes, the production is equally supported by a talented creative team. Marissa Chapman serves as choreographer, Tasha Colton handles stage management and lighting operations, and Eugene Olear is responsible for the set. Together, the creative and production teams help create a world that allows this story to unfold both visually and emotionally.
If you are a fan of musical theater like Dear Evan Hansen, Jagged Little Pill, and Fun Home, this is the show for you. Next to Normal is a wonderfully crafted show, and it has hit its mark on the Canterbury Woods stage. From immersive set design to lighting and music, the show exceeds the expectations of standard theater. This professionally produced production has achieved a remarkable level of quality.
Showstopping and popular numbers such as “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” captivate and draw you in, while the choreographed and fast-paced “Who’s Crazy/My Psychopharmacologist and I” number is riveting and filled with intensity and emotion.
This show does contain strong and graphic depictions of mental health episodes, from substance use to self-harm and suicidal ideation. However, the production drives your emotions and brings forth a sense of human empathy by connecting you with these characters. The cast does a great job of leading with emotion and bringing forth the passion and intensity required for empathetic acting.
Do not miss this production. Please. Not only is it a great show, but it is also a wonderful story about real-life struggles and challenges. It leaves you thinking, perhaps remembering, but nevertheless, it leaves you hoping.
Show Information
Next to Normal runs August 13th through 15th and August 20th through 22nd, with all performances beginning at 7:00 PM and one Saturday, matinee on August 15th at 1PM. General admission is $25.00.
Directed and vocally directed by TJ Wilcox, choreographed by Marissa Chapman, with stage management and lighting operations by Tasha Colton and set design by Eugene Olear, this production brings together a talented cast and creative team for a powerful night of musical theater.
If you have been looking for something meaningful, emotional, and beautifully performed to add to your summer theater calendar, this is one you do not want to miss.
