Fort Salem goes bigger for No. 2

Production scales up for second production under new leadership

For its second full production of the year, the Fort Salem Theater in Salem in Washington County this weekend opens “Next to Normal,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical about an American family’s journey of loss as their mother struggles with her mental health.

The show is directed by Kyle West, Fort Salem Theater's executive and artistic

director. He said, “‘Next to Normal’ is really deep and moving and inspiring . ... And for us, it's been so nice to shift gears and really dive into material that is challenging but important. It brings mental health and different personal challenges onto the stage in a way that musicals often don't.”

This is West’s second production since buying the theater last summer. He believes that it is a production that Salem and the rest of the Capital Region need and would appreciate.

“I saw it more just in how open and eager people were when I had announced that I was opening the theater,” he said.

“I've definitely heard a lot of positive feedback for us, bringing bigger, largerscale musicals back to Fort Salem Theater.” Since reopening in March, the venue has been doing smaller productions and concerts.

The process of putting together such a large show, especially coming out of the pandemic, presented challenges. But it helped West, a new face in the area, to forge connections with the locals.

“Something that we really had to work hard towards is just building connections, not within just the local community,

but within the broader theater community, because it takes so many people to put on a production,” he said.

However, he said, the success of West’s first production, “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” inspired more confidence in him, especially when the theater sold out the entire run, even adding a show. He expects the same for “Next to Normal.”

West’s hopes match those of the show's lead actress, Rebecca Paige, who plays the female lead in the production.

“I definitely see an interest in live theater (here),” said Paige. “Everyone has really been so incredibly supportive. looking forward to “Next to Normal.” (It’s) definitely a different show than

'The Marvelous Wonderettes.' So, I think they're interested to see how we attack something a little more dramatic."

Photos provided by Fort Salem Theater Sam Luke as Dan; Rebecca Paige as Diana in "Next to Normal"

Kyle West, executive and artistic director of the Fort Salem Theater and director of "Next to Normal."

Rebecca Paige, who plays the lead role of Diana in “Next to Normal.”