‘Next to Normal’

Ensemble Theatre opens musical dealing with managing mental illness

The story of a mother who struggles with bipolar disorder and the effects that her illness has on her family is told in “Next to Normal,” the next production by Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, which opens Friday night, Jan. 19, for two weekends.

“Next to Normal” is a musical that also addresses issues of grief, suicide, drug abuse, ethics in modern psychiatry and the underbelly of suburban life.

With book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, the musical was the recipient of several accolades prior to its off-Broadway debut, including the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Score and Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Actress and Outstanding Score.

The musical opened on Broadway in April 2009. It was nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 2009 and won three. It also won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, becoming the eighth musical in history to receive the honor.

Ensemble Theatre director Garry Lee Posey said ETC is excited to present this show to the community.

“How we grieve is such an important facet in our lives today, especially when we don’t allow ourselves that opportunity as much as we probably should,” says Posey.

ETC’s cast includes Ryan Laskowski, Kyle Dagnan, Normand Caissie, Mary Beth Torgerson, Megan Cobb and Joseph Watts.

Terry Sanford is in charge of musical direction and Marcia Parks is stage manager.

For more information: ensembletheatreofchatta nooga.com.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Ryan Laskowski with Mary Beth Torgerson, foreground, and Joseph Watts and Megan Cobb, standing, rehearse a scene from “Next to Normal.”