Arts From Broadway to the Bay
H EARTBREAK, hope and family drama — the heady cocktail that is Next to Normal is on stage at the CHB Municipal Theatre next week.
The Waipawa Musical and Dramatic Club is presenting the New Zealand premiere of the rock opera by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt. Next to Normal opened on Broadway in 2009, going on to win three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, becoming the eighth musical in history to receive the honour.
Director Lisa-Jane Hay describes it as not your usual toe-tapping musical. It tells the story of Diana (Wynne de Lautour) who is struggling with bipolar disorder. It also addresses how people cope with loss, suicide, depression, drug abuse, medical ethics and the darker side of suburban life.
Heavy stuff? Yes, agrees Hay, but it’s also a story of hope.
“There are some hilariously funny moments . . . it’s one of those stories where one moment you’re reaching for a tissue, the next you’re rolling in the aisles with laughter.”
The small cast of six also includes Jon Fletcher as Dan, Diana’s husband, Keshia Fletcher as Natalie, their daughter, and Jack Hitchens, Warwick Mather and William Atkin.
Alex Walker, whose brotherin-law James Schaw, originally from Central Hawke’s Bay, appeared in the show in Melbourne, is musical director.
She has been challenging the cast to perfect the complex arrangements, which includes occasionally singing in six-part harmony, and to do justice to the mix of modern rock music and beautiful ballads.
Hay was pleased Central Health came on board as one of the show’s sponsors, as it deals with a range of issues that affect many people. “I really want to make sure our interpretation honours what the composer and lyricist intended. We want to create something that the audience can believe is real.”
De Lautour’s superb singing voice has been well known since she first auditioned for, and won a lead role in, South Pacific over 20 years ago. She went on to play Fantine in the Napier Operatic Society’s 1995 production of Les Miserables and has been a leading lady in many local stage shows since.
Acting is well out of her comfort zone, she says, but this show was too good an opportunity to pass up. “The topic is quite important, particularly for rural communities. Everyone knows someone affected by mental
Lisa-Jane Hay, director
health issues but it’s hidden. Why? We talk about cancer but people never talk about this.”
While Dan tries to protect Diana, it has the unintended effect of making her feel isolated and desperate for normality and freedom, says De Lautour.
Diana is really striving to find her cure and her normality.
While there are plenty of light-hearted moments, the writers have taken care not to make fun of the situation. The cast are well aware of the need to be respectful, she says.
“It feels so raw. I’ve never experienced a character like this.” ■ Next to Normal, CHB Municipal Theatre, Waipawa. Gala opening 7pm June 18; 8pm June 19-22, June 24-28; 2pm June 22. Gala tickets $30 including refreshments, all other nights, adults $35, seniors $30, students $20. Tickets for the two dinner & show nights, $45-$60. For bookings, phone (06) 857 8117, visit chbtheatre.co.nz or email chbtheatre@xtra.co.nz