ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — The Twin City Players (TCP) announces its next production of the 2015-2016 season, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical, “Next to Normal”, music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, and directed by Paul Mow.

In “Next to Normal,” Dad’s an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal, because the mother has been battling manic depression for 16 years. “Next to Normal” takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy and heart.

The cast of “Next to Normal” includes Meagan Francis as Diana, Josh Blair-Boger as Gabe, Joe Nolan as Dan, Lauren Kunkel as Natalie, Jake Zapor as Henry and Dan Maxon as Dr. Fine/Madden. Meredith Best George (Diana Understudy), Katie Preston (Natalie Understudy) and Jason Cope (Dr. Madden Understudy) will appear as The “Voices.”

Assisting Mow are Assistant Director Donna Metz, Music Director Brent Decker, Stage Manager Daniel Breen, Technical Director Marc Van Gilder, Lighting Designer Sean Scott, Set Designers John Taylor and Daniel Breen, and Costume Designer Julie Smiy.

Performance dates are May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. The May 21 production will feature understudies performing as some of the principal characters.

This production is sponsored by Jimmy John’s – St. Joseph and Lake Michigan Chiropractic, LLC. Sound Design for this production is sponsored by AudioBahn.

“Next to Normal” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019.

 

All Seats Reserved

Tickets will be $15. Group rates are also available. All seats are reserved. Warning: This musical contains strong language and adult situations, and is for mature audiences only. Reservations can be made online at twincityplayers.org or by calling the TCP box office at (269) 429-0400. Performance times are 8 p.m. for Friday and Saturday evening performances. Sunday performances will now be held at 2 p.m. All performances take place at the Twin City Players Playhouse located at 600 Glenlord Road in St. Joseph.

 

Opening night afterglow reception

On opening night, join cast and crew after the show for an afterglow reception featuring refreshments generously provided by afterglow partners, Lemon Creek Winery and Bit of Swiss Pastry Shoppe.

 

Talk Back Q&A

The Twin City Players will host a Talk Back Q&A session after the performances on Sunday, May 8 and Sunday, 15. The sessions will begin at 4:30 p.m. and feature discussions with the cast and health professionals. Bill Schnell, LLP will be our guest on May 8, and Dr. Larry Feldman and Sandy Feldman, MSW will be our guest on May 15.

 

After-show karaoke cabarets

The Twin City Players will host Karaoke Cabarets after the performance on May 7, 13 and 21. Alcohol will be available at no charge. However there will be a tip jar for the provided band and a fee to sing a song.