Next to Normal

When Chris Jones, head theatre critic for the Chicago Tribune, wrote about Next to Normal he said, ““It has the effect of making one determine to refocus on what really is important in life, which always is the best reason of all to find time to go to the theater.” We agree, which is why MadKap Productions is bringing this award winning musical to Skokie Theatre from September 11 to September 27.

People love this musical, and they are touched by it in very special ways. This is surprising for a musical where the main character suffers from bi-polar disorder. People expect a “feel good” musical. Well, the New York Times called this a “feel everything musical.” And you will, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll cheer for this family who learn to love and support each other even though their lives will never be normal. The most they can hope for is “next to normal.”

Next to Normal is the winner of three Tony awards in 2009, including best musical score, plus the Pulitzer Prize in 2010. It features 30 original songs by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorky including "Just Another Day," "I Miss The Mountains" and "Superboy and the Invisible Girl."

Next to Normal stars Whitney Morse, Jordan Gryzbowski, Molly LeCaptain, Chris Selefski, Nick Shoda and Brian Zealand. The play is directed by Andrew Park, who directed Sweet Charity for MadKap Productions last season, and is the Artistic Director of the Quest Theatre Ensemble in Chicago where he directed the Jeff-recommended production of Return to Neverland. Joseph Jefferson Award winner Gary Powell is the music director.

MadKap Productions has partnered with Turning Point to offer Sunday afternoon talk-backs on the issues of mental health care raised in the show. For over 45 years, Turning Point has provided expert, affordable mental health care services to the Skokie community and greater Chicago area. Services In 2015, they opened expanded offices space at 8324 Skokie Boulevard in Skokie which includes 18 new therapy offices, and a beautiful and welcoming reception area. Please visit www.tpoint.org to learn how you can invest, volunteer or advocate to help make quality mental health care accessible to all.

Next to Normal performs September 11 – 27, 2015. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. With a matinee on Wednesday September 16 at 1:30 pm. Tickets are $38 general admission, $33 for seniors, $28 for students. Call 847-677-7761 for tickets or visit SkokieTheatre.org.

Next to Normal is the lead production of MadKap’s 2015-16 subscription season at Skokie Theatre. It is being followed by The Lion in Winter by James Goldman from November 6 – 22, 2015; Beau Jest by James Sherman from February 5 – 21, 2016; and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Jay Presson Allen from April 22 – May 8, 2016. Subscription prices range from $65 to $97.

This is not the “Boy Meets Girl” musical of the 1900’s. This is a modern and exciting piece of theatre that will make you glad that you came.