Hatboro-Horsham Theatre Department Presents Next to Normal this weekend

This weekend, July 16, 17, & 18, Hatboro-Horsham Summer Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical Next to Normal. The pre-professional summer program at Hatboro-Horsham boasts the best and brightest of our young local talent. This year, our cast and crew is comprised of vocal performance graduates, those continuing their BFA’s, and technical theatre students from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Guilford School for Acting, Penn State University, and Millerville University. Our younger cast members are comprised of the best local talents from Bishop McDevitt, Central Bucks, Hatboro-Horsham, Springfield, and Bensalem school districts. Next to Normal is the story of a family struggling with the challenges of mental illness and the impact it can have on a family unit. This production will have you laughing, crying, and connecting with each character in the intense, upbeat, and amazing ballads written for the roles. We do suggest that audiences follow a PG rating, as there are some sensitive topics discussed in this production.

How could we forget the orchestra! Each year, our summer program prepares an excellent live orchestra to rival the experience of both the actors onstage and the crew behind it. Our orchestra is led by Jon Lucas, also a graduate of Hatboro-Horsham and recently completed his Master’s degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in K-12 Music Education from University of the Arts. Our orchestra is largely comprised of Summer Theatre alumni and University of the Arts professional level musicians. This show is very much a rock band type musical - if you appreciate excellent music, this is your show!

The staff of our program takes great pride in the level of students’ experiences in the theatre industries and the level of performance we can bring to our community. This program provides a unique experience for high school students - being that they get to work and perform with returning alumni currently attending or recently graduating with degrees in performance and professional experience.

The dedication of the Admistration, Staff, and Alumni in Hatboro-Horsham School District has grown this program to new levels which each year continues to grow.

“Being able to come back and work from the production side really showed the back side of the productions I grew up doing! I was able to work with an amazing staff as well a talented cast, through blocking and rehearsals!” - Quote from Hatboro-Horsham Theatre Alumni Amanda Piergallini, Intern to the Director

“Everyone here really loves what they do and they do their best to take their individual performance to the highest standard whether they are a member of the cast, crew, or the staff - and that is what sets this group apart. Each year, this program gets better than we could have ever imagined and we a very excited to experience the final product of such a great script, design, and score!” – Lisa Stunder, Director

“This cast has been exceptional to work with. The type of professionalism that has been exhibited from the people involved in the production has been second to none. This is going to be a show you don’t want to miss!”- Ben Saltzburg, Vocal Music Director

“As a new member of HHTD, I was unsure of what to expect. What I discovered was an abundance of talent and dedication from the cast, crew, and directors. I am impressed by the amount that we were able to accomplish in such a short period of time and am excited for the community to experience this wonderful production!”

–Kayla Krasley, playing the role of Natalie

“Being a stranger to a new stage is always overwhelming, but the incredible talent and compassionate leadership team at the HH Drama Department welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home instantly. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”

– Brianna Carson, playing the role of Diana

“This is my second year doing Hatboro-Horsham’s Summer Theatre and they never cease to deliver an amazing, high energy show. I am excited for the show to open and have people see this fantastic, emotional show!”

-Ed Wagner, playing the role of Dan

Tickets are available at the door. Adults $12, Students & Seniors $10. Curtain is at 8 p.m. We hope to see you there!