43
Theatre presents “Next to Normal”
Photo
Neighbors | Submitted.Members of the cast of "Next to Normal," playing at the Dublin Grange Theatre, included, from left, (back) Cheney Morgan as Gabe, Brandy Johanngtes as Diana, Craig Conrad as Dan, John Cruz as Henry and (front) Bethany Kholos as Natalie. Missing from photo is Carl Brockway as Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden.
By ABBY SLANKER
The Dublin Grange Theatre Company and AfterSchool Arts Center had a preview of their latest production, “Next to Normal,” Nov. 6. The production will also be presented as a matinee at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 and at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21-22.
“Next to Normal” is a rock musical with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. It won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2009 Tony Awards for Best Original Score, Best Orchestration, and Best Performance by a Leading Actress.
The production’s story concerns a mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effect her illness and the attempts to alleviate it have on her family. The musical also addresses such issues as grieving a loss, suicide, drug abuse, ethics in modern psychiatry and the underbelly of suburban life.
The production is directed by Liz Conrad, with Matt White serving as musical director and is produced by AfterSchool Arts LLC.
“This adult show focuses on depression, mental illness and grief. We are putting a face on all of these issues with this play,” Conrad said.
The cast consisted of Brandy Johanngtes as Diana, Craig Conrad as Dan, Bethany Kholos as Natalie, Cheney Morgan as Gabe, John Cruz as Henry and Carl Brockway as Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden.
The crew for the production included Devin Whitehouse, stage manager; Ellen Licitra, lighting design; Brittney Whitehouse, sound; J.D. Finn, followspot; Matt White, conductor/keyboard; Bob Young, percussion and Dan Paterson, bass. Jim Canacci built the house on set.
“We could not have done this production without our wonderful crew,” Conrad said.
Preview night intermission and post-show discussions were facilitated by Wendy Persson, MFT, LSW. Persson is a licensed marriage and family therapist and social worker, specializing in eating disorders.
“The intermission and post-show discussion will expound on the show and the issues it focuses on. This show is a work of passion by passionate people. We want to get a positive uplifting message out there about mental health and how to successfully deal with it,” Conrad said.
Jennifer Kuczek, chief creative officer of The Dublin Grange Theatre Company and The AfterSchool Players, said the theatre primarily focuses on children’s theatre, but “Next to Normal” is one of the few adult shows it produces.
“I went to summer theatre camp and I just loved it and I knew I wanted to start my own children’s theatre. I wanted to start an arts center for children that offered children’s theatre and children’s activities. I love working with kids. It’s amazing to watch children realize they can do this,” Kuczek said.
Kuczek said the City of Canfield has been wonderful and very welcoming.
“We bought the Dublin Grange Building of Route 224 and the City of Canfield has been wonderful and very welcoming,” Kuczek said.
The AfterSchool Players also offers a Baby and Me Series, which includes baby art, baby music and baby dance.
For more information on “Next to Normal” or The AfterSchool Players, call Kuczek at 330-518-4064 or visit afterschoolplayers.com.