Next to Normal for Campbelltown

Shannon O’Connell previews Campbelltown Theatre Group’s November 2019 production of the Pulitzer Prize winning musical Next to Normal.

As a lover of theatre, especially musicals, my favourite shows are the ones that have a clever story line with complex characters, are brave in the themes and issues they explore, have a musical score you can fall in love with and most of all, make you feel something.

At the top of my favs list is Next to Normal, a deeply moving and beautiful piece of theatre that stays with you long after the show has finished.

I’ll admit, I’ve watched a number of copies on YouTube and sung my heart out to the sound track, so I was very excited when I heard that Campbelltown Theatre Group was putting the show on. I was particularly honoured to preview a dress rehearsal before the show opens on Friday, 15 November.

Next To Normal has an energetic rock score with some softer, haunting numbers and received three Tony Awards including Best Musical Score in 2009 and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama.

If you are not familiar with the story, the show takes you into the hearts and minds of the Goodman family, taking an unflinching look at their struggle with the effects of mental illness. Dad, Dan (played by Dean Irwin) is an architect; Mum, Diana (Joanne Johnston) rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; and siblings, Gabe and Natalie (Anthony Rule and Zoe Rose) are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family, however their lives are anything but normal.

The cast has just six members, also including Brendan Cascarino as Henry and John Burdon as Dr Madden/Dr Fine. It is an epic sing for all, as when they are not singing lead vocals, they form the ensemble.

For a lot of people, Next to Normal isn’t well known and when they learn what it is about, they start backing away from wanting to see it, fearing it may be too heavy. To anyone unsure about seeing this show, I would say don’t let the subject matter turn you off. This is one that everyone should experience and which deserves an audience.

The story is told with empathy and heart and as cast member, Anthony Rule, put it “has light and shade with the music helping to alleviate the tension”. It is not forced and has some surprisingly funny moments. While you will need the tissues, it will make you laugh and is relatable.

When looking for Campbelltown Theatre Group’s final production for 2019, first time Director, Jarrod Denning-Cascarino said he wanted something a bit different, that told a story and had meaning.

“My vision for the show was to bring forward the discussion of mental illness and to let people know it is okay to talk about it. We can’t raise awareness without talking about it and lifting the veil”.  

“The beauty of a small cast is that the rehearsal process has been a collaborative experience”.

“The relationships on stage are something that can’t be faked and cast members have had the opportunity to get to know each other and build relationships off stage. They’ve also had space to try ideas and bounce things off each other,” Jarrod said.

Anthony and Dean added that “everyone has been incredibly dedicated to the show and their characters. We’ve become more like family. We also worked with mentors to help us find a deeper layer to our characters”.

Between them, the cast has acted in, directed and choreographed almost 300 productions across Sydney with a number of them having been involved in professional film, television and stage productions. They bring a wealth of experience to the stage and at the risk of sounding cliché, will no doubt take you on a journey.

Images by Angela Cascarino

Next to Normal

Music by Tom Kitt

Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey

Director - Jarrod Denning-Cascarino

Musical Director - Tiah Streltschenko

Campbelltown Theatre Group

15-23 November 2019 at Town Hall Theatre, 297 Queen Street Campbelltown

Running time: Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes (including a 20 minute interval).

Tickets at: www.ctgi.org.au

This production contains strobe lighting, strong language, sexual references, drug use, adult themes, references to self-harm and suicide - Suitable for Ages 15+. 

If Next to Normal raises any concerns for you following the performance, One Door Mental Health Campbelltown provides specialised mental health services to the Macarthur region including carer services, centre-based services, psychological services, individual support, youth services and assistance transitioning to the NDIS. Health Care - Psychology Services 02 9199 6143. Additional information can be found at onedoor.org.au. Other services which may be of assistance include Lifeline (lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14), Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au or 1300 224 636) and Headspace (headspace.org.au) or consider speaking to your local GP.

Campbelltown Theatre Group will donate all profits from the sale of their show programs to One Door Mental Health so they can continue the amazing work they do in the Macarthur region.