Next to Normal Resumes at Chapel off Chapel

The snap lockdown in Victoria has again devastated the arts. An independent production of the of musical Next to Normal has been closed for a second time.

“This is just soul destroying. (Thursday) was meant to be our opening night of Next to Normal in Melbourne. Cancelled last time and now this. My heart bleeds to the beautiful talented cast of this show and more importantly to Producer James Terry who is an incredible human being to try and try again." wrote lighting designer Jason Bovaird on his facebook page.

Prior to the latest lockdown one of the stars of the musical Queenie van de Zandt wrote that she was "very aware of the privilege that we have to be back in the theatre again – when so many shows around the country and the world are still closed due to this bloody pandemic. So going to make the very most of enjoying this special gift we get of sharing a story with our audience. Feeling very very lucky." Sadly the luck ran out

Here is our previous article marking the return which has been interupted.

James Terry Collective has announced the return of Next to Normal at Chapel off Chapel for a limited season from August 4 – 12, after being forced to close after it’s first preview in July by the most recent lockdown

Seating capacity for this season is reduced to just 35%, capped at 100 patrons per show.

"Whilst the production will continue to run at a loss with current capacity restrictions - there's no greater reward than sharing this show with Melbourne audiences. Whilst we've been on leave these last few weeks, I'll never forget the most thunderous applause, and electric standing ovation from our first (and only) audience. The cast & creatives are ready to get back! We are ecstatic that we have the opportunity to continue the season, and we so look forward to having everyone in the theatre again." - James Terry (Producer)

Previously announced, this production will star Queenie van de Zandt in the leading role of Diana Goodman, the matriarch of a modern-day family, traumatised by loss and the unpredictable affects sparked by her bipolar diagnosis.

The full cast includes Tyran Parke as Dan Goodman, Sam Richardson as Gabriel ‘Gabe’ Goodman, Melanie Bird as Natalie Goodman, Liam Wigney as Henry, and Ross Chisari as Dr Madden/Dr Fine.

Next to Normal with music by Tom Kitt, and Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey, is a powerful rock musical that grapples with the effects of trauma and mental illness. It was nominated for 11 Tony Awards, winning Best Original Score and Best Orchestration, followed by the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Despite some of the darkness of the story, this musical ultimately offers us hope and light – two things we need more than ever at the moment.