RIALTO CHATTER: NEXT TO NORMAL Part of Broadway San Diego's Season; Show to Tour

According to a new season announcement from Broadway/San Diego, a National tour of the Broadway sensation 'Next To Normal' is headed to the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego for a limited engagement run from January 18 to 23, 2011. The announcement from Broadway/San Diego reads, "And don't miss NEXT TO NORMAL; a thrilling emotional powerhouse about a loving family trying to take care of themselves and each other; the acclaimed, groundbreaking musical "that pushes Broadway in new directions" (Rolling Stone)."

A tour of NEXT TO NORMAL has been long rumored, but this is the first official confirmation of the tour.

Winner of three Tony Awards including Best Score and Best Actress in a Musical, Next to Normal opened at Broadway's Booth Theatre (222 West 45th street) on Wednesday, April 15. Next to Normal features music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, and direction by Michael Greif. 

With a thrilling contemporary score, Next to Normal is an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other.

The musical features Tony Award-winner Alice Ripley, J. Robert Spencer, Kyle Dean Massey, Jennifer Damiano, Adam Chanler-Berat, and Louis Hobson. BroadwayWorld has confirmed that come next month, the production may welcome a new, real life couple into the roles of Diana and Dan. Sarah Uriarte Berry (The Light in the Piazza, Taboo), is now preparing to understudy Diana when regular understudy Jessica Phillips is on vacation the week of February 15. The role of Diana will continue to be played by Tony-winner Alice Ripley. Her husband, Michael Berry, currently understudies Dan and Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine. If all aligns, the couple could appear opposite one another during that week.

Next to Normal is performed at the Booth Theatre (222 West 45th street) on the following schedule: Monday at 8pm, Tuesday at 7pm, Thursday at 8pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm & 7:30pm. Tickets, priced $25.00 - $115.00, are available at www.Telecharge.com or by calling 212-239-6200. For more information, visit www.NextToNormal.com.