NEXT TO NORMAL will Rock Lee Street Theatre Next Week

Next to Normal is a Tony Award winning musical with a fabulous book and genius lyrics written by Brian Yorkey, and a spine chilling score by Tom Kitt. This two act rock musical explores how one seemingly average suburban family copes with crisis and mental illness. Next to Normal won three 2009 Tony Awards, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Score, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The story centers around a mother who struggles with her worsening bipolar disorder. Addressing issues such as grief, suicide, drug abuse, and the underbelly of suburban life, Next to Normal tackles our waking nightmares with sharp humor and brilliant musical numbers making this show what the New York Times calls a "feel-everything musical, which asks you, with operatic force, to discover the liberation in knowing where it hurts."

This production is performed in collaboration with Catawba College through a newly established internship program called the CataLst Internship. The internship was offered to upperclassmen students at Catawba College in hopes to enrich the minds of the young artists' who were chosen and to help them enhance their craft. As such, the roles of Natalie, Gabe, and Henry are played by students from Catawba College Theatre Arts Department.

This phenomenal cast includes: Wendy Weant (Salisbury, NC) as Diana, Tommy Foster (Concord, NC) as Dan, Larissa Garcia (San Diego, CA) as Natalie, Jacob Hammill (Gold Hill, NC) as Gabe, Randy Stull (Frederick, MD) as Henry, and Tim Campbell (Salisbury, NC) as Dr. Madden. Our abundantly talented Creative Team includes the direction of Artistic Director Craig Kolkebeck, scenic and lighting design by Technical Director Chris Speer, and publicity by Marketing Director Caitlin Billings.

Performances are November 2 - 4 & 9 - 11 at 7:30pm. Performances will take place at Lee Street Theatre and Performing Arts Center at the Tom and Martha Smith Event Center on 329 North Lee Street, Salisbury, NC 28144. Tickets are $20+tax and are available online at www.leestreet.org or via phone 704-310-5507.