BWW Previews: NEXT TO NORMAL at Bootless Stageworks

In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, Bootless proudly presents the award-winning musical, next to normal. Mental health organizations, NAMI and Mental Health Association in Delaware, will have materials available for the public at all performances. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Mental illness is like another other illness, It is not a stigma.

next to normal is the story of a mother struggling with worsening bipolar disorder and the effects her illness has on her family. The musical also addresses such issues as grieving a loss, suicide, drug abuse, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life.

next to normal received several workshop performances before it debuted off-Broadway in 2008, winning the Outer Critics' Circle Award for Outstanding Score and receiving nominations for Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Actress (Alice Ripley) and Outstanding Score. The musical opened on Broadway in April 2009 and was nominated for eleven 2009 Tony Awards, winning three - Best Original Score, Best Orchestration and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Alice Ripley. It also won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, becoming just the eighth musical in history to receive the honor.

The performers for Bootless' production include regional artists Tara Herweg (Diana Goodman), Michael Sheldon (Dan Goodman), Shannon Q. Harkins (Natalie Goodman), Antoine Martinez-Jones (Gabe Goodman), Michael Vandie (Henry), and Shaun Yates (Dr. Fine & Dr. Madden). James W. Fuerst conducts.

May 11 @ 8 pm - Opening Night
May 12 @ 8 pm
May 13 @ 3 pm - Matinee
May 17 @ 7:30 pm - Pay What You Can At The Door
May 18 @ 8 pm
May 19 @ 8 pm - Closing Night / Cake with the Cast

Tickets: $22 Online/Advance Purchase or $25 At-the-Door

next to normal is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (NY).