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NEXT TO NORMAL is about the seemingly picture perfect Goodman family. However, Diana, the mother, is a little too happy. Her husband Dan constantly worries. Her daughter Natalie is awfully intent on getting that scholarship to Yale. And her son Gabe, well… NEXT TO NORMAL is a heartbreaking, humorous and unflinchingly authentic look at a suburban family struggling with the effects bipolar disorder. Set to a pulsating rock score by Tom Kitt (American Idiot) with a powerhouse female lead at its core, Next to Normal will leave you breathless.
DIANA (to play Asian American, South Asian American, or Pacific Islander 30’s-40’s) – A middle aged wife and mother. Sexy. Sharp. Delusional bipolar depressive. Although she once dreamed of being an architect, she gave up this ambition when she found herself unexpectedly pregnant in college. She is smart and outwardly appears strong, but she is actually about to shatter. Lost in her life, she's been afflicted, for 16 years with bipolar depression and delusions, since the death of her son. She believes he is still there, with her, growing up. An excellent singer and actress is needed for this demanding role. Waltzing and tango
Alto w/ belt/mix to E 23 songs
DAN (to play Asian American, South Asian American, or Pacific Islander 30’s-40’s) – Diana’s husband, father of Gabe and Natalie. Handsome, genuine, loyal, constant, weary. He is a stand-up guy, loves his wife and daughter, and is trying to hold his family together against great odds. Underneath his strength and normalness, he has a desperate need for sex and intimacy which is unanswered in his marriage and life. As the story unfolds, his steadfast facade slowly crumbles, and a shaken, confused, and angry man is revealed beneath. Tries to be supportive and optimistic despite his wife’s crippling and seemingly permanent illness.
High Baritone / Tenor to A 16 songs
GABE (to play Asian American, South Asian American, or Pacific Islander 18) – Son of Diana and Dan. Handsome, gentle, dashing, bright, playful - everything a mother could want; yet also sharp, manipulative, calculating and possessive. He is the embodiment of Diana’s illness – a figment of her imagination. Gabe is a delusion, Diana’s wish for who and what her son would be if he had not died as a baby. Underneath the handsome, playful, perfect boy, there lurks a darkness and malevolence, a need to be seen and a need to control. A very strong rock/pop singer and a good mover is needed for this role. Gabe serves as a narrator of his mother’s problems throughout the play
Rock Tenor to B 13 songs
NATALIE (to play Asian American, South Asian American, or Pacific Islander 16) – Daughter of Diana and Dan. Sixteen and trying to be perfect and hold it all together, frantically practicing piano, desperate to get out of her crazy house and go to college on a music scholarship . It's not going well. Natalie tries to excel in school, but finds the stress of dealing with her mother’s illness is too much to handle. Also encountering her first romance, laden with fears of rejection, and unsure of how much of her mother’s illness may be hereditary. Provides a counterpoint to Diana. Natalie must appear to realistically play classical piano in several scenes.
Alto w/ belt/mix to E 14 songs
HENRY (to play Asian American, South Asian, Pacific Islander, African American, Latino or Middle Eastern 17) – Natalie's musician boyfriend. A bit of a loner, romantic, a stoner & slacker - a philosopher king. Henry is kind, compassionate, patient and supportive of Natalie, as she continually rejects him, while trying to cope with her family.
High Baritone / Tenor to A 6 songs
DR. FINE & DR MADDEN, ANESTHESIOLOGIST, OTHERS (to play Asian American, South Asian, Pacific Islander, African American, Latino or Middle Eastern American 30’s-40’s) – Diana’s two Doctors played by the same actor. Young side of ageless. Must convey detachment and empathy, intelligence, differing levels of self-assuredness, confidence, and doubt.
High Baritone / Tenor to A 7 songs
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