McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
McNeese’s W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts presents the musical Next to Normal on Wednesday, March 4, through Saturday, March 7, in Tritico Theatre. The performances are at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Next to Normal, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next to Normal was also chosen as “one of the year’s 10 best shows” by critics around the country, including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times.
Dad is an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; and their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens – all appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Next to Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy and heart.
The musical is directed by McNeese assistant professor of theatre, Joshua Stenvick, with music direction by assistant professor of music, Paul Wolf.
General admission is $20 and free for students with their student ID. Tickets are available at the door or through the website at www.mcneese.edu/performingarts/boxoffice/.
The McNeese Theatre program gives students from all areas of study an opportunity to express their creativity and become storytellers. The students build close friendships with cast, crew and professors that feel like a second home, according to Stenvick.
Persons requesting accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Office of Campus Compliance and Civility at least 72 hours before the event. Additional information is available from the Office of Campus Compliance and Civility, located in the Burton Business Center, Suite 407, by phone at 337-475-5428, by fax at 337-475-5603, or by email at compliance@mcneese.edu.
