Winner of 3 Tony Awards, and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Phoenix Ensemble present ‘Next To Normal'; a dramatic musical phenomenon observing the daily lives and routines of a typical suburban family.
Except this family is anything but typical. On the surface, dad is a successful architect, the wise-cracking teens are happy-go-lucky know-it-all’s, yet their lives are chaotic and confusing, as mum has been battling manic depression for 16 years.
A deeply-moving piece, which Director David Harrison describes as “such a relevant story”, ‘Next To Normal’ has been stripped of its Broadway grandeur and presented as an intimate affair allowing audiences access to every facial expression and tear, up close and personal.
While some mothers make school lunches the night before, this mother drops slices of bread on the floor before making sandwiches. While other mothers mourn the death of their child in quiet, intimate ways, this mother makes birthday cakes every year to celebrate a son who died in infancy.
This extraordinarily creative example of theatre showcases diverse talents and boasts an energetic pop/ rock score. Delving into the deeper issues of loss, grieving, and modern ethics in psychiatry, ‘Next To Normal’ is a breath of fresh air, and celebrates the honesty of suburban life. David enlightens upon the darkness:
'Next To Normal' has had multiple international productions. What makes this production different and unique? Is it the intimate setting in the Pavilion Theatre or something else?
We're staging this production in 'the round', meaning the audience is seated right around the stage and the show performed in 360 degrees. This provides an intimacy with the performance that is rarely seen and I believe this staging is a first for this show.
Many of the productions have been nominated for and have won prestigious awards. Does this create a sense of urgency, or a challenge, for Phoenix Ensemble to live up to audience's expectations?
Most definitely. It was definitely not a show we took on lightly. It's revered in the theatre community and so we knew expectations were always going to be high. Without a doubt, it's one of our most ambitious productions in recent times!
The production addresses issues such as: mental illness, grief, loss, substance abuse, and ethics in modern psychiatry. This subject matter is often unexplored through theatre. Do you think this allows room for more creative interpretation?
It's not often you find musicals prepared to tackle this subject matter. I think the different ways these subjects are expressed on stage can certainly be very interpretive. We are blessed with a terrific script and the process feels very organic.
Who is your target audience? Do you want families with members who have a mental illness to attend?
Every single person can get something from seeing this show. There's not a person out there who doesn't deal with the issues this show tackles – maybe it's yourself, a family member, a friend, a work colleague – we all know the characters in the show somehow.
Are you hoping to spread awareness about the issues this production addresses?Most definitely. Society has come leaps and bounds in accepting metal illness as being a real issue, but we've still got a long way to go. I hope in some small way, our production helps in this.
The story is also about the love within family, including sympathy and understanding. Do you think this is often overlooked in theatre?
In musical theatre, definitely. The most interesting people in this world are everyday people! Everyone has a story and those stories are fascinating!
The Pulitzer board said the original musical expanded “the scope of subject matter for musicals.” Do you think this is an example of paradigm shifts within musical theatre?
It's constantly evolving and changing – and that's why we love it! Every generation has a show that defines a change – the '90s had 'Rent', the '00s had a 'Next To Normal', and now you see 'Hamilton' doing it currently on Broadway. Pushing the boundaries of what can and can't be done is what creative theatre is all about. It's exciting!
Have there been any standout moments during rehearsals?
Don't really want to give anything away, but I will say that in the last week or so we've seen the cast fully engage emotionally and it's really something to behold. Astonishing! Adam Bartlett (Dan) – wow. Yeah, he has some moments the audience will remember *reaches for tissues*
What can you say about the actors themselves? What have they brought to the table?
Oh my goodness. They're amazing. Every single one has put SO much time and thought into who they're portraying, knowing just how important it is that they get it right. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people. Simply phenomenal.
The season begins soon. What are you hoping people will take away from the production?
Understanding, compassion and empathy for those dealing with these issues as well as for those who have loved ones struggling. If we achieve that, then we've done what we set out to do.
'Next To Normal' performs Phoenix Ensemble 22 April – 14 May.
