Expect to forgo the predictable “happily ever after” if you attend this fall’s Moraine Valley musical theater production. You’re more likely to walk out of the Dorothy Menker Theater with torn heartstrings and subverted expectations.
In a break from lighthearted, high-energy, fantastical productions such as The Lightning Thief in 2023 and Young Frankenstein in 2025, Moraine’s upcoming production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Next to Normal takes on more serious themes. The musical runs from Nov. 6 to Nov. 15 in the Fine & Performing Arts Center.
Next to Normal follows a suburban family whose life seems idyllic—at first. Audiences will watch Diana, the mother of the family, face an ongoing battle with bipolar disorder and personal grief, which both directly impact her and her family.
With book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, the musical won three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score. Next to Normal was also chosen as “one of the year’s ten best shows” by critics around the country, including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times.
This sharp turn from previous musicals showcases the Moraine Valley theater program’s ability to challenge its performers with a diverse range of material and production styles while creating accessible entertainment for surrounding communities.
“It’s part of my job to let students and the community to see shows they may not see,” said director and theater professor Craig Rosen.
Rosen also mentions another vital responsibility the actors must consider when putting on this show: a small cast. The production consists of six actors without a background ensemble, a pivot from the larger casts of Young Frankenstein and The Lightning Thief.
“You have a real team,” he said.
The condensed size allows students more time to bond with one another and to learn and build upon the complexities of their characters. But a small cast also puts heavier responsibility on all of the members to have independence in contributing their part, a vital skill for budding performers.
Matthew Dever is playing Dan, the father character in Next to Normal. He’s been a notable member of Moraine Valley’s academic theater, in productions ranging from the horror drama musical Carrie to the satirical comedy The Thanksgiving Play.
Dever said the heavy and intense material of the musical has helped him grow as an actor: “I think I have been able to hone (my) hardship into something artistic and beneficial. Not only for myself, but hopefully for the audience as well.”
This production exemplifies the many ways that performing arts can be delivered to audiences, but it also sheds light on difficult yet honest aspects of life that many people in our society live with everyday.
Next to Normal is bound to provide actors a refreshing new experience to grow their skill sets, while providing audience members an experience that will leave them emotionally moved—consistent with Rosen’s ongoing mission to create a dynamic theatrical experience for students and audiences alike.
Next to Normal will will run Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 13-14 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. in the Dorothy Menker Theater in the F building. Tickets are $10 for students, faculty and staff.
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