The Dunes Summer Theatre is launching the 2022 season  with “Next to Normal,” a dramatic pop rock musical exploring life with mental illness. The production opens on Friday, May 27 and runs through Sunday, June 12. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. CT and Sundays at 2 p.m. CT at the theatre, 288 Shady Oak Drive in Michiana Shores.  

“Next to Normal” is directed by Steve Scott, Dunes’ Artistic Director, with musical direction by Andrew Flasch.  Scott said, “Andrew and I are excited to bring this beautiful, life-affirming play to Dunes’ audiences.” 

Scott looks forward to returning to the Dunes Summer Theatre indoor stage, after COVID-19 restrictions moved productions outside last season. “At a time when many of us are facing the after-effects of the COVID shutdown, this is the perfect time to produce this play, and we’ve found the best cast possible to bring this show to life,” Scott said.  

The cast includes Chicago actors Jodi Gage, as Diana; Max DeTonge (cast member for the Dunes 2019 production of Working), as Dan; Peter Sielstra, as Henry; and Ben Harmon, as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine.  Valparaiso singer and musician Derek DeRoo plays Gabe, and Mia Goodman, a senior at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, plays Natalie. 

Besides his duties as Artistic Director, Scott is a board member of Dunes Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that manages Dunes Summer Theatre. “We believe the arts are a vital part of the community’s health and wellness,” Scott said. “And the power of the theatre to entertain, enlighten and bring us together in a common experience has never been so important.” 

To provide an up-to-date perspective on mental health and treatment options, Dunes Arts is partnering with professionals from Samaritan Counseling Center to hold audience talk backs immediately following 2 p.m. Sunday matinee performances on May 29 and June 12. The “Next to Normal” production and talk backs are made possible thanks in part to support from the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte.  

“These discussions will provide crucial information about the many facets of mental illness and support systems available in the area,” Scott said. “They are an important dimension of our overall mission of enhancing the lives of our residents.” 

The Dunes Summer Theatre 2022 season will introduce a mix of drama, comedy and musical performances. More information on upcoming performances and ticket purchases is available at www.dunesarts.org. The website also has information about enrolling in sessions of the Youth Summer Theatre Camp, running from June 13-July 29.