“Next to Normal,” with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, is a popular American rock musical that won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three Tony Awards, according to Steve Scott, Dunes Artistic Director.  

Scott will direct the Dunes Summer Theatre production, with music direction provided by Andrew Flasch. The production will feature a live band with set and costume design by Ted Hoerl and lighting design by Arturo A. Pozos. 

“Next to Normal” focuses on a mother struggling with misdiagnosed mental illness and the impact on her husband and teenage daughter. Scott said, “The drama allows a small group of actors to explore pressing contemporary issues of trauma, loss, mental health treatment, and the meaning of family." 

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. 

Annalise McSweeney, production dramaturg, is working with the cast to provide insights into the mental health challenges presented in “Next to Normal.” “The dramaturg’s main function on a show like this is to provide background information that the actors can use as they’re creating their characters, which is especially important for this production, “said Scott. “Annaliese has done a terrific job of providing material that will help us all understand what these characters are going through, which will result in richer, more moving performances.” 

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.  

Scott said, “The kinds of mental health issues presented in “Next to Normal” are difficult to deal with, but many families have been affected by them in one way or another. And this musical strikes a hopeful note at the end.” 

“Next to Normal” 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. Tickets are now on sale at dunesARTS.org Discount for groups of 5 or more.