Academic Theater: Next to Normal

About this event

Next to Normal Music by Tom Kitt Books & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey Directed by Dr. Craig Rosen Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 13-14 at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 & 15 at 3 p.m. Dorothy Menker Theater 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 ten best shows" by critics around the country, including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times. Dad's an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, 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. This deeply moving piece of theatre provides a wonderful opportunity for performers to explore dramatic material and showcase vocal talents with an energetic pop/rock score. Next to Normal is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life and is ideal for community theatres, as well as colleges and regional theatre companies. morainevalley.edu/fpac/academic-theater Tickets (does not include fees) Adult $15 Seniors 55+ $12 Students $10 Moraine Valley Employee $10 Academic Tickets On Sale = Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Get tickets 24/7 at morainevalley.edu/fpac/tickets Contact the FPAC Box Office Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 708-974-5500. Box Office summer hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Events are subject to change. All sales are final. No exchange or refunds. For more information, please contact the FPAC Box Office at 708-974-5500. Stay connected by joining us on social media at facebook.com/mvccfpac and instagram.com/mvccfpac, join our monthly E-Newsletter, or visit us online at morainevalley.edu/fpac.