NEXT TO NORMAL – SARASOTA, FL

Next to Normal

HELD OVER THRU JAN 20!

November 2 thru January 20

In the Keating Theatre

Overview
The 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Set to a compelling contemporary score, “Next to Normal” is an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards.

More Information

Starring (in order of appearance)

Stacia Fernandez*…………………………………………………………………………Diana

Mike Backes*……………………………………………………………………………….Gabe

Leo Daignault*……………………………………………………………………………….Dan

Ashley Picciallo*…………………………………………………………………………Natalie

James LaRosa*……………………………………………………………………………Henry

Scott Guthrie*…………………………………………………………..Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine

Directed by Richard Hopkins

Production Stage Manager – Kelli Karen*

Musical Director – Aimee Radics

Musical Staging – Stephen Hope

Scenic Coordinator – April Soroko

Costume Designer – Sara J. Hinkley

Lighting Designer – David M. Upton

Sound Designer – Eric Stahlhammer

The Band – Aimee Radics, Erik Sumner, Matthew R. Meckes, Ericka Brown, Aaron Nix and Amanda Nix

Click here to read their bios.

*Denote member of Actors’ Equity

Read about Next to Normal’s big Pulitzer Prize win for Drama in 2010.

Meet the Broadway creative team behind Next to Normal as they talk about the concept of the play, the music, and the themes.

Read about Next to Normal’s unlikely road to success.

Mental illness affects more than one out of every five U.S. adults. Read more about Bipolar disorder and how the musical presents a family affected by it.

Next to Normal is truly a contemporary musical. Explore the changing face of musical theatre here.

Read an interview with Stacia Fernandez from our friends at Playbill.com.

“’Next to Normal’ rocks your heart, your mind, and your soul.” -The Observer

“A stunning opener for Florida Studio Theatre’s fall season.” – The Observer

“‘Next to Normal’ might not be for everybody but it’s must-see performance art for anyone interested in what the exciting possibilities are in musical theater.” -Bradenton Herald

“FST’s ‘Next to Normal’ is crazy good” -Bradenton Herald

“The production staged by Richard Hopkins is energetic, loving, open and enveloping.” -Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“Diana’s struggles and the impact on her family provide a surprising sense of inspiration and rejuvenation for those watching the invigorating, Pulitzer Prize-winning musical ‘Next to Normal’ at Florida Studio Theatre.” -Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“Stacia Fernandez lets us get into Diana’s mind and shifting feelings, beautifully sung as well as acted.” -Total Theater

“The cast is all excellent, but Fernandez and Picciallo are especially impressive. And, in a town where standing ovations can become too common, these performers truly earn theirs.” -Sarasota Magazine

“‘Next To Normal’ a compelling evening of theatre” -SCENE Magazine

“…powerful and engrossing drama about grief, depression, drug addiction, and mental illness.” -SCENE Magazine

“This is musical theatre at its best” -SCENE Magazine

“‘Next to Normal’ is not only passionately dramatic but also hilarious at times… Stacia Fernandez is totally riveting as a soccer mom on the brink.” -The St. Pete Times

Click below to listen to Radio Host Lisa Wolf on Chicago’s WIND AM 560 after she visited Sarasota and saw our production of “Next to Normal.”