Armidale audiences are in for an extraordinary theatrical experience as ADMS prepares to open its upcoming production of Next to Normal, a groundbreaking and emotionally charged musical that forever changed the landscape of modern theatre.
Winner of three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Next to Normal has been celebrated worldwide for its fearless exploration of mental illness, grief, family dynamics, and the messy, beautiful complexity of being human. With a contemporary rock score by Tom Kitt and an incisive, empathetic book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, the show follows Diana Goodman – a suburban mother living with bipolar disorder – and her family as they navigate love, loss, treatment, and the search for hope.
For director Calliden Hunter, bringing this remarkable work to Armidale felt not only timely but deeply meaningful. When the idea was first raised, he recalls being struck by the show’s depth and its suitability for the Playhouse Theatre.
“Our musical director Bruce Menzies was aware of Next to Normal for some time, and after catching it at the Donmar Warehouse in London, was absolutely enamoured by it,” said Mr Hunter.
“When he brought it to me as an option for ADMS to produce, I did some research and very quickly fell in love myself. The music is complex and thrilling, and the script tackles some very real topics in an empathetic way. With a cast and band of only six, respectively, it was a perfect option to bring to the Playhouse theatre.”
Under Hunter’s direction, this production will lean into the intimate, emotionally charged nature of the story with a stark, evocative staging.
“We’re using a minimal set and expressive lighting to keep the focus on the performers,” he said. “The musical shifts from naturalism to electrifying rock-concert moments, so we wanted to highlight this contrast between realism and heightened emotion. There’s a bit of metatheatre happening, incorporating the band into the set so that they’re almost sitting in the living room with our characters.”
Rehearsing such a demanding show in just two months has been no small task, but Hunter says the cast’s dedication has been nothing short of inspiring.
“I’ve been consistently surprised (in the best way) by how quickly and professionally they’ve taken to this material,” he says. “Its emotional depth and the complexity of its score are part of what makes it brilliant, but they also made for a fairly intensive rehearsal process.”
Given the heavy emotional themes, supporting performers through the work has been essential.
“It’s a significant amount of emotional work for the cast, so an atmosphere of openness and support is always what I aim to cultivate,” Hunter says. “Everyone brings something of themselves to this show and knows they can lean on each other in the shared experience of doing what we love: making theatre.”
ADMS is also embracing innovation for this production, introducing new technical elements to enhance both storytelling and performer wellbeing.
“This will be the first time we’ve used radio microphones in the Playhouse, helping us balance the actors’ voices with the band and protect them from vocal strain,” said Mr Hunter. “We’ve also incorporated some new lighting techniques that help the set come alive and really support the storytelling.”
But at its core, Next to Normal remains a story about people – their struggles, their resilience, and the things we don’t always talk about openly.
“In a small community, it is especially difficult for people to speak about their experiences with mental illness, and this show provides a space and an opportunity to have those conversations,” Mr Hunter said.
Everybody will have a point of personal connection to this story.”
As for what audiences can expect, Mr Hunter offers a simple but compelling promise:
“Prepare to laugh, cry, and be genuinely surprised, often in the same moment,” he says. “Without giving anything away, there are twists that will stop you dead in your tracks.”
With a remarkable cast, powerful live band, and a creative team committed to honouring one of Broadway’s most important contemporary works, ADMS’s Next to Normal is set to be an unforgettable theatrical event – one that challenges, comforts, and ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.
Next to Normal will play at the Armidale Playhouse from Friday 21 November to Saturday 29 November. Tickets are on sale now via https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1484142?
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