NEXT TO NORMAL Begins 2/13 at at Meadow Brook Theatre

"When the world that once had color fades to white and gray and black..." sings Diana, a wife and mother, learning to live with her bipolar disorder. How does a "normal" suburban family cope with the stress, the treatment, the future? "Next to Normal"-winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama-is one family's story of how to survive when the world seems to be crumbling.

"Next to Normal" runs February 13 through March 10 at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.

With music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, "Next to Normal" was also nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 2009. "It won three, including Best Original Score," said director Travis W. Walter. "The minute I saw it, I knew I wanted to share this emotional journey with our Meadow Brook family."

A mix of familiar and new faces takes the stage for this gripping musical. Stephanie Wahl plays Diana, with George Andrew Wolff as her husband, Dan. Ryan Naimy and Jessica Naimy, who grew up in Troy, are appearing as Gabe and Natalie, the brother and sister in the play. "We're excited to see this happen...actors who grew up here, returning home to metro-Detroit to share their talent," said Walter. Rounding out the cast are Jason Cabral (Henry) and Eric Gutman (Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden).

"Next to Normal" is directed by MBT Artistic Director Travis W. Walter, Terry W. Carpenter is the stage manager with set design by Jeremy Barnett, costumes by Liz Moore, lighting by Reid G. Johnson and sound by Mike Duncan.

Tickets range from $25 to $40 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing. Please note that "Next to Normal" does contain mature language and situations and is not recommended for children.

This production of "Next to Normal" is made possible through the continued support of Extended Stay Hotels and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.mbtheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 45 years.

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