MONTCLAIR, NJ — Vanguard Theater had announced the cast and creative team for its mainstage production of the Pulitzer Prize–winning musical, “Next to Normal.”
Erica Dorfler stars as Diana; Dorfler made her Broadway debut in the 2010 Tony Award–winning hit “Memphis,” followed by the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award–winning “The Book of Mormon,” among other shows. Playing Dan is Lou Steele, whose regional credits include “Diner,” “Violet” and “Songs for a New World.” They will be joined by Josslyn Shaw and Racquel Williams, alternating as Natalie; Marcus Beckett and Charles Fusari, alternating as Gabe; Aaron Bowes and Draytin Freude alternating as Henry; and Morgan Scott as Drs. Madden and Fine.
The creative team is led by Vanguard Artistic Director Janeece Freeman Clark, with music direction by Alex Ratner. Tickets are currently on sale at https://vtcnj.ticketleap.com/n2n/. The production will run from Nov. 11 to 21 at Vanguard Theater, 180 Bloomfield Ave. in Montclair.
“We are thrilled about the cast we have assembled for ‘Next to Normal,’” Freeman Clark said. “Our experimental approach to this show — having the same show with shifting actors — will be part of an exciting process to explore how the narrative shifts with players of differing complexions.”
Having won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this unflinching look at a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt won three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score. The musical also garnered three Helen Hayes Awards, including Outstanding Production, during its pre-Broadway run at D.C.’s Arena Stage.
Vanguard Theater is partnering with Darkness Rising, a mental health awareness nonprofit organization offering free community wellness workshops geared toward people of color, inspirational cover songs, visual albums and live concerts created by Black Broadway and theater professionals, many who have experienced mental health conditions. The goal of Darkness Rising is to inspire conversations about mental health, address issues that directly affect the black community, connect attendees to resources and erase the stigma.
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