Theater beat: StageWorks snags ‘Next to Normal’
It used to be we’d wait years in Fresno for hot Broadway titles to come to town. Not anymore. StageWorks Fresno has nabbed the rights to produce “Next to Normal,” the acclaimed musical about a woman suffering from bipolar disorder that spawned the catch-phrase “Valium is my favorite color.”
Artistic director Joel Abels tells me the title will replace “Lucky Stiff” on the StageWorks season schedule and will run July 13 – 29, 2012 at the Dan Pessano Theatre.
This is a big coup for StageWorks. I’m sure competition at auditions will be fierce.
Responses to "Theater beat: StageWorks snags ‘Next to Normal’"
Weird how things spiral outward. . .
Bakersfield’s Spotlight Theater got the rights to do a one-night concert of “Next to Normal” (which they performed just a few weeks ago), now this.
Congrats to SWFresno for going after and landing such a big fish!
My wife and I saw this in NY last fall and it is simply an incredible piece. Very powerful source material, very thought provoking. Cant wait to see how they pull off the set which in itself is a masterpiece.
Wow. Wow. WOW.
Cannot wait.
Wpw, with Joel directing I wonder who will be Natalie. Competition at auditions? Come on Donald… this play has already been cast.
It saddens me that people are so close minded. Why can’t we all be supportive? Throwing out digs toward people is not productive, and it only makes you seem petty. Congrats to StageWorks for getting this show. I know auditions will be fierce, and the product will be incredible.
sorry theatregoer, i have to agree with Anonymous. This is a tightly knit theatre town and if you are not on the inside, you dont get cast. i have seen people do incredible auditions, not get called back or cast, then see the final product and the person who was cast is not as good as people i had seen at auditions. call it sour grapes if you want, but maybe the producers and directors need to open their minds.
You sound like someone who has been beat out for parts by Ms. Abels. Was it Little Women, Spelling Bee, Zombie Prom, or maybe TIC? Those leads played by Taylor were not shows directed by Joel. You are so pathetic that you make a comment that you are not brave enough to stand behind. Have the courage to state your name.
YOU sound like Taylor Abels.