Elgin Summer Theatre presents musical about mental illness
Elgin Summer Theatre presents the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical "Next To Normal," which will run July 17-19 and July 24-26. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets are $15. For tickets, visit www.cityofelgin.org or call the Hemmens box office at (847) 931-5900.
"Next To Normal" explores how one suburban household copes (or doesn't) with crisis and mental illness and takes the audience into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family's story with love, sympathy and heart.
Dad's an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches; their daughter and son are bright, wisecracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal, because the mother has been battling manic depression for 16 years.
Playwright and lyricist Brian Yorkey brings a touch of humor to situations that balance this deeply moving piece of theater. With Yorkey's provocative lyrics and a thrilling pop-rock score by Tom Kitt, "Next to Normal" is an emotional powerhouse that addresses grief, ethics in modern psychology, and suburban life.
The Elgin production of "Next to Normal," directed by Charlie Brieger, will be presented in an intimate setting with the seating and performance area located on the stage of the Hemmens Cultural Center. This arrangement will bring the audience closer to the characters and their struggles.
Elgin Summer Theatre is a showcase for regional talent and is funded through a grant from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the city of Elgin.