Not your typical musical: Elgin Summer Theatre's 'Next to Normal'

In the seven years since Elgin Summer Theatre began showcasing musicals, it has presented some of the most beloved and familiar musicals of our time, such as "Annie," "Grease," "Hair" and "Rent."

This year's production of "Next to Normal," with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, is, by and large, a lesser-known musical, but the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a challenging and contemporary example of musical theater, according to music director Gregor King of Batavia.

"I think it can open people up to musical theater who don't think they like musical theater," he said. "It's a new spin on Broadway. I think Elgin is in for a real treat."

The premise itself is far removed from the typical love stories and dance numbers of musical theater.

"It's a show it takes a lot of guts to pull off. It's so emotional. It's not your usual happy-go-lucky, 'let's do a show' type," said director Charlie Brieger of Elgin.

"It's about family in various level of turmoil. Mom is a bipolar depressive person so there's a lot of therapy, a lot of medication. They're dealing with a lot of issues," Brieger added.

Amanda Flahive of Hoffman Estates portrays Diana, the mother.

"I play a woman who, on the surface it seems she is a mom in a normal suburban family, but she's been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years," she said.

According to Flahive, who appeared in Elgin Summer Theatre productions of "Annie" and "Jesus Christ Superstar," where she played Judas Iscariot, the show is a favorite among theater professionals because of the challenging material.

"I love it, because I've done a lot of musical theater, my degree is in musical theater. I feel passionately about musical theater as an art form, but I love the opportunity to work on a show that's a little bit different than traditional musicals," she said. "I think traditional musicals get the reputation for being fluff entertainment and this is an opportunity to work on a show that has really important things to say in an interesting way."

The score is written in a contemporary rock style and there are no spoken words. When King and Brieger were auditioning actors, a strong vocal ability was as important as the ability to tackle the subject matter in a believable way. They saw 90 people and whittled that number down to seven, according to King.

"The music can be challenging for performers. There is a wide variety of ranges," King said. "They are constantly on stage and they're doing music from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows with such emotional content."

"(The show requires) not just people who can sing, but people who can act because it's a very intense, emotional show," Brieger added. "Vocally, it's a terribly demanding show."

Both men are pleased with cast members and their ability to put forth the material.

"It's been a lot of work, but we have some amazingly talented people," Brieger said.

Adding to the emotional intensity of the show is the unique staging. The audience will be seated on stage on three sides of a set which suggests the family's home, giving the impression that they are peeking in on the intimate inner workings of a family in turmoil, according to Brieger, who also served as set designer.

"It's a different way of watching a show. It's also a new way for the actors. There's an audience on all three sides so you have to stage everything so everyone can see something. So it's a challenge," he said.

"It challenges everyone artistically."

The actors are especially affected, as no audience member will be more than 12 feet away from the production. "In this situation we are able to feed off of the audience reaction," Flahive said. "You definitely have to focus."

"That's easily been the hardest part for our actors, because they're so used to performing downstage," King said. "You have an audience to your side and sometimes behind you. I've never worked on a show anything like this."

Although the production theme is more serious than many musicals, it isn't without its lighter moments, according to Flahive.

"It's an uplifting story about how this family copes with their situation. Even though it deals with heavy subject matter it does treat it with humor."

"I consider it kind of a rock opera. There are no moments of silence or spoken word. Its lively and energetic," King added.

Despite those attributes however, audiences can expect an emotional ride, according to Brieger.

"It's not something that you'll be sitting there getting bored," King said. "You're always going to be on the edge of your seat. Emotionally or physically, the actors are right there."

Because of the staging, only 220 seats are available for each performance, King warned. "Get your tickets early so you don't wind up walking out without a ticket because we're sold out."

Additional cast members include Nicole Franik of Algonquin, Chris Cunningham of Cary, Brian Baker of Downers Grove, Evan Suitts of Elgin, Danny Zozokos of Lake in the Hills, Claire Latourette of Palatine, Mary Alice Roach of St. Charles, and David Schuringa of Streamwood.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 17-18 and 24-25, and at 3 p.m. Sundays, July 19 and 26, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets are $15. To purchase tickets, visit www.hemmens.org.

If you go

What: Elgin Summer Theatre's production of award-winning musical, "Next To Normal"

Where: The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, July 17-18 and 24-25, and 3 p.m. Sundays, July 19 and 26

Tickets: $15

Rating: This show has adult themes and language. It is recommended for audience members age 16 and older.

Details: <a href="http://www.hemmens.org">www.hemmens.org</a>