This rock musical is ultimately about how a family struggles to carve out an existence that doesn’t even come close to normal, but they are fine settling for something “next to” normal

(left to right): Taylor Simmons, Nikki Rockett, Wade Kilbarger

photo by: Ken Kinder

You’ll Go Crazy for This Feel Everything Musical!

Mission Viejo, CA – The Department of Theatre Arts is thrilled to present Saddleback College students in Next to Normal on December 6^th through the 15^th in the Studio Theatre. Directed by Trevor Biship, this rock musical is ultimately about how a family struggles to carve out an existence that doesn’t even come close to normal, but they are fine settling for something “next to” normal. Diana Goodman has been diagnosed as Bi-Polar depressive with delusional episodes and a 16-year history of medication. This contemporary musical is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life. With provocative lyrics and a thrilling score, Next to Normal shows how far two parents will go to keep themselves sane and their family’s world intact.

Dates are December 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m. and December 8, 15 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling (949) 582-4656 (noon-4:00 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday) and online at www.saddleback.edu/arts.  Prices are $15 general; $10 students/seniors.

The Department of Theatre Arts’ program at Saddleback College produces several fully-staged shows each year.  All students are given the opportunity to audition for every production yet Theatre Arts students are given priority in the casting process.  In addition, there are numerous opportunities for students to contribute in backstage activities through the Entertainment and Theater Technology program.

Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit.  Free parking is available in Lot 12.  Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the third left to Theatre Circle, turning right into Lot 12.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community.  Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Nina Welch