Dancap stages coup and scores Broadway hit Next to Normal for 2011
Broadway hits of the past decade have been tepid affairs, sticking to the key rules of money-making: appeal to tourists, don’t offend anyone, get huge stars, be based on a movie. Torontonians know this rule well, since these are always the feel-good American shows that end up touring: Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Wicked, Lion King, and so on. So how is it that Next to Normal, a deeply felt musical about how bipolar disorder tears a family apart, came to make money, get nominated for 11 Tonys and go on the road? We don’t care—after seeing the production in New York, we’re just thrilled that Dancap is bringing it to Toronto next summer.
• T.O. to get Broadway hit musical [Toronto Star]
This is great news. I’ve seen Next to Normal twice on BW and it’s a fabulous show. The score, the set, the lyrics and the story are excellent. It’s not a happy musical but it’s not sad either – like the reviews sad it’s a ‘feel everything musical.’ Love love love. Can’t wait to see it again!
This is a tremendous chance for Toronto and area folk to see
a “musical” that has so much going for it. For starters the mmusic in a musical better be terrific or it won’t last. Such was the case with The Catered Affair I saw on Broadway.
The music was most appropriate to the show, the kind of music that was needed, but it wasn’t music for the masses.
Next to Normal has songs and music that pull out all the stops. The female lead won a TONY for Best Actress in a Musical Role….. a dynomite performance.
Next to Normal should do great business in Toronto.