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]