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Tom Kitt Brian Yorkey

Tom Kitt Brian Yorkey

WHITBY COURTHOUSE THEATRE | 2018/19

NEXT to NORMAL Music by Book & Lyrics by

November 8-24, 2018 PROGRAM whitbytheatre.ca

Whitby Centennial Building, 416 Centre St. S. | 905.668.8111 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Small by design. All girls with a purpose.

ALL GIRLS DAY & BOARDING GRADES 4-12 Join us Winter Open House Saturday, February 2 10 a.m. to noon 401 Reynolds Street 905.668.3358

Email us at trafalgarcastle.ca [email protected] to arrange your own personal visit. Small by design. All girls with a purpose. WHITBY COURTHOUSE THEATRE PRESENTS NEXT to NORMAL Music by Book & Lyrics by Tom Kitt Brian Yorkey

Producer Director Music Director Heather Doucette Shael Risman Nick Denis

ALL GIRLS Stage Manager Assistant Director Back Stage Manager DAY & BOARDING Paul Sowerbutts Melissa Gibson Peggy Sowerbutts

GRADES 4-12 Costume Design Lighting Design Set Design Sound Design Join us Rhonda Martin Greg Poulin Erastus Burley Margo Rodgers

Original Broadway Production Produced by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Winter Open House Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo and Second Stage Theatre. New York Premiere Produced by Second Stage Theatre, New York. February 2008 Saturday, February 2 Carole Rothman, Artistic Director Ellen Richard, Executive Director 10 a.m. to noon ‘Next To Normal’ was subsequently produced by in November 2008. 401 Reynolds Street Developed at Village Theatre, Issaquah, WA (Robb Hunt, Executive Producer, Steve Tomkins, Artistic Director). 905.668.3358 An earlier version was presented in the 2005 New York Festival. Support for the development of “Next To Normal” was provided by the Foundation. Email us at trafalgarcastle.ca The taking of photographs, video or audio recordings of this production is strictly prohibited [email protected] Stage fog, haze & flashing lights are used during the show. to arrange your own personal visit. FROM THE DIRECTOR

On the surface, the story of Next To Normal seems very strange for a musical. After all, it centers around a mother who struggles with worsening and how the illness affects her family. Seriously, how do you build a piece of musical theatre around THAT? I was skeptical, but I figured that there had to be a reason it garnered four Tonys® and a . So, I sat in my office, opened the script, and turned on the soundtrack. For the next two hours I was immobilized. It was a play that kicked me to my knees and sang directly to my soul. It spoke to me viscerally and emotionally and I knew exactly why.

In 1996, my brother Carey finally ended the agony of his mental illness by taking his own life. My family and I had ringside seats to this play before it ever was produced. It quickly became evident to me that this story had to be told, and that I had to be the one to tell it.

Next To Normal is a work of agonizing grace and redemption. It is altogether heart-wrenching and uplifting, hopeless and courageous, desperate and soaring. It is a glorious dichotomy. Though the subject matter could easily drag us into the abyss, it never dwells there for long. Because despite everything, human beings are hardwired for hope.

This cast has been nothing less than remarkable in their commitment to bringing this story to life with empathy, courage, and authenticity. Watching the results as they pushed themselves and each other has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. And this incredible production team – who tirelessly propped up a first-time director and breathed life into a challenging show – I will never be able to thank you enough.

Even though the past 20 years has seen great strides in eliminating the stigma, there is still a heartbreaking lack of understanding about what mental illness really is. It feels like there is so much left to do - but it’s not a lot when you really think about it. Education. Empathy. Love. That’s about it. If there is one thing you take away from Next To Normal, let it be that.

This is for Mom, Dad, Carey Jared and Nicole, who - like the Goodmans – are that a family is still a family even when pieces are missing. MESSAGE

Shael Risman

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CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE) Diana Goodman...... CATHERINE MARZOLA Dan Goodman...... BRIAN HARGAN Natalie Goodman...... SOPHIA DAUNT Gabe Goodman...... DEVIN DOS SANTOS Doctor Madden/ Fine...... JAY DA COSTA Henry...... NATHAN SIMPSON BAND Conductor...... NICK DENIS Keyboard & Rehearsal Keyboard...... SARA CAIN Cello...... CHERYL OCKRANT Violin...... DEBORAH HENDERSON Guitar...... SAM MOFFATT Bass...... EZRA SHERMAN

Drums/Percussion...... DUANE BRONSON & BAND

Band (from left) – front row: Deborah Henderson, Sara Cain; middle row: Sam Moffatt, Ezra Sherman, Cheryl Ockrant, Duane Bronson; back row: Nick Denis SCENES&SONGS ACT ONE MUSICAL NUMBERS “Light”...... “I AmtheOne”(Reprise) “So Anyway”...... “Hey #3”/“Perfect for You” (Reprise)...... “Maybe (Next to Normal)”...... “Make UpYour Mind”/“Catch MeI’mFalling” (Reprise) “The Break”...... “I’m Alive” (Reprise)...... “Why Stay?”/“A Promise”...... “It’s GonnaBeGood”(Reprise)...... “How Could IEver Forget?” ...... “You Don’tKnow” (Reprise)...... “Hey #2”...... “Aftershocks”...... “Better Than Before”...... “Seconds andYears”...... “Hey #1”...... “Song ofForgetting”...... “Wish IWere Here” ...... ACT TWO INTERMISSION “He’s NotHere” “It’s GonnaBeGood”...... “I Miss theMountains”...... “Perfect for You”...... “Who’s Crazy”/“My Psychopharmacologist andI”...... “Everything Else”...... “Just AnotherDay”...... “Prelude”...... “You Don’tKnow” “A LightintheDark”...... “Didn’t ISeeThis Movie?” ...... “I’ve Been”...... “There’s aWorld” ...... “I Dreamed aDance”...... “Make UpYour Mind”/“Catch MeI’mFalling” “I’m Alive”...... “Superboy andtheInvisible Girl”...... “I AmtheOne”...... DOCTOR MADDEN,DIANA,DAN, NATALIE, GABE,HENRY DIANA, DAN, NATALIE, GABE,HENRY, DOCTOR MADDEN ...... DOCTOR MADDEN,DAN, NATALIE, DIANA DOCTOR MADDEN,DIANA,GABE DOCTOR MADDEN,DAN, DIANA DIANA, NATALIE, DAN, HENRY DAN, NATALIE, HENRY, DIANA DIANA, NATALIE, GABE,DAN DAN, DOCTOR FINE,DIANA DIANA, DOCTOR MADDEN NATALIE, DIANA,GABE DAN, DIANA,NATALIE DAN, GABE,DIANA HENRY, NATALIE HENRY, NATALIE HENRY, NATALIE HENRY, NATALIE DIANA, NATALIE DIANA, NATALIE DIANA, GABE ORCHESTRA DAN, DIANA DIANA, DAN DAN, DIANA DAN, GABE NATALIE DIANA DIANA DIANA DIANA DIANA GABE GABE GABE GABE DAN DAN PRODUCTION

CREATIVE & PRODUCTION TEAM Producer...... HEATHER DOUCETTE Director...... SHAEL RISMAN Music Director ...... NICK DENIS Assitant Director...... MEL GIBSON Stage Manager...... PAUL SOWERBUTTS Scenic and Effects Designer...... ERASTUS BURLEY Costume Design...... RHONDA MARTIN Lighting Design...... GREG POULIN Properties...... SUSAN WABB Sound Effects Designer/Projection Designer/ Lighting Apprentice...... MARGO RODGERS Live Sound Designer/Operator...... GLENN RABJOHN Consulting Psychiatrist ...... DR. JARED RISMAN MD, FRCPC Hair/Makeup...... SOPHIE RISMAN Backstage Manager...... PEGGY SOWERBUTTS Assistant Stage Managers...... SUSAN WABB, RHONDA MARTIN Rehearsal Pianist...... SARA CAIN Lighting Operator...... EMILY DOUCETTE, MIKE DOUCETTE Follow Spot Operator...... LINCOLN TRUDEAU Sound Effects Operator...... HEATHER DOUCETTE Set Construction Crew ...... STEVE CLARKE, JOSH FORD, STEVE LIPSETT PAUL MARTIN, GORD PAUL, CHRIS SAVAGE MIKE TRITES, ZACHARY UNGER Scenic Painting/Décor...... DEB SMITH (LEAD), ALENA DE LONG HEATHER DOUCETTE, ANNA SIMMONS, PEGGY SOWERBUTTS Costume Crew ...... DONNA GUNTER, CATHERINE MARZOLA, DIANE OTTE Publicity...... SHARON BERMAN Poster & Program Design/Lobby Display...... EDWARD NILES SPECIAL THANKS A special thank you to the following for their support: Theatre Aurora; Oshawa Little Theatre; Ian Handscomb; WCT’s front of house volunteers; Town of Whitby and Centennial Building facility staff. WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

JAY DA COSTA BRIAN HARGAN (Doctor Madden/ (Dan Goodman) Fine) is excited and would like to thank humbled to make his the incredibly WCT debut as part talented cast and of this incredible crew (Jay and production. The cast Nathan were both is a dream, the crew nominated for THEA is amazing, and the awards for Best importance of this Supporting Actor in show can’t be a Musical at the overstated. He is extremely grateful for ACTCO Gala last year!) for allowing him Shael and Mel’s direction, and Nick’s to be a part of this incredible musical direction, for helping him bring experience. Brian previously performed these roles to life. Jay hopes you enjoy with Whitby Courthouse Theatre as this show, but more importantly, he Carl Hanratty in Catch Me If You Can hopes you leave with a more open mind and hopes to perform with them again than when you arrived. in the future, if they’ll have him.

SOPHIA DAUNT CATHERINE (Natalie Goodman) MARZOLA (Diana is excited to make Goodman) This is her WCT debut as Catherine’s first Natalie in Next to show with WCT. Normal! She would Favourite past like to thank her credits include JCS, friends, family and Godspell & Songs teachers for all their from the Shower. support in getting Nothing would be where she is now. possible without the She would also like to thank the amazing love, support & ass kicking of so many cast and crew on this production for their that she holds dear to her heart. Well, incredible work; it’s been a joy bringing that and a big bag of balls! Thank you this story to life with all of you! Thank to the entire cast, crew and band who you for coming and enjoy the show! made this show seamless. You’re each a piece that is perfectly placed and make DEVIN DOS SANTOS this puzzle complete. To Nick, Shael & (Gabe Goodman) is Mel, I could never adequately express overjoyed to be what you’ve given me. returning to Durham regional theatre after NATHAN SIMPSON 5 years abroad; (Henry) is thrilled to studying, working, play the role of but always keeping Henry in Next To his for Normal. His Recent musical theatre alive. credits include Anne Devin began his of Green Gables theatrical career in OLT’s production of Oliver! (2007) and has been drawn to (Gilbert), Les Mis the stage ever since. Some of Devin’s (Javert), and Shrek favorite roles include Mr. Applegate the Musical (Shrek). (Damn Yankees, DwyerArts, 2012), The He wants to thank Emcee (, CCP, 2013), Angel the cast and crew for their support. He (, RCMPI, 2014), and Bobby Strong hopes you enjoy the show. (, CCP, 2014). WHO’S WHO WHO’S WHO IN PRODUCTION

NICK DENIS (Music RHONDA MARTIN Director) is beyond excited (Costume Designer/ to be back on the WCT Assistant Stage Manager) stage, doing one of his feels absolutely privileged favourite shows. Select and proud to have the credits include: WCT’s Catch opportunity to be involved Me If You Can (bandleader), with this production, this OLT’s The Little Mermaid cast and this crew. She has (director) and Theatre 3x60/ designed costumes for Steel Cadenza’s Godspell (Judas). Magnolias (OLT), Young He would like to thank this Frankenstein, and helped amazing team for all their hard work, and for with costumes in various youth group really challenging the limits of community productions. Thank you to Donna for offering theatre. He would also like to thank his friends her costume expertise and to Catherine for and family for their constant support, and you using her “bloodhound” skills to help! And thank for supporting local theatre. Enjoy the show! you to my family for supporting my choice to spend so much time at the theatre! HEATHER DOUCETTE (Producer) is pleased to be GREG POULIN (Lighting producing Next to Normal Designer) has lighting surrounded by such a gifted designed for several WCT cast and artistic team. Thank productions dating back to you to Shael Risman for 2013 - most recently the bringing her along on this Youth Group’s production of journey. She is excited for JR. Special this season to be delving thanks to Pauline – my into directing as Mike Trites former partner in design. assistant director in Two on Enjoy the show! the Aisle, Three in a Van. Heather will be also producing alongside Rhonda Martin in the GLENN RABJOHN (Live Canadian Premiere of Murder in the First. Love Sound Designer/Operator) always to Mike and Emily for the support. is absolutely thrilled to be the sound designer/operator MEL GIBSON (Assistant for this incredible show. Director) is thrilled to be Glenn has been seen in Assistant Director for Next many community theatre to Normal and thanks Shael shows such as The Odd for his belief in her contribu- Couple and Buying the tions to his vision. She has Moose (Class Act) and You spent much of her time on Can’t Take it With You and the stage and is falling in Blithe Spirit (WCT). When not on stage, he is love with the production teaching theatre and production at O’Neill CVI’s side of things as well. Mel is Performing Arts program. He would like to awestruck by the immense thank Heather for this great opportunity, his talent of this cast and crew and knows that wife and children for letting him do what he WCT audiences will be transformed by this loves and the cast and crew for an incredible performance. Enjoy this moving story and be experience! Enjoy the show! advised: tissues are not optional. SHAEL RISMAN (Director) PAUL SOWERBUTTS (Stage An actor and musician for Manager) Paul is thrilled to way longer than you need to be a part of this important know, Shael is thrilled to piece of theatre. Since being make his directorial debut welcomed into the Durham with Next To Normal here at theatre community he is WCT. He was most recently proud to have worked with seen in ACT’s 12 Angry Men, some of the most gracious OLT’s NOISES OFF! and and understanding people WCT’s productions of to be found. Coming out Things My Mother Taught from behind the curtain he Me, Moon Over Buffalo, and , Osage most recently appeared as Juror #7 in the ACT County. Shael is also delighted to be knee deep production of 12 Angry Men. A huge thanks to in his first season as WCT’s Artistic Director. his wife and biggest supporter Peggy.

SOPHIE RISMAN (Hair and PEGGY SOWERBUTTS Make up) This is Sophie’s (Backstage Manager) From third experience working the very first read through of backstage at WCT and she Next To Normal, the cast and wants to thank the cast, crew have been awing Peggy crew and production team. with their spectacular talent. Sophie is in grade 12 at She is looking forward to Henry Street High School, seeing it all come together and has been involved in and have the audience share numerous school in the vision that has been productions - performing, the N2N journey for almost a directing and writing. She was also a member year for some. She also looks forward to not of WCT Youth Group for 2 years. Sophie is painting 100’s of items in shades of grey and to looking forward to university next year, mostly her “allergies” getting better. because she will be moving away from her family. SUSAN WABB (Properties/ Assistant Stage Manager) is MARGO RODGERS (Sound so grateful to have had the Fx Designer/Projection opportunity to work on this Designer/Lighting play with such an amazing Apprentice) has designed cast and crew. She hopes sound for many WCT that everyone experiences productions, most recently this play in its full and last year’s . She is powerful voice (especially delighted to be part of Next with the incredible voices of to Normal’s outstanding this cast!) Sue thanks her team. Special thanks to family who allow her props to take over the Shael for his contagious house. enthusiasm, keen vision, and incredible team support. Margo would also like to thank Greg for letting her tag along.

ERASTUS BURLEY(Scenic and Effects Designer) Participating in the creation of this theatrical production has been a very rewarding, yet emotional experience. The talented cast and crew members have crafted a truly original production of this popular, hit musical. I am excited to once again be performing onstage and can be seen this January in the Creative FORCE (creativeforce. ca) production of “RED” by at the Firehall Theatre in Cobourg. Your patronage allows the arts to remain vibrant and accessible though out our communities. Thank you and enjoy the show! The Official Printer of WCT! WHITBY COUTHOUSE THEATRE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President...... EDWARD NILES Vice-President...... JOSH FORD Treasurer ...... BRANDON RIDEOUT Secretary ...... HEATHER DOUCETTE 905-430-7939 Executive Producer...... MIKE TRITES Artistic Director...... SHAEL RISMAN 105 Industrial Dr, Whitby Front of House...... CHARLON BRUNER Marketing/Publicity.....SHARON BERMAN Youth Group...... NICOLE VEZEAU

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS Box Office...... BERNADETTE SIMMS Office...... DEBRA SMITH Props...... HEATHER DOUCETTE SUSAN WABB Technical...... ALEX KONC Wardrobe...... DONNA GUNTER Webmasters...... EDWARD NILES BRANDON RIDEOUT Workshop...... CHRIS SAVAGE

WashDay Laundry BECOME A MEMBER Centre & Dry Cleaners Join us as a member of 352 Brock St. S. Whitby (beside FreshCo) WCT and be a star on stage, 905-217-0540 backstage or on a creative Open 7 days a week team. Volunteers are always washdaylaundry.goldbook.ca 7am-10pm (last wash 9pm) needed to help out, and besides, it’s a lot of fun! Pro Wash Eco Wash – Coin Laundry Free Pick-up and Delivery/Wash ‘N’ Fold For more information email: [email protected] 100 Brock St, S. ••••• Whitby, ON SUPPORT FUTURE SHOWS 905-430-3774 50/50 tickets and refreshments are sold during intermission. All proceeds go directly to help future www.lafontainewhitby.ca WCT productions. COMING SOON TO WHITBY COURTHOUSE THEATRE

Whitby Courthouse Theatre presents... Whitby Courthouse Theatre presents... Whitby Courthouse Theatre presents... Meredith Willson’s

Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van the Murder Music in by the First Mary by Dan Gordon Book, Music & Lyrics by Meredith Willson Lynn Based on the Warner Bros. Story by Meredith Willson & Franklin Lacey movie “Murder in the First”, Dobson written by Dan Gordon

CANADIAN PREMIERE! June 6-8, 13-15 | 7:30 pm

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays June 9 & 16, 2019 | 2 pm February 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 2019 April 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, 2019 $27 ($23 each when buying 4 or more) 8 pm (Feb. 16: 2 & 8 pm) $27 8 pm (April 20: 2 & 8 pm) $27 whitbytheatre.ca Tickets/Info: whitbytheatre.ca Tickets/Info: whitbytheatre.ca efn Designs.ca

efn Designs.ca efn Designs.ca Whitby Centennial Building, 416 Centre St. S. | 905.668.8111 Whitby Centennial Building, 416 Centre St. S. | 905.668.8111 Whitby Centennial Building, 416 Centre St. S. | 905.668.8111 The Music Man is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French. Murder in the First is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts Inc. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

Two on the Aisle, Murder in the First The Music Man Three in a Van by Dan Gordon – Based on the Book, Music & Lyrics by by Mary Lynn Dobson Warner Bros. movie. Meredith Willson April 11-27, 2019 Story by Meredith Willson February 7-23, 2019 & Franklin Lacey Welcomes you to another season In 1941, Alcatraz prisoner Willie at the Neighbourhood Actors Sum- Moore stands trial for the violent June 6-16, 2019 merfun Repertory Theatre, a friend- murder of a fellow inmate. In what There’s trouble in River City! The ly playhouse where, due to a lack at first appears to be an open-and- Music Man is family entertainment of wing space, the spends shut case, a bold young lawyer in- at its best. their downtime in the parking lot tervenes with the claim that Moore cannot be held responsible for his The six-time, Tony Award-winning around an aging hippie/now turned musical comedy follows a fast- techie’s van. actions due to the brutality visited upon him during three years of sol- talking traveling salesman, Harold A stressed-out artistic director, a itary confinement. Hill, as he cons the people of River wanna-be diva, a board member’s City, Iowa, into buying instruments nephew vying to direct the musicals Inspired by an actual event, Murder and uniforms for a marching band with a Tarrentino spin and the “I’m in the First is a gripping courtroom that he vows to organize – this, no chorus boy” chorus boy – are just drama that exposes an undercurrent despite the fact that he doesn’t some of the egos that fall into the lap of injustice and hypocrisy through- know a trombone from a treble clef. of a nice-guy director who ends up out the federal justice system. His plans to skip town with the cash with far more than he bargained for. This emotional story is making are foiled when he falls for Marian, Somehow, some way, the show must its Canadian premiere at Whitby the librarian, who tries to transform go on... just not always as planned. Courthouse Theatre! him into a respectable citizen.

whitbytheatre.ca 416 Centre Street South | Whitby | 905-668-8111

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