Alliance names 'Next to Normal' cast

The Alliance Theatre has announced its cast for the Southeastern premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal.

Six actors, directed by Scott Schwartz (Golda’s Balcony and Jane Eyre on Broadway), will tell the story of a suburban family dealing with mental illness. They are:

* Catherine Porter as Diana, around whose illness the plot is wound. Porter was the Broadway stand-in for Diana for some time and has had leading roles in London’s West End.

* Bob Gaynor as Diana’s husband, Dan. His Broadway credits include Leap of Faith, Catch Me If You Can and Aida.

* Atlanta actor Lyndsay Ricketson, making her Alliance debut as their daughter, Natalie.

* Jordan Craig, recently seen as the Tin Man in the Alliance’s Wizard of Oz, as Natalie’s boyfriend, Henry.

* Googie Uterhardt, a familiar face to Atlanta audiences, as Diana’s physicians, Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine.

* And Cary Tedder as Gabe. His Broadway credits include Memphis and The Times They Are A-Changin’.

Next to Normal was nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 2009, winning three — best original score by lyricist Brian Yorkey and composer Tom Kitt; best orchestrations; and leading actress in a musical (Alice Ripley). It features more than 30 songs, a mix of pop, rock, jazz and classical styles, with a few waltzes thrown in. Although it has humor, it is not a musical comedy, and may not be appropriate for all ages.

The Alliance staging is sponsored in part by Emory Healthcare and Emory’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, which will have representatives at pre- and post-performance conversations. Pre-show talks are at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6. Post-show talks take place after evening performances on Oct. 19 and 26, and Nov. 2 and 9, as well as matinees on Oct. 20-21 and 27-28, and Nov. 3-4 and 10-11.

Tickets start at $25 and are available HERE or at 404.733.5000.