ORLANDO, Fla. – A powerful, emotionally charged musical is coming to the stage for four days only, featuring a cast of performers with national and regional touring and professional credits, Orlando-based creatives, and emerging musical theatre talent.
Directed by Broadway veteran Michael Jablonski, a current faculty member with UCF’s musical theatre program, the musical tells a story about family, mental illness, grief, and healing.
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The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize–winning rock musical follows Diana Goodman and her family as they confront the challenges of bipolar disorder and search for stability in the aftermath of loss.
With a raw, honest look at resilience and the lasting impact of mental illness, the production pairs its deeply human story with a dynamic contemporary rock score by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey.
What makes this show even more interesting is that it allows Resident Artist interns currently pursuing BFAs in musical theatre to work alongside professionals.
Lyndi Floyd-Sweet is one of those interns. She plays Natalie in the show. She said she has learned so much through the program.
“Alongside being in Next to Normal, the interns assist and lead week-long youth theatre arts programs. Inspiring young artists is so rewarding,” said Floyd-Sweet.
“Going from Camp all day into rehearsal has not been easy, but the Interns have built such a special friendship. We all are incredibly supportive of each other, especially through the hard days.”
One of the professionals Floyd-Sweet is working with is Broadway’s Kim Sava.
“What makes this opportunity really special to me is getting to work with college-age students who are seriously considering doing this with their lives. This profession is so tough, and if I can give them any advice, encouragement, or help them in any way as they’re starting out, I absolutely will. I honestly wish we had a program like this when I was in college,” said Sava.
Most recently, she performed with the original Broadway cast of “Beetlejuice the Musical.” Before that, she toured with the cast of “Matilda the Musical.” In “Next to Normal,” Sava plays Diana.
“As an actor, this role has also pushed me in a way I haven’t experienced before. I’ve never played someone this vulnerable, and Diana asks you to go to some really raw places. It’s scary at times, but that’s also what makes it exciting. Those are the kinds of roles that remind me why I love doing this,” said Sava.
The program has become a launching pad for successful careers with performers starring in shows like “Hamilton,” “SIX,” “Kimberly Akimbo,” and “Lost Boys.”
“Next to Normal” runs August 6–9 in the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at Dr. Phillips Center.
The show has an age restriction of 13 and up.
Rush tickets are also available for students, teachers, first responders, and veterans. The limit is 2 per person with a valid ID, $25 per ticket. Click here for details.