Two of Us Productions Presents
“…a life that’s… NEXT TO NORMAL”
CRARYVILLE, NY – The award winning company, The Two of Us Productions, returns to the Performing Arts Center at Taconic Hills on October 9th with its opening of the acclaimed Broadway musical drama, next to normal, which runs through October 18th.
Winner of three 2009 Tony awards and a prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2010, next to normal is widely acclaimed for its sensitive and true to life narrative of the Goodman family’s struggle to have a life “at least next to normal,” while dealing with the after effects of losing their first-born child.
Constance Lopez stars in this ensemble cast as Diana, a bi-polar mother attempting to deal with the impact of loss and the emotional struggle of her illness. Lopez returns to the stage fresh on the heels of her TANYS award winning performance as the anguished Judas in the Two of Us Productions’ Jesus Christ Superstar. She has also received critical praise for her portrayal of the tortured Mme. Defarge in Tale of Two Cities and the wily MC in Cabaret.
Betsy Rees, who plays Diana’s daughter, Natalie, and Joseph Alvarez, cast as Diana’s husband, Dan, are also recent TANYS award winners, cited for their JC Superstar performances as Mary Magdalene and Christ. Three other JC Superstar cast members join them. Zach Nayer, who plays Diana’s son, Gabe, appeared as the firebrand Simon Zealots, and Connor Anderson, cast in the role of Natalie’s boyfriend, Henry, appeared as one of the cabal of priests scheming against Jesus. Matt Leinung rounds out the cast as psychiatrist Dr. Madden. His last on stage appearance was as one of the two charming princes in The Two of Us Productions’ Into the Woods and he also played in the pit for Jesus Christ Superstar.
Known throughout the Hudson Valley for presenting quality theater, both musicals and dramas, The Two of Us Productions’ trademark is presenting musicals with full orchestras, a rare treat for local audiences. Stephen Sanborn, orchestra conductor and stage director for this Copake based company, has been recognized by TANYS for outstanding musical direction and conducting for both JC Superstar and Les Miserables. Sanborn is very pleased to be working with vocal director Daniel Galliher, who was also recognized by TANYS for his work in JC Superstar.
Written by Tom Kitt, with music and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, next to normal is recognized for its’ fresh and innovative use of modern and classic music styles to carry the audience into the emotions and thoughts of the actors. “This is a powerful musical drama you will not want to miss,” says Sanborn. He has selected the “well-equipped Performing Arts Center at Taconic Hills” Central School in Craryville as the best local venue for the show.
Performances are two weekends only. October 9-11 and October 16-18. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees at 3pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $14 for students and seniors and $12 for groups and families.
For advance reservations visit www.TheTwoOfUsProductions.org or call 866-811-4111 or 518-758-1648. For directions and parking go to the website, and click on next to normal.
“Make your reservations early for the best seats on the date you want,” recommends Sanborn.
