Raw, emotional musical ‘Next to Normal’ grabs you at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

What seems like a typical modern American family is anything but.

Julia Amis - DC Theater Arts

July 6, 2025

Cast of Riverside Center for the Performing Arts’ summer show, Next To Normal.

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents Next to Normal, a Pulitzer- and Tony-winning rock musical, with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Next to Normal follows a modern-day suburban family as they struggle with their matriarch’s mental illness. Directed by Penny Ayn Maas with music direction by Carson Eubank, Next to Normal is a raw, guttural show that explores heavy themes and mammoth emotions. It’s a big gamble for Riverside, with an even bigger payoff!

The first thing I noticed was a large table in the lobby that offered a wealth of mental health information; from free local support groups to options for individual counseling, helpful pamphlets and business cards were there for the taking. What a considerate and thoughtful idea! However, they weren’t done with their show of support; at my performance, they had a special guest speaker before the performance. Motivational author Antwaun Carey Gay discussed his mother’s struggle with her own mental health in the 1980s and how it affected his own family, including his renowned brother, Motown singer Marvin Gaye. He eloquently described a childhood that, while full of pain and conflict, was also rich and rewarding. Gay encouraged unity during these troubled times, where mental health is experiencing a notable rise. Understanding, support, and compassion for your neighbors and peers are of the utmost importance, and it’s through this bond that we foster hope and healing. His testimony was impactful and appreciated.

Scenic Designer Christian Fleming keeps the stage fairly simple: modern, white furniture creates a clean, almost clinical atmosphere — purposefully plain, but with one big exception: the heavily tilted ceiling, a clever and symbolic design that immediately catches the eye. It’s here that projections are displayed, designed by Duncan Scarpa-Friedman. The projections varied from cloudy, rainy skies to kaleidoscopes of colors, helping to enhance the overall emotional tone. The live orchestra, conducted by Musical Director Carson Eubank, is tucked subtly behind the scenery, and its expert and professional recitals remain one of Riverside’s biggest draws and proudest achievements.

Adrianne Hick stars as Diane, a mother who is struggling with mental illness. The plot has a few very surprising moments and shocking turns that I don’t want to spoil. What I will say is that the cast all do a fantastic job in their roles, including Andrew Foote as Dan, Diana’s husband, Madison Cox as Natalie, Diana’s daughter, and Mason Blaine as Gabe, Diana’s son. The production starts out with “Just Another Day,” an upbeat, cheerful melody with insidious lyrics. This family puts on a happy veneer for the world (and for themselves as well). However, what seems like a typical modern American family is anything but.

Varying themes are explored, from Diana’s frustration with finding the right balance of medication in “My Psychopharmacologist and I” to her daughter’s subsequent anguish in “Superboy and the Invisible Girl.” Hallucinations battle reality in several numbers, including “I Am the One,” and these numbers get big emotional responses from the audience — I heard several people around me sniffling back tears during the somber number “Catch Me I’m Falling.” Dan struggles to be a steadfast and supportive partner in an impossible situation in the number “I’ve Been,” while Natalie explores romance amid turbulence in “Perfect for You,” with Ben Ribler as her love interest, Henry. As Diana continues to spiral, the desperate family looks into more drastic treatments, which have their own painful cost. Diana is left to wonder, “Which is worse, the sickness or the cure?”

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is taking a real chance with this choice of production. Known for their upbeat classic musicals, they could stick to what they know best and rightfully claim that we would all benefit from lighter entertainment during these trying times (and a reprieve is coming soon with their upcoming production of The Sound of Music), but instead they are facing the darkness head-on and asking you to join the experience. While there are certainly comical moments, and the music is lively and entertaining, this production is undoubtedly a heavy one. However, this is a big part of the art of theater: not just to entertain, but to make a connection and help start important conversations. The message is clear: you are seen, heard, and valued, and together we can forge forward in hope and companionship.

I applaud Riverside for taking on this noteworthy but rarely produced production — one whose subject matter makes other companies hesitate or turn away. This bold choice, when paired with extraordinary live music, performances, and vocals, makes Next to Normal a night of theater to remember!

Running Time: Two and a half hours, including one 15-minute intermission.

Next to Normal plays through August 3, 2025, at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA. Tickets ($65–$82) are available online or through the box office 540-370-4300, open from 10 am to 6 pm, Mon.-Wed.; 10 am to 7:30 pm, Thu.-Fri; 12 pm to 7:30 pm, Sat.; 12 pm to 3 pm, Sun. Discounted senior & group rates are available (for details, click here.)

Evening performances start at 7:30pm with dinner service beginning at 5:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Matinee performances start at 1:30pm with meal service beginning at 11:30am on Wednesday and 3:00pm on Sunday with dinner service beginning at 1:00pm.

Adult Dinner & Show – $82 (plus applicable taxes)
Seniors (65+) Dinner & Show – $77 (plus applicable taxes)
Children (3-17) Dinner & Show – $70 (plus applicable taxes)
Adult Show Only – $65
Seniors (65+) Show Only – $60
Children (3-17) Show Only – $55
There will be a $5.00 online processing fee added per ticket.

PG-13 for self-harm, substance abuse and sexual references.

Cast, creative, and crew credits are in the online program here.

COVID Safety: Patrons are not required to be masked in the facility; but if patrons want to wear a mask, they are welcome to.

Next to Normal
Music by Tom Kitt
Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Directed by Penny Ayn Maas