Director's Message
On behalf of the RCT Board of Directors, I would like to welcome you to the first show of our 2023 season, NEXT TO NORMAL!!
This particular show marks the first anniversary celebration of being in our new venue here at the old FOX theater. We are glad to have you here to join in the celebration!
Throughout the selection and rehearsal process, many people have asked me what this show is about. NEXT TO NORMAL is not done that often by community or regional theaters, probably because of the topic. It is crucial to have six performers that are individually strong vocalists and actors that also have the ability to bring out the relationship that exists between each other!! We have assembled some of the best talent in Berks County that can rise to the challenge beautifully!!
I thought a synopsis might benefit anyone seeing this show so here you have it:
Next to Normal basically explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. It is the winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score. They appear to be a typical American family, however, their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Her disorder has not made the journey for the family an easy one.
Thank you for joining us on this journey! I am honored and grateful to have the opportunity to bring this story to life and am proud of the vision created by this amazing team!
Cry and laugh when you want, applaud when you are so moved but most importantly, respect the disease that is mental illness!
Jeannette DeAngelo
RCT President
Director, Next to Normal
