Wharton Community Players is holding auditions for their June production of Next to Normal

Dad’s an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Next to Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy and heart.

Audition Dates:
Saturday, March 1 from 2-5pm
Tuesday, March 4 from 7-9:30pm

Location:
60 Locust Ave, Berkeley Heights
Requirements: Prepare one solo song in the style of the show
An accompanist will be provided
Auditions will also include side readings and a short dance combination

Performance Dates:
June 20, 21 at 8pm & 21, 22 at 2pm

ALL ROLES ARE OPEN

Characters:

Diana: Delusional, bipolar, and depressed. The sexiness of her yesterdays has only recently begun to soften. She is determined to make her family perfect but is tortured by a death in the family.
Gender: female
Vocal Range: mezzo/belter
Age: reads mid-30s to late-40s

Gabe: Diana & Dan’s son. Dashing, athletic, and bright. He is a playful man and everything a mother could imagine.
Gender: male
Vocal Range: tenor
Age: reads teens to early-20s

Dan:
Diana’s husband. He is handsome and genuine. Though a constant in Diana’s tumultuous life, he has grown tired and weary of her antics.
Gender: male
Vocal Range: bari/tenor
Age: reads mid-30s to 50

Natalie:
Diana & Dan’s troubled daughter. An accomplished pianist and hardworking student, her struggles are exacerbated by her mother’s behavior. She greatly admires Henry.
Gender: female
Vocal Range: mezzo/belter
Age: reads 16 to 20

Henry:
Natalie’s classmate. The all-around musician, philosopher, and slacker. He has an intoxicating capacity for sympathy and romance.
Gender: male
Vocal Range: tenor
Age: reads 16 to early 20s

Dr. Madden:
Diana’s handsome psychiatrist. Quite assured in his practice and considered somewhat of a rock star.
Gender: male
Vocal Range: tenor
Age: Reads 30s to 50s

*Next to Normal is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com