YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) – Convergence Theatre Company in collaboration with Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture is proud to present the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Next to Normal” at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts. Performances will take place on Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. There will be matinee performances on Oct. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.  Local audiences will have the chance to experience one of contemporary theaters’ most moving and thought-provoking works.

Praised for its raw honesty and electrifying score, “Next to Normal” tells the story of a suburban family struggling to balance love, loss and the challenges of mental illness. With music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, the production takes audiences on an emotional journey that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. It’s a story that resonates deeply today, as conversations around mental health, access to care and breaking stigma are more important than ever.

“In staging Next to Normal, we hope to shine a light on issues that affect families everywhere,” said Mariah Larios, Director of the production. “This show doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments, but it also affirms the strength of connection and the resilience of the human spirit.”

The cast includes Lee Sloan as Dianna, Matt DeMeritt as Dan, Kayce Brewer as Natalie, Caleb Schauer as Gabe, Nick Roten as Henry and Jon Fifield as Drs. Fine and Madden. The production features live music provided by David Kamminga on guitar, Rob Hilton on drums, Steven Shepard on keyboard, Dave Stockmal on keyboard and Caitlyn Warwick on bass.

There will be a free panel discussion about the issues presented in the play on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 5 p.m. prior to that evening’s performance. The “talk-back” session will be moderated by local mental health professionals The public is invited to attend. In addition, the Sedona Project, a local organization dedicated to providing peer counselling, professional care resources and group healing activities, will be present at each performance should anyone require support or need more information.

The Sutter Theater Center for the Arts provides the perfect setting for this production, offering an intimate space where audiences can connect deeply with the story and the music. Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture continues its mission to bring meaningful and relevant performing arts experiences to the community. Tickets are available now at yubasutterarts.org or by calling 530-742-ARTS. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of Broadway’s most powerful and relevant musicals, right here in Yuba City. Plenty of free parking is available on the adjoining streets and in the parking lots.

About YSAC: Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide arts programming, education, advocacy, assistance, and service to artists, organizations, and residents of Yuba and Sutter Counties. The local affiliate for Yuba and Sutter of the California Arts Council, its programs include Arts in Education, Veterans Initiatives in the Arts, Arts in Corrections, Center Stage Youth Performing Arts, Convergence Theater Co., the Yuba Sutter Youth Choir, the Yuba Sutter Big Band & many more.