Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

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Next to Normal

Book & lyrics by Brian Yorkey | Music by Tom Kitt

Tickets on sale Mon, Jul 28 at 10:00 am

The musical that redefined musicals.

One of ETC’s most popular productions returns! Diana Goodman is a suburban mom struggling with bipolar disorder. Her daughter, Natalie, is a stressed-out overachiever ready to snap. And Dan, her exhausted architect husband, is determined to keep everything “normal.” As Diana’s symptoms worsen and effective treatment remains elusive, the Goodmans must finally connect and learn how to see each other for who they truly are. A cathartic and empathetic triumph of contemporary musical theatre, Next to Normal features soaring rock music, unforgettable characters, and a gripping, emotionally resonant story that echoes long after the final note.

Winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score
Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama


Run time: 2 hrs 20 mins, with one intermission

CONTENT ADVISORY
Next to Normal is a powerful portrayal of mental health, loss, and family dynamics. The show contains strong language and explores mature themes, including mental illness, grief, self-harm, and drug use, which may be triggering for some audience members.

Please be advised that this production includes flashing lights and strobe effects.

For more detailed content information, click here (spoiler alert) or contact us at (513) 421-3555.

This show is for you if . . .

  • You’re drawn to powerhouse vocals and emotionally raw acting.

 

  • You dig rock musicals with heart, such as Dear Evan Hansen and Jagged Little Pill.

 

  • You crave character-driven narratives that aren’t afraid to be bold, messy, and truthful.

 

  • You welcome theatre that pushes artistic boundaries and asks big questions. 
  • You appreciate honest and insightful perspectives that spark meaningful conversations afterward.

 

  • You vibe with titles like Turtles All the Way Down, Silver Linings Playbook, Anxious People, or Sally Rooney’s novels.
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Press

“A feel-everything musical . . . brave, breathtaking.”
NY Times

 

Dazzling . . . rock opera at its finest.”
DC Theater Arts

 

“Beautiful, artful, deeply moving.”
Chicago Tribune

 

“An emotional powerhouse.”
Rolling Stone

 

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Creative team

Brian Yorkey

Librettist & Lyricist
Brian Yorkey

Tom Kitt

Composer
Tom Kitt

Talks & Events

ETC ESSENTIALS
Sun, Sep 28 at 1:00 pm

Join us before the matinee performance for a discussion with local panelists about themes in Next to Normal.

MEET THE ARTISTS
Thu, Sep 25, post-show

Join us after the performance for an engaging discussion with members of the cast/artistic team.

 

Accessibility

ASL Interpretation
Wed, Oct 1, 7:30 pm
Audio Description
Sat, Oct 4, 2:00 pm

Assistive listening device

Accessible seating

Large print programs

Braille programs

Read more about our accessibility services.