Natalie Joy Johnson and Alan H. Green are set to headline the Barrington Stage Company’s (BSC) production of “Next to Normal.” This announcement comes as part of BSC’s 30th anniversary season, under the artistic direction of Alan Paul.
Alan Paul will direct the production, which runs from August 13 to September 8. This staging is a co-production with Round House Theatre in Washington, DC. Natalie Joy Johnson, known for her role in “Lempicka,” will take on the role of Diana. Alan H. Green, a BSC associate artist recognized for his performance in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” will portray Dan.
The cast also includes Adante Carter as Gabe, Madison McBride as Natalie, Ben Clark as Henry, and Joseph Morales as Dr. Madden. The musical, which has won both Tony and Pulitzer awards, features music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.
The creative team for “Next to Normal” includes Eamon John Foley as choreographer, Wilson Chin as scenic designer, Helen Huang as costume designer, Cory Pattak as lighting designer, Ken Travis as sound designer, Nick Hussong as projections designer, and Angela Steiner as musical director.
In addition to “Next to Normal,” BSC has announced casting and creative teams for three other productions in their upcoming season. “Boeing Boeing,” directed by Julianne Boyd, will run from July 17 to August 3. The cast features Mark H. Dold, Christopher Innvar, Debra Jo Rupp, Gisela Chipe, Stephanie Jean Lane, and Kate MacCluggage.
The production team for “Boeing Boeing” includes Kristen Robinson as scenic designer, Sarah Jean Tosetti as costume designer, David Lander as lighting designer, and Fabian Obispo as sound designer. The team also includes intimacy director Leigh Zimmerman, dialect coach Amanda Quaid, clowning consultant Michael F. Toomey, production stage manager Ryan Gohsman, and assistant stage manager Merit Glover.
Another highlight of the season is the regional premiere of Ben Power’s “A Tender Thing,” running from June 25 to July 20. Directed by Alan Paul, the cast includes Derek Smith as Romeo and Candy Buckley as Juliet. The production team features Marsha Ginsberg as scenic designer, Ricky Reynoso as costume designer, Robert Weizel as lighting designer, and Fabian Obispo as sound designer and composer.
Mark St. Germain’s “Forgiveness” will have its world premiere from July 30 to August 25, directed by Ron Lagomarsino. The cast includes Joey Collins, Darlene Hope, Caesar Samayoa, and Peggy Pharr Wilson. The creative team comprises Brian Prather as scenic designer, Dina El-Aziz as costume designer, Reza Behjat as lighting designer, and Brendan Aanes as sound designer. This production is commissioned by BSC’s Sydelle Blatt New Works Fund.
The season also features “La Cage aux Folles,” directed by Mike Donahue, running from June 11 to July 6, and the regional premiere of Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Primary Trust,” directed by Jennifer Chang, from September 18 to October 13. Casting for these productions will be announced at a later date.
Artistic Director Alan Paul expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, stating, “As we launch Barrington Stage Company’s 30th anniversary, we are so proud to welcome a range of extraordinary talent to the Berkshires, both old friends and others making their first appearance on our stages. From the uproarious comedy of ‘Boeing Boeing’ to the poignant depths of ‘Next to Normal,’ the heartrending exploration of timeless love in ‘A Tender Thing’ to the profound journey of ‘Forgiveness,’ BSC audiences will encounter unforgettable stories that will resonate with them.”
BSC’s casting is managed by McCorkle Casting LTD. For more information about the season, visit BarringtonStageCo.org.
