photo by: Contributed, Theatre Lawrence

From left to right, Adam Groves, Amanda McCoy and Andy Huff rehearse for Theatre Lawrence's production of "Next to Normal."

When you think of a hit Broadway musical, you might expect catchy musical numbers and colorful sets and costumes — but you might not expect to see everyday struggles like yours and your family’s playing out on stage.

That’s what Theatre Lawrence executive director Jamie Ulmer says makes “Next to Normal” so special. The Tony- and Pulitzer-winning show, which will kick off Theatre Lawrence’s 2025-26 season starting Friday, is about a suburban mom and her family and the challenges they face after she’s diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and Ulmer thinks there’s a lot in it that audiences will relate to.

“Everyone knows families like this,” Ulmer told the Journal-World.

photo by: Contributed, Theatre Lawrence

Amanda McCoy, as Diana, and Adam Groves, as Dan, rehearsing for Theatre Lawrence’s production of “Next to Normal.”

Although the premise may seem like a downer, Ulmer said that there is “so much humor and accessibility in the show” that makes it much easier to relate to the Goodman family and what they’re going through. There are weighty themes of grief, loss and self-harm, sure, but there are also the comedic misunderstandings that any family knows well, like dad Dan saying something “bumbling” or embarrassing to his teenage daughter, Ulmer said.

“(The humor) really gives it that gateway to relate to these characters,” Ulmer said.

And, of course, there’s the music — a mix of pop rock, folk and showtunes that Ulmer describes as “absolutely amazing.”

The band is actually incorporated into Theatre Lawrence’s set design, Ulmer said, and “the cast has been bringing it … they are literally rocking out with some of the songs.”

“It’s powerful to hear,” he said.

photo by: Contributed, Theatre Lawrence

Zachary Bricken sings during rehearsal for Theatre Lawrence’s production of “Next to Normal.”

“Next to Normal” has gotten plenty of acclaim since it was first performed in 2008, but Ulmer said it’s recently seen a new wave of attention from people in the theater community. A West End production that was recorded and recently aired on PBS “sparked a renewed interest” in it, he said.

He thinks that popularity was part of the reason why so many people auditioned for this particular show. In a post on Theatre Lawrence’s website, he said that almost 70 people auditioned for the six-person cast.

But just as important as the show’s recent visibility is the visibility of its subject matter — mental health. Ulmer said the show’s story has only gotten more topical, not less, over time.

“I think it really is one of those shows that is eternally relevant, but maybe even more relevant right now,” Ulmer said.

And Theatre Lawrence hopes to keep the conversation about mental health going even after the curtain falls. After the final show on Sept. 28, Ulmer said the cast will host a discussion with the audience and local organizations such as LMH Health about mental health in the community. The panel discussion is open to everyone, Theatre Lawrence’s website said, even those who didn’t attend the performance beforehand.

“Next to Normal” will be performed at Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Sept. 19-21 and Sept. 25-28. All performances will start at 7:30 p.m. except the Sunday matinee performances on Sept. 21 and 28, which will start at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Theatre Lawrence’s website or at the theater’s box office, which is open weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or one hour before showtimes.

Ulmer also said season tickets for 2025-26, which will also include such shows as “The Addams Family” and “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” are still available. Details for that can also be found on Theatre Lawrence’s website.

photo by: Contributed, Theatre Lawrence

Hunter Sullivan and Lilia Potter rehearse for Theatre Lawrence’s production of “Next to Normal.”