Catherine Porter and Bob Gaynor Cast in Alliance Theatre's Next to Normal; Scott Schwartz Directs

By Adam Hetrick
12 Oct 2012

Catherine Porter
Catherine Porter

Catherine Porter, who understudied the role of Diana Goodman in the Broadway production of Next to Normal, will take on the leading role in the Alliance Theatre staging of the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, which will make its Atlanta, GA, debut Oct. 17.

Porter (Sunset Boulevard, Only the Lonely) will be joined by Bob Gaynor (Leap of Faith, Catch Me If You Can, Aida) as her husband, Dan. Scott Schwartz (tick, tick…BOOM!, Golda's Balcony, Jane Eyre) will direct the production that officially opens Oct. 24 and will continue through Nov. 11.

"Next to Normal has the thrilling pop-rock score that you expect from a contemporary musical, but it also has the depth and complexity of a play. At its core, it's a powerful family drama, and I'm most excited to explore that," Schwartz said in a statement.

Next to Normal will also feature Cary Tedder (Memphis, The Times They Are A-Changin') as Gabe, Lyndsay Ricketson as Natalie, Jordan Craig as Henry and Googie Uterhardt as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine.

Next to Normal has a Tony Award-winning score by Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics). The nearly sung-through rock musical examines a woman struggling with bipolar disorder and depression as her family hangs in the balance.

For tickets phone (404) 733-5000 or visit AllianceTheatre.