Catherine Porter and Bob Gaynor Star in Alliance Theatre's Next to Normal Beginning Oct. 17

By Adam Hetrick
17 Oct 2012

Catherine Porter
Catherine Porter

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

Porter (Sunset Boulevard, Only the Lonely) is 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) directs 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 also features 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.