Barry Petty is proud to be making his directorial debut with this production of Next to Normal at Renaissance Theatre. After 21 years in the “role” of music director for over 70 shows, he finally found the nerve to “step it up a notch.” Barry is especially proud to be working with his former student and friend, Will Erwin who is filling the role of co-director and the part of “Gabe.” He is also extremely blessed to be working with this extremely talented cast and crew.

Premiere Production

Next to Normal makes its Southeastern U.S. debut at the Renaissance Theater on Friday, July 27th. All 6 characters in this musical are portrayed by graduates of the Huntsville City School system, three of whom will be starting college or are currently in college, each pursuing different carrer paths:

• A vocal performance graduate
• A professional actress
• A local lawyer

Four of these talented individuals graduated from the Huntsville City Schools Performing Arts Magnet Program at Lee High School, one is a graduate of Grissom High School and the other actor graduated from Huntsville High School.

The Story

Next to Normal is about a woman who struggles with mental illness, and about the impact that struggle has on the family. It’s about what happens when we love people but can’t save them.

It’s about trying to find ways to heal each other and ourselves. It’s about trying to make sense of the mad mix of pain, joy, love, anger, longing, hope and grief that is in each of our lives.”

The Show

Next to Normal debuted off-Broadway in 2008, winning the Outer Critics’ Circle Award for Outstanding Score (music by Tom Kitt; Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkeyss) and receiving nominations for Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Actress (Alice Ripley) and Outstanding Score.

It opened on Broadway in April 2009. At the 2009 Tony Awards, the show earned 11 nominations, winning 3 for Best Original Score, Best Orchestration and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Alice Ripley. It also won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, making it the eighth musical in history to receive the honor. Click here to watch a video performance from the 2009 Tonys.

Director’s Insight

Director Barry Petty, a winner of 8 Wings Awards for Musical Direction has been involved with several community theatre groups including Lee Lyric Theatre, Independent Musical Productions, Huntsville Community Chorus, Fantasy Playhouse, the former Twikenham Repertory Company and Renaissance Theatre.

[pullquote align=”right”]”The story will affect anyone in one way or another. Everyone has either dealt with their own mental ‘disorders,’ gone through extreme emotional changes, or just knows someone that has touched by some sort of emotional roller coaster.” – director Barry Petty[/pullquote]Barry is the Director of Choral Activities at Lee High School and is the resident Musical Director for Lee Lyric Theatre and Independent Musical Productions. This production of Next to Normal is his third collaboration with Renaissance Theatre formerly being seen on stage in the role of “Manny” in Master Class and as musical director for The World Goes Round. Recently spoked to Barry about his work on the upcoming show.

“I was extremely fortunate to see the original cast of Next to Normal in performance of this moving piece of theatre on Broadway in 2009. I was so moved and filled with so many different emotions that I just didn’t know how I felt. I was numb.

“The story will affect anyone in one way or another. Everyone has either dealt with their own mental ‘disorders,’ gone through extreme emotional changes, or just knows someone that has touched by some sort of emotional ‘roller coaster.’ The story is told almost entirely by song and these songs range in style from rock, to country/folk song, to jazz. I honestly could not tell you what touched me most, the story or the music, but I just knew that I had been changed in some way.” -director Petty.

Exclusive Preview

Amendment XXI is proud to invite you to a special preview reception for the musical, Next to Normal. Featured at this reception will be selections performed on our stage by members of the cast (Erica Hansen, Breck Robinson, Will Erwin, Catherine Najjar and Cody Webb), accompanied by the director, Mr. Barry Petty.

This is your opportunity to enjoy an exclusive, sneak peek at this marvelous musical production next Thursday, July 19th, 6pm until 8pm at Amendment XXI. You can enjoy light appetizers with the beverage of your choice at Happy Hour prices from their collection of hand-crafted cocktails, fine wines, and an array of domestic and imported beers or non-alcoholic soft drinks. Donations of any amount in support of this production would be appreciated.

Guests who attend this preview reception can purchase these special packets:

• Patron: Admission to Preview Reception, Ticket to any performance, complimentary glass of champagne and your name listed in the program.
• Supporter: Admission to Preview Reception and Ticket to any performance.

Event Information

Event: Next to Normal Reception
Date: Thursday, July 19th
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Amendment XXI
Reserve your spot: 256-715-0131

Event: Next to Normal
Dates and Times:
July 27-28 & August 2-4 at 7:30pm
July 28-29 & August 4-5 at 2:30 pm
Location: Renaissance Theatre
Purchase Tickets: Click here or call 256-536-3117

About the Author

Marianne Windham is the co-owner and president of Windham Entertainment, a regional talent/entertainment agency. Previously, Marianne had a successful career as teacher, choreographer, performer and guest artist in dance and theatre. She has received numerous awards including Birmingham’s Obelisk, the Virginia Hammill Simms Award, and multiple WINGS Awards. Locally, Marianne volunteer for several performing arts groups. Marianne is a member of the Women’s Economic Development Council, Women’s Business Council, Women’s Leadership Exchange, Huntsville Arts Council.