Next to Normal, Starring Caissie Levy, Opens in London’s West End

The highly anticipated West End transfer of the Donmar Warehouse’s 2023 Olivier-nominated staging of ‘Next to Normal’ officially opens on June 26 at the Wyndham’s Theatre, following previews that began on June 18. The production is directed by Michael Longhurst.

The entire original Donmar cast has made the journey to the Wyndham’s for the 14-week engagement. Grammy and Olivier nominee Caissie Levy (Frozen) stars as Diana Goodman, alongside Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hamilton) as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine, Jack Ofrecio (From Here to Eternity) as Henry, Olivier winner and Tony nominee Jamie Parker (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Dan, Olivier nominee Jack Wolfe (Pinocchio) as Gabe, and Olivier winner and BAFTA nominee Eleanor Worthington-Cox (Matilda the Musical) as Natalie.

Standbys for the production include Carolyn Maitland (Woman in White), who previously stood by for Diana during the Donmar engagement, as well as newcomers Ben Heathcote (The Beautiful Game) as standby Dan/Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine, Lizzy Parker (Heathers: The Musical) as standby Natalie, and Jake Rynolds (Grease) as standby Gabe/Henry.

‘Next to Normal’ explores a suburban family grappling with the effects of mental illness. The musical features a book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. The original Broadway production won three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, and later earned the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Director Michael Longhurst commented, ‘Some stories pierce the heart of the human condition: Tom and Brian’s astonishing musical does just that—facing our deepest vulnerabilities whilst celebrating our capacity to endure. The outpouring of emotion from audiences at the Donmar was incredible: You could hear audible sobs before they surged to their feet every single night—like nothing I’ve experienced. Tickets were impossible to come by, so I am beyond thrilled that more people will now be able to experience the work of this extraordinary creative team.’

The production boasts musical supervision by Nigel Lilley, set and costume design by Chloe Lamford, movement, choreography, and additional direction by Ann Yee, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Tony Gayle, video design by Tal Rosner, orchestrations by Michael Starobin and Tom Kitt, musical direction by Nick Barstow, vocal arrangements by Annmarie Milazzo, and casting by Anna Cooper. Chris Hay serves as the production manager.

‘Next to Normal’ is produced by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, John Gore, Ambassador Theatre Group, Aaron Glick, Pine Street Productions, P3 Productions, and Donmar Warehouse.