Immersive Barcelona Next to Normal Closes August 14

Barcelona's extended, immersive production of Next to Normal, starring Tony-winning original Broadway cast member Alice Ripley, closes August 14 at Festival Grec de Barcelona. The production began performances July 1 and opened July 6, and was originally scheduled to complete its run July 31.

Along with Ripley, the 60-minute reimagining of the Pulitzer-winning musical features a virtual performance by Tony nominee Adam Pascal as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine. The show is performed without sets or props, with the immersive aspects derived from its surround-sound system and 360-degree projections.

The reimagining is directed by London-based creative Simon Pittman with Andy Señor Jr., Jade Laurel, Eloi Gomez, and Lewis Edgar rounding out the cast.

Next to Normal features music by Tom Kitt and a book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and tells the story of the Goodman family and how they cope with a tragic loss. The score includes "Another Day," "Superboy and the Invisible Girl," and "I'm Alive." The show incorporates themes of mental illness, depression, and psychiatry as the matriarch battles bipolar disorder.

The original production received three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In addition to originating the role of Diana on Broadway, Ripley played the character Off-Broadway and in the U.S. tour.