Barcelona's immersive production of Next to Normal, starring Tony-winning original Broadway cast member Alice Ripley, has extended and will now play Festival Grec de Barcelona through August 14. The production began 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.
London's Simon Pittman directs, with the cast also including Andy Señor Jr., Jade Laurel, Eloi Gomez, and Lewis Edgar.
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 and a matriarch battling bipolar disorder. The score includes "Another Day," "Superboy and the Invisible Girl," and "I'm Alive." The original production received three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Along with originating the role of Diana on Broadway, Ripley played the character in the work's Off-Broadway premiere and in its post-Broadway U.S. tour.