Langel (Les Miserables, Cats, Joseph...) takes on the role of Diana Goodman opposite Sanders (Fiddler on the Roof) as Dan. Actors' Playhouse artistic director David Arisco stages the rock musical that officially opens Jan. 20 for a run through Feb. 12.
The cast also includes Eddy Rioseco (Fame, Mamma Mia!, Wicked) as Gabe, Sarah Amengual (West Side Story) as Natalie, Ben Liebert (Wicked) as Henry and Nick Duckart (The Color of Desire, Farragut North) as Dr. Madden/Fine.
Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (book/lyrics) authored the musical, about a mother battling depression and bi-polar disorder, which also delves into prescription drug abuse, suicide, grief and the breakdown of an American family.
Next to Normal earned Tony Awards for Best Score (Kitt/Yorkey), Best Orchestrations (Kitt/Michael Starobin), Best Actress (Alice Ripley, who originated the role of Diana). It also received a Tony nomination for Best Musical and earned the 2010 Pulitzer for Drama.
The Actors' Playhouse production creative team includes Gene Seyffer (set design), Ellis Tillman (costume design), Patrick Tennent (lighting design) and Alexander Herrin (sound design). Musical direction is by Eric Alsford.
Next to Normal is presented at the Miracle Theatre. Visit actorsplayhouse.org for tickets.
