Next to Normal
Writers Theaters
June 2, 2019
On the outside, The Goodmans seem like the average American family: house in the suburbs, white picket fence and two sharp-witted kids. But inside, their lives are anything but normal, with long-buried secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Featuring powerful lyrics and an electrifying score, this explosive musical uses wry humor and brutal honesty to explore how family trauma can fracture the American Dream, while ultimately leading to a chance at new beginnings.
This deeply moving and captivating American musical took Broadway by storm in 2009, winning three Tony awards and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Now, Chicago and Broadway director David Cromer returns to WT where he has directed A Streetcar Named Desire and Picnic to bring his singularly personal touch to this modern musical where the lines between reality and delusion are never quite clear.
Run Time: Approximately 2.5 hours with one intermission
Monitor Writers Theatre's Next to Normal webpage for the latest news.
Please Note: The Next to Normal Theater Trip bus is shared with PLATO members and guests participating in the Chicago Botanical Garden Field Trip. Each trip is allotted 28 seats.
About Writers Theatre
Under the artistic leadership of Michael Halberstam and the executive leadership of Kathryn M. Lipuma, Writers Theatre has grown to become a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called the top regional theatre in the nation by The Wall Street Journal.
The company, which plays to a sold-out and discerning audience of more than 60,000 patrons each season, has garnered critical praise for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its artistry—providing the finest interpretations of both classic and contemporary theatre in its two intensely intimate venues.
In February 2016, Writers Theatre opened a new, state-of-the-art facility. This established the company's first permanent home—a new theatre center in downtown Glencoe, designed by the award-winning, internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects, led by Founder and Design Principal Jeanne Gang, FAIA, in collaboration with Theatre Consultant Auerbach Pollock Friedlander.
The new facility has allowed the Theatre to continue to grow to accommodate its audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy. The new facility resonates with and complements the Theatre’s neighboring Glencoe community, adding tremendous value to Chicagoland and helping to establish the North Shore as a premier cultural destination.
You can find Writers Theatre on Facebook
Writers Theatre New Home: Virtual Tour (4:29)
SUNDAY BRUNCH
We will be enjoying Sunday Brunch at the Guildhall Restaurant & Bar in downtown Glencoe. Note: Your brunch cost is not included your registration fee.
Our group will be divided into a number small tables determined by the Guildhall staff. You will be able to order directly from its Brunch Menu. Each table will receive just one invoice. Cash payment will be required. Be sure to bring cash for easy payment of your order.
Guildhall Restaurant & Bar is an easy walk from Writers Theatre. (MAP) You will time after brunch to explore downtown Glencoe and Writers Theatre.
ITINERARY
Bear in mind that our boarding bus route is like Madison Metro or any other municipal bus service. Please arrive 15 minutes early at your boarding stop so you don’t miss the bus. When everyone is aboard and seated, we leave. Arrive early and we will all arrive in Glencoe on time to begin our adventure.
– Don’t be late. We can wait just 5 minutes at any one location.
– Pack water bottles and snacks for sustenance on the trip.
Leave Madison
7:50 AM Bus arrives at Oakwood University Woods to begin boarding.
8:00 AM Bus departs Oakwood
8:20 AM Arrive at Capitol Lakes
8:35 AM Arrive at East Towne Sears
8:45 AM Depart for Chicago (or sooner if everyone is aboard)
Chicago Area Schedule
11:15 AM Arrive at Chicago Botanical Gardens
11:30 PM Arrive Guildhall Restaurant
After brunch, Writers Theatre is an easy walk (MAP). There will be time to explore downtown Glencoe before the play begins.
2:00 PM Next to Normal performance begins
4:15 PM Next to Normal performance ends and boarding begins
Madison Return Schedule (Estimated)
7:15 PM East Towne Sears
7:40 PM Capitol Lakes
8:00 PM Oakwood University Woods
Non-Member Policy. Members must register their guests. Each PLATO member is entitled to bring one non-member guest per trip.
Non-member guests pay an additional $15.00 registration fee. PLATO Membership is $60.00/year
Members may bring more than one guest if seats are available. Check with trip organizer near the registration deadline date.
Accessibility Policy. On the Badger Bus, you must be able to climb steps to board and exit the bus. If you need assistance, we require that you bring a friend to give you a hand boarding the bus and during the trip.
Next to Normal Theater Trip Mail-In Registration Form (including instructions)
For further information: Contact Next to Normal Theater Trip trip organizer, Bob Blitzke, bblitzke@gmail.com and 608-271-7741