Split Stage tackles award-winning musical about mental illness

Split Stage Productions is tackling an award-winning contemporary musical that explores how a suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness.

For Laura Wurzell of Delmont, who is directing the show being staged Feb. 7-15 at Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, the story offers the chance to meld together two passions – theater and mental health.

“I love the opportunity to tell stories through musical theater that resonate with an audience and really focus on emotions and relationships,” says Wurzell, a school counselor for Franklin Regional School District. “This story will do just that.”

Barely hanging on

“Next to Normal,” with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score, when it debuted on Broadway in 2009. It also won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize.

The play portrays a family barely hanging on as it deals with serious issues surrounding the mother’s bipolar disorder as a result of trauma she experienced earlier in her life.

“I truly believe that almost everyone has been touched in some way by mental illness, and I love this opportunity to spark discussions around how we can all find a way to be ‘next to normal’ if normal just feels too far away,” Wurzell says.

Meighan Lloyd Harding of Mt. Lebanon plays the mother, Diana Goodman, and says the role has been on her bucket list for many years.

“I was super-excited when Split Stage announced their season this year because I’m finally old enough, and have enough life experience, to play Diana to the fullest,” she says. “My biggest challenge in playing Diana has been navigating the many layers of her life and her illness and portraying that in a meaningful and authentic way.”

Married with a family, Diana’s illness is the central focus of her family unit, which is comprised of members that are equally complex individuals.

“This combination creates many levels of pain, frustration, sadness and misunderstanding,” she says.

Powerful and heartfelt

Brady Patsy of Pittsburgh portrays her devoted husband, Dan, a role he has played twice before with the Butler Musical Theater Guild. He also has directed the musical.

He describes “Next to Normal” as a powerful show that is “extremely heartfelt, but heavy” and shines a light on mental illness in a way that can make people empathize with others who are plagued with it.

“It actually makes us understand that we are all affected by it in some way, whether we realize it or not,” Patsy says. “The biggest challenge that I face is rediscovering that raw vulnerability night after night. It is very trying as an actor, but also exciting.”

Harding says there are many reasons to experience “Next to Normal.”

“The Split Stage cast and creative team is stellar. Brian Yorkey’s words and Tom Kitt’s music are stunningly beautiful and poignant. It’s a musical – a piece of art – that addresses mental illness and family dynamics in a very real and honest way,” she says. “People can relate to the story on many levels.”

Moments of humor

Wurzell says telling the story has become a collaboration for the actors, musical director Eric Barchiesi, assistant director Shelly Spataro, a therapist by trade, along with the creative team and herself.

Although the musical is definitely a drama, the director says it includes moments of humor as well.

Wurzell last directed “Bonnie and Clyde” and choreographed “Titanic,” both for Split Stage, and appeared in the Pittsburgh New Works Festival.

Harding most recently appeared as Mrs. Lovett in Split Stage’s production of “Sweeney Todd” and as Drowsy in Little Lake Theatre’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

Patsy’s recent credits include “Hair” for Pittsburgh Musical Theater, where he is conservatory director. He also will be appearing in Stage Right’s upcoming production of “Cabaret.”