Next To Normal Musical

Next to Normal

Feb 19–22, 2026 • Firehouse Theater, Fairbanks
Theatre • Drama • Music • PG-13 • Tickets $25

Next to Normal is a powerful, Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning American rock musical by Brian Yorkey (book & lyrics) and Tom Kitt (music). The emotionally gripping story follows a mother struggling with worsening bipolar disorder and the deep impact it has on her family’s life. The musical explores themes of grief, depression, family dynamics, mental health, and modern psychiatry with honesty and heart through a vibrant score that spans rock, folk, classical, and contemporary musical theater styles. Wikipedia

Show Details

• Dates & Times:
  • Thu, Feb 19 • 7:00 PM
  • Sat, Feb 21 • 2:00 PM
  • Sat, Feb 21 • 7:00 PM
  • Sun, Feb 22 • 2:00 PM
  • Sun, Feb 22 • 7:00 PM

• Venue: Firehouse Theater (same building as Dance Theater Fairbanks)

• Run Time: Approximately ~2 hours with intermission

• Rating: PG-13 – contains mature themes including grief, depression, and mental health struggle (viewer discretion advised) Wikipedia

Cast & Creative Team

• Diana: Liz Brooks

• Dan: TJ Hovest

• Natalie: Remi Hinde

• Gabe: Illyana Illguth

• Henry: Sean Adams

• Dr. Fine: Kori Glenn

• Dr. Madden: Wesley Sonnemaker

• Orderlies / Ensemble: Timothy Hall, Sha Winchester, Faith Burns

• Staging & Musical Direction: Susan Rice

• Technical Direction: Alex Gagne-Hawes

This production features a talented local cast and musicians performing with a small pit orchestra, bringing this deeply emotional and musically rich story to life for Fairbanks audiences.

Tickets & Pricing

• General Admission: $25

• Seniors (65+): $15 (online pre-purchase discount with registered account and qualifying DOB)

• Seating: Limited — Firehouse Theater seats ~120, so early ticket purchase is recommended.

About the Show

Originally premiering Off-Broadway in 2008 and on Broadway in 2009, Next to Normal received three Tony Awards including Best Original Score, Best Orchestration, and Best Actress, and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2010 — a rare honor for a musical. Its poignant story and energetic, expressive score explore the realities of mental health and family life with depth and compassion.

Why You Should See It

Next to Normal is more than a musical — it’s an emotional journey that resonates with both theatre lovers and anyone touched by family, loss, and hope. Don’t miss this limited-run performance by Fairbanks’ own performers shining in a show that speaks to the heart of human experience.