DCTC announces cast and creative team for the Tony Award-winning rock musical, Next to Normal, opening in Spring 2026.

“What moves me most about Next to Normal is its unflinching honesty. This musical invites us to confront the complexities of mental health with compassion, humor, and extraordinary humanity,” saidArtistic Director Chris Coleman. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, connection and understanding can light a way forward. I am honored to share this story with our community.” 

THE CAST

Next to Normal will feature Aléna Watters (Sister Act, Broadway) as Diana Goodman, Ethan Peterson (RENT, New London Barn Playhouse) as Gabe Goodman, James D. Sasser (Jesus Christ Superstar, Broadway) as Dan Goodman, Angélica Concepción (Beauty and the Beast, Wagon Wheel) as Natalie Goodman, Aidan Joyce (A Wrinkle in Time, Arena Stage) as Henry, Randy Guiaya (Next to Normal, East West Players) as Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden and Understudy Dan Goodman, Giuliana Augello (Jesus Christ Superstar, 50th Anniversary first national tour) as Understudy Diana Goodman/Natalie Goodman, and Bryson Pope (Pippin, Casa Mañana) as Understudy Gabe Goodman/Henry/Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden. 

CREATIVE TEAM

Next to Normal will be directed by Nancy Keystone (Indecent, DCPA), music direction by Jacob Carll (Little Shop of Horrors, South Coast Repertory), scenic design by Klara Zieglerova (Rattlesnake Kate, DCPA), costume design by Meghan Anderson Doyle (Cowboys and East Indians, DCPA), lighting design by Paul Whitaker (Hamlet, DCPA), sound design by Elisabeth Weidner (Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA), intimacy direction by Jada Dixon (The Laramie Project, Arvada Center),c asting by Grady Soapes, CSA (Godspeed, DCPA) and Chad Murnane, CSA of Murnane Casting (Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA), and stage management by Malia Stoner (Godspeed, DCPA) and Corin Davidson (Sweet & Lucky: Echo, DCPA). 

This production of Next to Normal is licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI). The original Broadway production was produced by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, and Second Stage Theatre. 

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