Darius Q Mullens

ENG107W

Dr. Merrill

Next to Normal​ Interview Summary

Markowitz, Joel. “Chatting with the Creators of Next to Normal.” ​DC Theatre Scene,​ 12 Dec.

2008, dctheatrescene.com/2008/12/11/chatting-with-the-creators-of-next-to-normal/.

The story of ​Next to Normal​ is one about depression. It is not based on anyone in

particular, but the information comes from research and firsthand accounts from friends of the

writers of the show, Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt. Minor changes in the script and the score are

being made as the show moves from the Arena Stage to Broadway. Some of the biggest

challenges that Tom Kitt faced when writing the score was assigning music to emotion, because

he wanted to be true to the art, but also wanted to make music that was enjoyable for all.

Creating a truthful and organic moment at the end of Act II for the characters of Diana and

Natalie proved to be a challenge as well. The creators are hoping for a cast album and are not

necessarily pushing for the show to go anywhere else. They are simply appreciative of how far it

has come.