By Shari Barrett
Kentwood Players presents the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical Next to Normal which explores how one suburban household struggles to find normalcy in the face of mental illness. With music by Tom Kitt with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, it opens Friday, May 8 at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Los Angeles 90045.
Directed by Kirk Larson with music direction by Catherine Rahm, Next to Normal is produced by Margaret Harrington, Daniel Kruger and Richard Santilena, presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Featured in the cast are Deonte Allen, Elizabeth Bouton Summerer, Nico Fisher, Ben Hess, Sam Papier and Elliott Plunkett.
Next to Normal centers around Diana Goodman, a wife and mother suffering from bipolar disorder, and how the family is impacted by her illness. Please note: This show deals with difficult emotional content and contains strong language, and is not recommended for young children.
Performance dates are Friday, May 8 through Saturday, June 6 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. will be added on May 16 and continue through the rest of the run. There will be no performances over Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24.
Reserved seats are $30 with a $4 discount for seniors, children, students and military, available online at www.kentwoodplayers.org, by emailing boxoffice@kentwoodplayers.org, or by calling (310) 645-5156. Group rates for 10 or more can be arranged with the box office. Free parking available in two lots and on neighborhood streets in the area, but not on Hindry Avenue. A Metrolink K Line station is a block away.
Kentwood Players is also holding in-person, open auditions for its next play, Significant Other by Joshua Harmon, on Saturday, May 9 12 noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 10 6 to 10 p.m., with callbacks (by invitation only) Monday, May 11 at 7 to 11 p.m. at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Los Angeles 90045. This non-equity production is directed by Elijah Green and produced by Lori Marple-Pereslete and Ethan Trejo for Kentwood Players.
Performance dates are Friday, July 10 through Saturday, August 1. Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Saturday matinees, also at 2 p.m., will be added July 18 and continue through the end of the run. This is a non-union, non-paid theater production, presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.
Significant Other centers around Jordan Berman who is on the hunt for Mr. Right. The only wrinkle is each of his trio of close girlfriends are beating him to the altar! As singles’ nights turn into bachelorette parties, and his inner circle warps beyond expectation, Jordan must learn to navigate his newfound isolation while showing up as the companion his friends deserve.
Kentwood Players is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, and encourages actors of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities and identities to audition. Appointments are not necessary for in-person auditions, but allow time to sign in and complete any required paperwork during scheduled audition times. Bring a current headshot, resume, and your calendar. A rehearsal schedule will be posted, and you will be asked to note any potential conflicts.
Auditioners should prepare two contrasting contemporary monologues from published plays, 1-2 minutes each. You may be asked to present only one; be prepared to make adjustments as requested.
Video submissions will be accepted. Actors submitting virtually should email their headshot, resume, and footage of both contrasting contemporary monologues. Please also indicate any general conflicts during the rehearsal period (May 13-July 9, Monday through Thursday 7:00 to 10:00 pm, occasional Fridays). Submit materials to significantother@kentwoodplayers.org no later than Saturday, May 9, 9:00 pm. Virtual auditioners are expected to be available for in-person callbacks. Questions should be sent via email to significantother@kentwoodplayers.org.
For a complete character breakdown, visit https://kentwoodplayers.org/auditions.aspx
