Theatre Junction Presents Award Winning Broadway Musical 'Next To Normal' 

Theatre Junction, an English theatre company that has gained a reputation for presenting fresh and contemporary work in Colombo, is back once more to present an award winning Broadway musical titled Next to Normal. 

As a theatre company based in Colombo, Theatre Junction aims to provide opportunities for emerging artists, create contemporary theatre work, and foster a culture of collaboration in theatre and performance making. Anushka Senanayake serves as the company’s Artistic Director while Natasha Senanayake serves as the company’s Music Director. Their previous productions include The Last Five Years in 2014, Dead Man’s Cell Phone in 2013 and Time and Motion in 2012. 

Next to Normal is a Broadway musical with lyrics courtesy of Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. Having won 3 Tony Awards in 2009, Next to Normal will take to the stage this month under the direction of Anushka Senanayake. 

Dad's an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling manic depression for 16 years. With an energetic pop/rock score, Next to Normal tackles dealing with mental illness and handling moments of crisis and is a play that is filled with love, sympathy and heart. 

Speaking to us about the play, Anushka tells us that “this is a piece of theatre that has been beautifully crafted, by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt, to explore the topic of mental health in a manner that is relatable and urgent. This is an important play that deals with subject matter, issues and conflicts relevant to the present world we live in and is pieced together with a vibrant score, humour and heart.” 

The play will also feature live music by an instrumental ensemble, conducted under the guidance of Natasha Senanayake who currently holds the title of ‘Commonwealth Music Ambassador’ across all 53 nations of the Commonwealth. “It is very exciting to have a live instrumental ensemble to accompany the actors for this musical and we are privileged work with some of Sri Lanka's most accomplished musicians” she says. “The score contains a diverse variety of influences ranging from classical music, to rock/pop and Jazz.” 

Next to Normal takes the stage with a cast of 6 consisting of Devashrie De Silva, Chrisantha De Silva, Damien Fernando, Sithara Pathirana, Gyles Dharmaratne, and Eraj Gunewardena. 

The lineup of musicians include Eshantha Peiris on Piano/Keyboard, Christopher Prins on Drums, Thishan Wijesinghe on the Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Savini Chadrasinghe on Cello, Lydia Gunetilleke on Violin, Asela Perera on the Acoustic Guitar and Shalintha Rodrigo on the Bass Guitar. 

Next to Normal will take place on September 29 and 30, and October 1 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre from 7:30PM onwards. 

Tickets are priced at Rs. 2500, Rs. 1500, Rs. 1000 and Rs. 800 and will be available for purchase at the venue from September 20. For advance bookings, please call 0777567366. 

Photographs courtesy Jason Eardly