Next to Normal

The hit musical Next to Normal only managed to play a couple of times before the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020. On January 29, 2022, it was back on Uppsala City Theatre’s main stage, with Helen in the role of mother Diana, where it was played until March 26.

»Diana, Goodman. Bipolar depressive with delusions. Medicated for sixteen years. Follow-up after one week.«

The Goodman family tries to parry when Mom Diana commutes between boundless despair, low-key sadness and moments of happiness. Her escape from reality is compensated by desperate attempts at family happiness. The condition is getting worse, and the family is increasingly dysfunctional and co-dependent.

In Next to Normal we followed the family’s struggle with the mother’s mental illness, a strong and touching story with music that hits the heart.

The acclaimed Broadway musical premiered in New York in 2008 and was awarded three Tony Awards as well as the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.

By: Brian Yorkey
Music: Tom Kitt
Translation: Calle Norlén
Directed by: Ronny Danielsson
Scenography & Costume: Julia Przedmojska
Musical Director: Joakim Hallin
Choreography: Roger Lybeck
Light: Jonas Nyström
Mask: Agnes Krasse
Trailer: Peder Carlson
Publisher: Nordiska ApS Copenhagen

Starring: Helen Sjöholm (mother), Daniel Engman (physician), Rolf Lydahl (father), Martin Redhe Nord (son), Stina Nordberg (daughter), James Lund (boyfriend) and Orchestra.

“Touch in depth” Svenska Dagbladet
“Uppsala City Theater can count on another musical theater success” UNT
“Magical. Gripping. Breathtaking” Broadway World
“A strong musical where Helen Sjöholm’s role is the show’s emotional core” Dagens Nyheter

More about Next to Normal in media

Helen for Uppsala City Theater – “A dream role to play” (Swedish)

Press photos from the musical

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