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Synopsis

NORMAL is an original work that takes a close look at a “perfect and happy” American family and what happens when an unexpected crisis suddenly shakes them to the bone. This musical journey asks the difficult question: “can you ever really be responsible for saving another person’s life?” In this piece Gayla, the mother, sets out on a terrifying and yet ironically humorous mission in a desperate attempt to save her daughter. While searching for answers, she learns the lessons of a lifetime. NORMAL is a unique musical roller coaster ride full of life, love, humor, struggle and discovery.

Grants, awards: 2002 Jonathan Larson Award Winner, Theatre Resources Unlimited Grant (Artistic director, Robert Ost). The team has also won the Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award. (commissioned to write The Gene Game, a new musical about genetic technology and it’s impact on our lives.)

NORMAL was originally developed at The New Group. The piece was further developed at The Lark Theatre where it received a Bare Bones production in 2002. NORMAL was produced Off Broadway by Transport Group under the direction of Jack Cummings III  and starring Barbara Walsh in fall 2005.

Set

One unit set. Minimalist in design. Actors transform the stage into any setting required with bare bones furniture and movement.

Orchestra requirements

6 Musicians- Piano/Conductor, Guitar (acoustic and electric), Bass (acoustic and electric), Cello, Woodwind (flute, clarinet, baritone sax), and Percussion (drum set, orchestra bells, misc. percussion).

Setting/Period

Time: now - Place: here

Cast Breakdown

Gayla Freeman:  40-ish Woman, wife, mother. Relentlessly cheerful. Normal everyday person. Warm Mezzo Belt/ Mix.

Polly Freeman: 15-18 Daughter. A girl with a quality of tenderness and particular intensity. Full of life and death. Pop/Theatrical belt/mix.

Robert Freeman: 45-ish Father. Somewhat easy going yet ineffectual family man with good intentions and shades of anger. Baritone to F.

Zachary: 17-20 Brother. A bit of a wise guy yet sensitive with a heart of gold. Rock musician. Pop tenor.

3 Women: ages 20’s, 40’s, 60’s. Each play a variety of roles including  Doctors, Nurses, specialists and friends. They must all be flexible singers and actors possessing  great comedic flair and depth. Good harmony skills required.

NORMAL is performed without intermission. Running time: approx. 90 minutes

NORMAL is available in an edited 30 minute version suitable for high schools and universities.

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