Next to Normal by Nicole Klassen

Next to Normal is a Pulitzer Prize winning musical created by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt. I first heard this musical in 2009 and was instantly hooked. The story is about the Goodman family, a family struggling with grief and mental health issues. I related to the story, to the girl Natalie, on many levels due to my background and it let me know that I wasn't alone. Next to Normal helped spur more conversations and musicals around mental health, making sure others don't feel invisible. I wanted to showcase Next to Normal, both as a musical and as well as it's societal impact.