COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Children's Theatre returned this weekend with a heartwarming musical that explores mental health and the love that holds one family together.
"It's a really beautiful story about a family who's just a bit dysfunctional and kind of learning how to navigate each other and all of the quirks and things that they love about each other and still remain supportive, despite all their troubles," explained Rachel Hertenstein, who stars as "Diana Goodman."
Though it is being presented by Columbus Children's Theatre, Hertenstein observed that the story may be best suited for an audience of 13 and up. She advised that potential theatergoers should be cautioned about some of the show's more difficult content, including death, suicide and drug abuse.
Making its debut off-Broadway in 2008, "Next to Normal" went on to win a Tony Award for Best Original Score as well as a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
"Anybody who has ever dealt with any mental health concerns, I definitely think they're going to...see themselves on stage reflected as well as their friends and family," said Hertenstein.
Hertenstein fondly remembered "Next to Normal" as the first show she ever saw on Broadway.
"It always meant a whole lot to me to see a piece that wasn't all, you know, sparkly jazz hands," she explained. "It was actually some very real, grounded material."
Hertenstein cited her own history of mental health issues as one of the reasons she has always been so drawn to the story. She had always hoped to have the opportunity to play the lead role of Diana someday. That day came in 2018 when she took on the role for the first time. Now, six years later, Hertenstein has returned to the character.
"It's really interesting to see Rachel from 2018 and Rachel from now and the experiences that have happened in between have really changed my interpretation of the role, as well as just the material itself really hits home for me."
Columbus Children's Theatre's "Next to Normal" runs through Nov. 10. For more information including tickets and showtimes, visit: https://columbuschildrenstheatre.org/.