Next to Normal is the story of Diana Goodman and her family. Traumatised by the death of her infant son from an undiagnosed intestinal obstruction, Diana has lived with bipolar affective disorder experiencing episodes of depression and delusional beliefs for the past seventeen years. The illness has affected everyone in her life and has nearly torn her family apart on several occasions. With subject matter rendered achingly recognisable by Brian Yorkey and a dynamic, energetic pop-rock score by Tom Kitt, Next to Normal is a show that enables a small group of actors to showcase powerhouse vocals while exploring pressing contemporary issues of trauma, loss, mental health treatment and the meaning of family.