MORGANTOWN — During its upcoming production of the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Next to Normal,” the Monongalia Arts Center (MAC) will make behavioral health outreach and support services available to residents and attendees, to be provided by professionals from WVU Medicine/Chestnut Ridge Center/WVU Department of Behavioral Health.
The production opens at 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at MAC, followed by 8 p.m. performances Nov. 2-3 and Nov. 8-10. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Nov. 4. Outreach services will be available before the show starting at 7:30 p.m. for the evening performances, and 1:30 p.m. for the matinee, and also during the intermission of each performance, in MAC’s Benedum Gallery.
“The cast and crew are excited about this development,” said director Kevin Dean. “This show is about grief, depression and other related challenges, and how and how not to respond to these issues personally, within families, and even through clinical treatment.
“If even one of our audience members is struggling with such a challenge, we want them to be able to access these critical resources. Time is often of the essence, and no matter how big the problem seems, we want people to understand that help is available, that they are not alone.”
“MAC has a long history of mental health outreach,” said Ro Brooks, MAC executive director. “Every August we host a full-scale community mental health outreach event, and we couldn’t be more pleased to supplement that impact by taking advantage of the theme of this acclaimed theatrical production. We are so thankful to WVU for joining us in this effort.”
Admission is $15. Tickets may be purchased at the MAC lobby desk, by phone at 304-292-3325, and at monartscenter.com/shop.
Due to the subject matter, “Next to Normal” is not appropriate for young audiences.
MAC is at 107 High St.
Info: info@monartscenter.com or 304-292-3325.
