Please be advised that Next To Normal has mature content including discussion of death, suicide, mental health issues and substance abuse as well as strong language. We recommend this show for high school students and older.
Mr. Willets, Mr. Chiodo, Ms. Foss and Ms. Lynn for all the support.
Sue Smith, Anthony Cananzi, Trisha Long, Jay Cabrera, Julia Post, Josh Cook and Trish Qualls
Mr. Santiago and Ms. Abbatinozzi for all they do for the kids and the school Serena Ambush and David Valdez
Mr. Billy and Bartram Trail High School Theatre
SJCCA Theatre Program
FSCJ Theatre Program
Carl and Nikki Liberatore
Melanie Leone and the Theatre Board Bonnie Dyches
Tia Llewellyn
Amy Laswell and the TC Arts Boosters
Leah Paige and the Flagler College Theatre Program
AVL Productions
Kristin Westberg
Ms. Affolder
All the parents and students who helped make this production happen
When deciding to select material to work on with the kids, there are a number of factors that go into it. We first look at what material will challenge and enrich our student actors. We then look to our student body. What production feels relevant? Fun? Thought-provoking? Insightful? Finally, we look to our community.
Despite this lengthy examination process, I still receive comments each year about selecting material more “family friendly.” I know the type of shows these comments represent (“Mary Poppins,” “Newsies”), and I am (you’d be surprised to know!) a huge fan of them. But if family friendly refers to a show in which a family can attend, enjoy and talk about: I think “Next to Normal” absolutely falls into this category.
Here we have a family. It may look like yours. It may not. This family is struggling with many issues yours may or may not relate to: mental illness, depression, grief.
Now more than ever we are understanding how important it is to discuss mental health and all that comes with it. Topics that, when I was in high school, would have been considered taboo and would have been absolutely not talked about. Hindsight is 20/20 and I think we can all agree that this was not a good strategy.
So, yes: “Next to Normal.” For high school students. For students to possibly see themselves, their family, their friends and their struggle represented in a Pulitzer Prize winning musical. For these students to see and hopefully understand that they do not have to struggle silently. For these students to understand that not everything has to be “normal” and that nothing hardly is. For these students to feel safe to have that dialogue with the people they love.
And for everyone else, we’re doing “Mamma Mia” in the spring. I promise there will be lots of dancing in fabulous colorful ABBA inspired disco suits.
Until then, please enjoy “Next to Normal,” and, please, talk to your friends. Talk to your guidance counselors. Talk to your family. You are not alone.
Diana Goodman Gracia Romaine
Dan Goodman Shea Meyer
Gabe Goodman Kai Fuata
Natalie Goodman Abigail Carbery
Henry Joshua “Goose” Affolder
Dr. Fine/Madden Kelsey Westberg
Ensemble:
Brady Reynolds, Brandon Almaria, Colton Snyder, Katelyn Beladi, Lily Roach, LauraLyn Dyches
Director: Mike Beaman
Music Director: Joshua Cook
Choreographer: LauraLyn Dyches
Stage Manager: Caden Lawrence
Lighting Designer: Cole Lay
Asst. Lighting Designers: Alexa Schenck and Sarah Sousa
Light Board Operator: Mady Brice
Sound Design: Carl Liberatore
Sound: Catalina Martinez-Wittingham
Run Crew: Ernest Kacsala
Construction Head: Locke Merrell
Front of House:
Brooklyn Joly, Maya Oberholtzer, Angela Badjie, Yumalai Maldonado, Mia Kennedy, Max Haddock
TOM KITT (Composer) Tom Kitt received the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama as well as two Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Orchestrations for Next to Normal. Next to Normal also received the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Score. He is also the composer of If/Then (Tony Nom., Outer Critics Nom.); High Fidelity (Broadway); Bring it On, The Musical (co composer with Lin Manuel Miranda, Broadway); Superhero (2nd Stage); Disney's Freaky Friday (Stage Production and Original Disney Channel Movie Musical); Dave (Arena Stage); The Winter's Tale, All's Well That Ends Well, and Cymbeline (The Public's NYSF); From Up Here and The Madrid (MTC); Orphans (Broadway) The Retributionists (Playwrights Horizons) and As You Like It (Toho Co., Japan). As a music supervisor, arranger, and orchestrator, credits include SpongeBob Squarepants, The Musical (Tony Nom., Outer Critics Nom, Drama Desk Nom.); Head Over Heels; Jagged Little Pill; Grease Live!; Rise (NBC); and American Idiot. His work with Green Day also includes additional arrangements for their Grammy Award winning album 21st Century Breakdown and their album trilogy, ¡Uno! ¡Dos! ¡Tré! Tom received an Emmy Award as co writer (with Lin Manuel Miranda) for the 2013 Tony Award opening number, Bigger. Other Television Songwriting credits include a musical episode of Royal Pains, and songs for Penny Dreadful, Sesame Street, and Julie's Greenroom. As a musical director, conductor, arranger and orchestrator, credits include the Pitch Perfect films, 2Cellos featuring Lang Lang (Live and Let Die), The Kennedy Center Honors, 13, Debbie Does Dallas, Everyday Rapture, Hair, Laugh Whore, Pippin (Deaf West), and These Paper Bullets. Upcoming projects include musical adaptations of the films Almost Famous, Magic Mike, and The Visitor.
Brian Yorkey (Librettist/Lyricist) received the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as the 2009 Tony Award for Best Score, for Next to Normal. Brian is currently the Executive Producer and Showrunner of 13 Reasons Why for Netflix, Paramount Television and Anonymous Content.
Brian was also nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical for Next to Normal, and his work on the show earned him the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Score. He partnered again with the Next to Normal team on If/Then (Tony Award Nominee for Best Score) starring Idina Menzel. Brian co wrote the libretto for The Last Ship (Outer Critic's Nomination, with John Logan), with a score by Sting. His musical adaptation of Freaky Friday for Disney Theatricals enjoyed a National Tour before being adapted into a Disney Channel Original Movie. Current theatrical projects in development include the original musical Jesus in My Bedroom, with composer Tim Symons, as well as stage musical adaptation of Magic Mike.
Additional theatre credits include Making Tracks, which has played off Broadway and regionally, the musical adaptation of Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet and the play, Book of Jobs with Alex Glover. Brian has directed off Broadway and regionally and for seven years was associate artistic director at Village Theatre in Washington state, one of the nation's leading producers of new musicals.
He's a graduate of Columbia University, where he was artistic director of the Varsity Show, an alum of the BMI/Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop and a proud member of the Dramatists Guild and the WGA.
Joshua "Goose" Affolder (Henry): Joshua Affolder (known in the arts department as Goose) is a junior at Tocoi creek high school. This is the second show he has been a part of with his first being last year’s production of Amelie. Goose is a part of the school’s choral department and helped out as an assistant coach for Tocoi's girls volleyball team last year.
Brandon Almaria (Ensemble/Understudy Henry): This is my first ever show. I played varsity football at Nease but eventually switched over to marching band. Considering that it was my senior year I thought I would do something I’ve always wanted to, so I auditioned for this musical. I am very excited to be a part of this program that I’ve always had high respect for. Besides band, I am also co president of NHS, a member of SNHS, Mu Alpha Theta, NEHS, and president of the AAPI club, and much more. I just love being a part of the herd and helping out whenever I can. Horns Up!
Mike Beaman (Director): Mr. Beaman is the Theatre and Tech Theatre teacher at Tocoi Creek High School. He is excited to be directing this powerful play. Other credits include The Normal Heart, Agnes of God, Edward Albee’s Seascape, and Amelie He was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Award for Distinguished Direction for his work on Samuel Beckett’s Endgame at Flagler College.
Kaitlyn Beladi (Ensemble): This is Kaitlyn’s second time in Tocoi Creeks school musical. She was Amadine in the musical Amelie. As well as she was stage manager for Lend Me a Tenor. She hopes you all enjoy the show everyone has worked so hard to put together!!
Mady Brice (Light Board Op): This is Mady’s 2nd year doing tech for TCHS and prior to this, she did tech for two years at Pacetti Bay Middle School. She enjoys participating in the color guard with the TCHS marching band and winter guard. She’s in FCA and is an honors student. She is so
excited to see how this amazing show comes together and hopes you all love it as much as she does!
Abigail Carbery (Natalie): This is Abigail’s second musical production at Tocoi Creek High School. Her first experience on campus was being a part of the ensemble in Amelie during her sophomore year. She is also a part of the Pop Ensemble here at Tocoi and has been in choir since the age of 6. In the past she was a part of the ensemble in Guys and Dolls at Nease High School during her freshman year. She is exceedingly honored to preform Next to Normal for you all and hopes you enjoy!
Joshua Cook (Music Director): Mr. Cook is the Director of Choral Activities at Tocoi Creek High School in St. Augustine, Florida. Josh directs four choirs, teaches musical theatre, and teaches a college level music appreciation course through St Johns River College. Before his appointment in the St Johns County School District, Josh finished his coursework for the Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at the University of Southern Mississippi. Throughout his career, Josh has directed and performed a wide variety of music including barbershop, symphony orchestra, heavy metal, opera, musicals, and more. His music directing credits include, Amélie, Mamma Mia!, Guys and Dolls, and Chicago. Josh is thrilled to be working with the talented cast of Next to Normal at Tocoi Creek High School
LauraLyn excited to be choreographer and ensemble in her third production at Tocoi Creek. She is also a part of the dance team at Tocoi and runs Fellowship of Christian Athletes club. LauraLyn would also like to say a special thank you to her family and friends for always supporting her and enabling her to do what she loves.
Kainoa Fuata (Gabe) Kai is a senior who has been in 4 and a half shows, those being Guys and Dolls, Amélie, Riki Tiki Tavi, Lend Me a Tenor, and My Fair Lady (which was cancelled due to covid in 2020). I am also in the marching band, beaches go green, and AAPI.
Ernest Kacsala (Run Crew): Ernest was Max in Lend Me a Tenor, and has performed in last year’s winter showcase. He has also worked behind the scenes on Amelie the Musical and our Spring Arts Showcase. Ernest is an ambassador for our Academy of Innovations of the Built Environment, a member of the coding club, or you can find him around campus showing everyone what it means to be a toro. He hopes you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Caden Lawrence (Stage Manager): This is Caden's second time stage managing at TCHS. His first experience was the one act play Rikki Tikki Tavi that was taken to State. He has also done technical theatre for two years at Chestatee High School, working on productions such as: Big Fish, Little Shop of Horrors, and Arsenic and Old Lace. He's extremely excited to put on Next to Normal, and hopes you all enjoy the set and show the cast and crew has worked so hard on.
Cole Lay: (Lighting Designer) Cole Lay is a 4th year tech student at Tocoi Creek High School. Cole started helping with productions in 8th grade at Pacetti Bay Middle School and his first production was The Lion King Jr. as the lighting designer. Cole then moved to Saint Augustine High School for the arts academy for his freshman and sophomore year with Mr. Beaman. Cole was in the Technical Theater and Musical Technical The-
ater courses at SAHS and began teaching lighting within them. Cole then moved to Tocoi Creek High School with Mr. Beaman to continue technical theater. Cole has a growing passion for Photography and Digital Design/Advertising and is a part of our Yearbook Staff as an Editor. Cole is also an Athletic Department Volunteer helping with their photos and videos. Cole is currently planning on attending The University of Arkansas to continue his passions in the digital creative world.
Shea Meyer: (Dan) Shea is a senior. An avid actor and an art enthusiast, Shea has been involved in Theatre since middle school. Shea has performed in previous Tocoi Creek productions such as Lend Me a Tenor and Amelie. He is also a member of the International Thespian Society. Shea hopes to continue honing and improving the skills Theatre has taught him. Enjoy the show!
Mady: This is Mady’s 2nd year doing Tech with TCHS. Prior to high school she was in tech for two years. She is involved in the color guard with the TCHS marching band and Brady Reynolds (Ensemble): This is Brady’s 3rd time being in a production at TCHS. He was Dominique Bretodeau in Amelie and played a bird Darcy in the One Act, Rikki Tikki Tavi. He also was a stage manager in Lend Me A Tenor. Overall, this is Brady’s 7th production he has done throughout high school. He was in The Wizard of Oz (Wizard), Oklahoma! (Ali Hakim), Dirty Works At The Crossroads (Adam Oakheart), Puffs (The Narrator). He is extremely excited for everyone to see this show and perform this amazing piece that the cast and crew put so much time and effort in!!
Lily Roach (Ensemble): This is Lily’s second time performing in a Tocoi Creek Theatre musical. She was in the ensemble for the musical Amelie last year. She’s very excited to be a part of this production and hopes everyone enjoys it and all the work that went into it.
Gracia Romaine (Diana Goodmand): Gracia has always had a passion for the stage and have been doing productions since third grade. Including Miracle on 31st Street, Bring It On, Ragtime, White Christmas, Oliver (twice), Shrek, Amelie, Riki tiki Tavi and Lend Me A Tenor. She is on the TCHS debate team, book club, robotics club, an AP student, an active International Thespian Society member and the Florida Thespians District Representative. She is proud to be part of
this dedicated cast. We have put in countless hours to tell you this special story.
Colton Snyder (Ensemble): This is Colton’s third production here at TCHS. He was Raphael Poulain in Amelie and played Father in Rikki Tikki Tavi. This is Colton’s overall 14th production, most notable one being Sleepy Hollow as Mr. van Tassel.
Kelsey Westberg (Dr. Fine/Madden): Kelsey is a senior this year and currently serves as the ITS District 2 Representative. Outside of theatre she serves as Miss Tocoi Creek, is a part of the varsity cheerleading team, and various clubs around school. Previously she was in The Wizard of Oz, The Lion King, High School Musical, Bring It On, Legally Blonde, My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls and Amèlie. She is so proud of the cast and loves every minute of performing with them.
Catalina Martinez-Wittinghan (Sound) This is Catalinas first time doing tech for a theatre production. She enjoys doing theatre, marching band, beaches go green, Mu Alpha Theta, and National Honor Society. She is an AP student and has enjoyed watching the cast rehearse and grow. She can’t wait for people to see the show everyone has worked so hard on and she really hopes she doesn’t on and she really hopes she doesn’t mess up! :)
1. Understand how substance abuse develops. Substance abuse starts by:
• Using addictive drugs (illicit or prescribed) for recreational purposes
• Seeking out intoxication every time you use Abusing prescription medication
2. Avoid Temptation and Peer Pressure. Develop healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure you to use substances. It’s often said “we become most like those we surround ourselves by,” meaning if you surround yourself with people who abuse drugs and alcohol you are more likely to as well. Peer pressure is a major part of life for teens and adults. If you are looking to stay drug free develop a good way to just say no, prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of time to keep from giving into peer pressure.
3. Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. If you are dealing with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression or post traumatic stress disorder you should seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor. A professional will provide you with healthy coping skills to alleviate your symptoms without turning to drugs and alcohol.
4. Examine the risk factors. Look at your family history of mental illness and addiction, several studies have shown that this disease tends to run in the family, but can be prevented. The more you are aware of your biological, environmental and physical risk factors the more likely you are to overcome them.
5. Keep a well-balanced life. People often turn to drugs and alcohol when something in their life is missing or not working. Practicing stress management skills can help you overcome these life stressors and will help you live a balanced and healthy life.
Develop goals and dreams for your future. These will help you focus on what you want and help you realize that drugs and alcohol will simply get in the way and hinder you from achieving your goals.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please seek a trusted adult, your guidance counselor at school or call 988 anytime.
