Next to Normal Ineligible for Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards

The musical Next to Normal, featuring music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, will be ineligible for Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle theater awards, according to The New York Times.

The musical played Off-Broadway at Second Stage last season and was nominated by both organizations for lead actress Alice Ripley and Kitt’s music, winning an Outer Critics Award for the latter. According to The Times, the producers wanted a guarantee that the show would be reconsidered in all categories (including those for Ripley and Kitt), rather than just for new elements.

The musical opened on Broadway at the Booth Theatre on April 15, to largely positive reviews. It is directed by Michael Greif, who also helmed the Off-Broadway production and the subsequent production at Arena Stage, during which several changes were made to the show, including the addition of two new performers: J. Robert Spencer and Louis Hobson.

Since the current incarnation of the musical is the first time it has played Broadway, it will be eligible for the Tony Awards in all categories.

For TheaterMania’s review of Next to Normal, click here.

For more information, visit www.NextToNormal.com.