From Saturday, May 30 to Saturday, June 6, 2026 – Acclaimed indie theatre company Bowtie Productions presents the award-winning musical Next to Normal , an electrifying and poignant depiction of a family in crisis trying to overcome the past and cope with mental health issues. Presented at Native Earth’s Aki Studio.
The perfect suburban family – on the surface
Dad’s an architect, brother and sister are acing their classes, and Mom’s keeping them all together. But there’s one detail nobody wants to acknowledge: Mom’s been battling bipolar disorder and delusional episodes for 16 years. Next to Normal is a compassionate look at how a family copes when mental health verges on the sublime.
With book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, this winner of three 2009 Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize is directed by Anthony Goncharov and choreographed and associate directed by Bowtie Productions Artistic Director Meredith Shedden, with music direction by Michael Ippolito. This production of Next to Normal features an all-Canadian cast: April Rebecca, Taylor Long, Aveleigh Keller, Christopher Lyon, Samel Sunil and Mich Anger.
“Speaking of stories worth telling, in its third season Bowtie is already a decorated indie company… that makes a strong argument for the importance of the indie theatre spirit in Toronto.”
– Ilana Lucas, BroadwayWorld
About Bowtie Productions
Bowtie Productions was founded in 2021 with the goal of creating thought-provoking pieces of musical theatre in small-scale, immersive productions. Now heralded as “one of Toronto’s most promising young companies” (My Entertainment World), Bowtie continues to illuminate impactful stories and deliver intimate, fan-favourite theatre pieces that speak to the Toronto arts community. Read more about them here.
(Photo credits: Valentina Caballero, Bella Caballero. Standing: Samel Sunil, Aveleigh Keller, Taylor Long & Mich Anger. Seated: April Rebecca & Christopher Lyon.)
Event details
Presented by: Bowtie Productions
Type of event: musical theatre performance
Book and lyrics by: Brian Yorkey
Music by: Tom Kitt
Directed by: Anthony Goncharov
Movement direction & associate director: Meredith Shedden
Music direction by: Michael Ippolito
Cast: April Rebecca, Taylor Long, Aveleigh Keller, Christopher Lyon, Samel Sunil & Mich Anger
Dates & start times:
- Saturday, May 30 @ 7:30 PM ET (opening night)
- Sunday, May 31 @ 3:00 PM ET
- Monday, June 1 @ 7:30 PM ET
- Wednesday, June 3 @ 7:30 PM ET
- Thursday, June 4 @ 7:30 PM ET (mask mandatory performance)
- Friday, June 5 @ 7:30 PM ET
- Saturday, June 6 @ 2:00 PM ET
Duration: 2 hours & 30 minutes (including a 15-minute intermission)
Cost: All prices include taxes & fees.
- General admission: C$49.00
- Arts worker (limited number of arts worker seats per show): C$35.00
Location: Native Earth’s Aki Studio, Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St. East, #120, Toronto, ON, M5A 2B7, Canada
Booking link: Book your tickets here.
Contact details: Bowtie Productions, info@bowtieproductions.ca, bowtieproductions.ca; Aki Studio box office: (416) 531‑1402
Content warning: Themes regarding mental health – including bipolar disorder, delusions, grief, trauma and suicide – along with depictions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), drug abuse, strong language and brief medical scenes. Flashing lights, loud music, haze. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Accessibility: Accessibility features at Aki Studio include wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating areas, assistive listening devices, accessible washrooms, service animal accommodations, sensory-friendly adjustments, staff assistance, online booking support for accessibility requests, and detailed guidance. Info here.
Health & safety policy: There will be a mask mandatory performance on Thursday, June 4.