Award Winning Musical in Salamanca NY, Two Weekends In January
By Rachel Fraley
In a world where literally nothing is normal, The Ray Evans Seneca Theater at 10 Main St. in Salamanca, is at least trying to get us “Next to Normal”. The theater is kicking off it’s 2022 season with The Cattaraugus County Living Arts Association’s production of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize winning “Next to Normal”.
“Next to Normal” is a rock themed musical about a family and the impact of mental illness. The musical follows a suburban family as they cope with crisis and unpredictability of their mother’s worsening bi-polar disorder. Brian Yorkey wrote the book and lyrics for the 2008 show with music by Tom Kitt. “Next to Normal” first appeared on Broadway in 2009 and won three Tony awards that year alone.
The show will have performances on January 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th at 7:30pm and on January 9th and 16th at 2pm. Ticket’s are $15 and the show is for adults only. The CCLAA’s rendition is directed by returning director William J. Steffen, with vocal music direction by Andrew Dutko and produced by Ryan Wheeler. An orchestra conducted by Ruth Fuller is comprised of 7 local musicians. The cast is composed of some of the most talented performers in the surrounding areas. Including but not limited to Olean, Bradford and Salamanca. The musical features: Jen Conklin, Emma Dwaileebe, Gretchen Henneman, Brandon Milanowski, Luke Papke, Skyler Schapp, and Andrew Truman.
Speaking with Sharon Turano, gave an idea of what it’s like to keep The Ray Evans Seneca Theater alive and running and to keep live arts in the area. She stated that everyone associated with the theater are all volunteers. The theater was opened in 1945 but was flooded in 1972 and remained closed until 1989. It was volunteers then too, that restored and re-opened the theater as well as a lot of community effort. Working hard back then to keep arts live here was important enough to those people to bring it back, so all of the volunteers are working just as hard to keep it going now. They all have their roles in running the theater and keeping live arts in the area. “I would never be able to do it all alone or even be able to direct a performance”, Sharon stated. It’s great because we all want to be part of the revitalization of both Salamanca and the Theater and it all comes together because we all bring expertise in a different area. Whether it’s directing, sets, PR, or donating costumes, it’s all to give back”.
All of the shows/performances are special though they may differ, one thing remains the same is everyone comes together thinking they are just making a show, but wind up making lifelong friends. The shows at the theater are great for the audience; generally a lot of fun and a good time is had by all. “Next to Normal” is especially fitting now, during these strange and tumultuous times. The musical can help us better understand each other’s struggles – how fitting.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some tickets and head down to the theater, have some fun and enjoy a terrific musical where local area performers not only provide a necessary escape, but also showcase the issues of our time.