Willemijn Verkaik returns to the Netherlands for Next to Normal in Rotterdam!
The worldwide star Willemijn Verkaik is set to lead the Dutch production of Next to Normal later this year in Rotterdam. Internationally acclaimed and world-renowned for her record-breaking portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked across Broadway, the West End, Germany, and the Netherlands, Willemijn’s career also includes starring as Elsa in the German production of Frozen and originating the role of Anne Hathaway in the German premiere of & Juliet. Now, she returns to the Netherlands to take on the powerful role of Diana Goodman.
This NANOEK production brings the Broadway success to the Oude Luxor Theater. Next to Normal tells the story of Diana, a woman battling bipolar disorder. Together with her family, she struggles to find a foothold in a reality where the lines between truth and imagination constantly blur.
Joining Willemijn is a stellar cast featuring Edwin Jonker (Jesus Christ Superstar, Hadestown) as her husband Dan, Yara Brand (Branden) as their daughter Natalie, and Michael Muyderman (Les Misérables, Saturday Night Fever) as their son Gabe. Each tries to navigate the situation in their own, often heartbreaking, ways.
The production also features Jonathan Demoor (Sweeney Todd, MELK) as Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden and Jaap Stoop (Willem & Frieda) as Henry.
A modern masterpiece, this Broadway musical was honoured with three Tony Awards and the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Willemijn Verkaik (50) shared that she was on the edge of her seat when she first saw the show on Broadway:
"Such a massive drama, told with honesty and humour, carried by the incredible music of Pulitzer Prize winners Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics). I cannot wait to bring this to life with NANOEK and the rest of this talented cast."
The first previews are starting from 25 September to 8 October. With the pre-press night on 9 October and the official press night on 10 October at the Oude Luxor Theater, Rotterdam.
Tickets on sale now: https://luxortheater.nl/
