FRR: Welcome, Todd! We’re so excited to chat with you about Next to Normal at OPPA! (On Pitch Performing Arts) in Layton. First things first, can you tell us what drew you to this show?
Todd Taylor: Oh, Next to Normal has been a favorite of mine for a long time. The music is incredible, and the story is deep and heartfelt. The writers really put a lot of great work into all aspects of the story.
FRR: Sounds amazing! Now, what is the craziest or most creative way you can think of to summarize the plot of this production?
Todd Taylor: Define crazy. 😉 This is a story of a mother with worsening bipolar depression and the effects on not only her but her “perfect” normal family and suburban life. Add some rock music for a great time.
FRR: That sounds like a rollercoaster! If you had to describe the process of putting on this show with one word, what would it be and why?
Todd Taylor: Delirious—going with the theme of the show, this encompasses a lot: deliriously happy with the cast we got in the audition process, deliriously sad during some of the rehearsals and the themes of this show, deliriously hopeful at the end of each rehearsal with how this show ends.
FRR: Delirious indeed! What is the most interesting, funny, or wonderful thing you’ve learned while working on this production?
Todd Taylor: The wonderful thing about Next to Normal is I feel that it shows that even when it’s the darkest and all hope feels lost, the day is still going to come and bring light. Things hurt and things are lost, but we continue growing no matter what.
FRR: That’s beautiful. What do you do right before each performance to get ready? And right after each performance?
Todd Taylor: I’ll answer this for rehearsals since we haven’t started performing yet. Right before, we do a warmup with the cast to get us all on the same page plus warm up our vocals. Then right after, we end by singing the finale song, “Light.” When you come see the show, you’ll understand why.
FRR: We can’t wait to hear it! What’s your favorite inside joke from the show?
Todd Taylor: Quote/inside joke: “It’s gonna be good.” It’s something said over and over in the songs, so anytime we’re talking about the show, “it’s gonna be good” inevitably comes up.
FRR: Tell us about your cast.
Todd Taylor: It’s a small cast, and we have two casts total. Both are great, and working with them has been a massive privilege.
FRR: They sound fantastic. What’s your background and training as a director?
Todd Taylor: I’ve had the incredible privilege to direct or assistant direct five productions now and have loved every minute while learning valuable lessons each time.
FRR: What’s the biggest challenge of directing in general?
Todd Taylor: Selecting the best cast for each show and making sure they all can work well together. Especially in this instance, we have a tight family unit, so this needs to be seen and believed. I feel we’ve done this on this production.
FRR: And what about the biggest challenge of directing this show specifically?
Todd Taylor: The themes of the show are heavy at times. Add that to the fact there are only six people in each cast and a lot of singing with tight harmonies, so this was important in the casting process.
FRR: What are the surprises and delights you’re finding in directing this show?
Todd Taylor: Seeing the cast come together and work as one family unit. They are willing and able to put in the extra work to make this show a success.
FRR: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about this project?
Todd Taylor: It’s an incredible dramatic piece that does handle some heavy topics. I’m working hard to ensure it has levity when needed as well.
FRR: Thank you, Todd! We can’t wait to see Next to Normal at OPPA! in Layton from September 13th to October 5th. For more information and tickets, visit On Pitch Performing Arts. It’s gonna be good!
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