BLAST raises awareness for mental health with latest show ‘Next to Normal'

ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month, a vulnerable musical that explores the complexities of mental illness is coming to the Cider Mill Stage.
Bold Local Artists of the Southern Tier, or BLAST, is presenting Next to Normal.
Next to Normal is a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning show that follows the Goodman family as they struggle with the highs and lows of mental illness.
Stephen Kane portrays Dan, a husband and dad who is trying his best to keep his family together.
The son of a psychologist, Kane says talking about mental health was encouraged in his household. He says mental health is health.
'Why this musical is so important is because we are talking about it. We are quite literally putting it on stage in a way that up until this point, hadn't been done before. So, to see it on stage is just one huge, monumental step in normalizing this thing that is something that none of us are impervious to,' said Kane.
Kane encourages everyone to take care of their mental health. He says if you are struggling, seek help because there is hope.
Next to Normal opens on Friday and will run throughout this weekend and next.
Show times are at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 on Sunday.
Tickets begin at $32. To purchase, visit cidermillstage.com.
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BLAST raises awareness for mental health with latest show 'Next to Normal'
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