News & Views Saturday, July 05, 2025

“Next to Normal” wins the Pulitzer! Thursday, April 15, 2010

The 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama was awarded to “Next to Normal,” a rock musical by Tom Kitt with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family.

As described on Playbill.com: “The award in drama, which includes a $10,000 prize, is ‘for a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source and dealing with American life,' according to the official guidelines. ‘Productions opening in the United States between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2009 are eligible.'
The Pulitzer jury recognized the work for its subject matter and stated that it ‘expands the scope of subject matter for musicals.' The last musical to win the honor was Jonathan Larson’s Rent in 1996. Other musicals to earn the Pulitzer include Sunday in the Park With George, A Chorus Line, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Fiorello!, South Pacific and Of Thee I Sing.” (www.playbill.com)

To experience some of the music from this powerful new musical, pick up the “Next to Normal” piano/vocal selections, which contains 26 emotionally-charged songs, including “Superboy and the Invisible Girl,” “I Miss the Mountains,” and “You Don't Know.”

For your choir, you can also get “Next to Normal: A Choral Medley.” This five-minute medley features “I Am the One,”  “Superboy and the Invisible Girl,” “I’m Alive,” and “Light,” and is available for SATB, SAB and SSA.

For more music choices from Pulitzer prize winning musicals, contact Stanton's at 1-800-42-MUSIC