‘Next to Normal’ putting mental health in the spotlight in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - A rock musical is on stage now in Charlotte, bringing mental health to the literal spotlight.

Melissa Cook, who plays a mom battling bipolar disorder in “Next to Normal,” joined the show to talk about the play and its themes.

The show demonstrates that seemingly “normal” is far from perfect, and takes the audience through the family’s push to keep their world intact.

The play is running now through May 26 at Theatre Charlotte. Tickets and performance dates can be found here.

To hear more, listen to our full conversation with Cook above.

The play delves into the lives of a family with a mother battling worsening bipolar disorder.