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Lesson 1 (from Act One, Part 1)

Objective

Act 1, Part 1

Next to Normal, winner of several Tony Awards as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is the story of a family traumatized by death and struggling with issues related to the mental illness of one of its members. The rock musical's book and lyrics are by Brian Yorkey and the music was written by Tom Kitt. In this lesson, students are introduced to the play and will research and discuss Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt.

Lesson

1) Teacher Lecture: Introduce the class to the play and its authors. Next to Normal is a contemporary rock musical with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. The play centers on themes of mental illness, grief, reconciliation, and hope.

2) Research Activity: Allow students time in the beginning of class to conduct independent research on the play and its creators. In what ways did...

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