The Wayward Artist Kicks Off Season Of Family With Pulitzer Prize-Winning NEXT TO NORMAL

The Wayward Artist moves into season two examining the many faces of family. Guided by the mission to provide a home for the wayward artist in order to transform a wayward world, the wayward artists tell stories of families experiencing loss, mental health issues, sacrifice, abuse, and self-protection.

Launching the season of family is the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, "Next to Normal" by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey. The production open April 12, 2019 and is directed by Artistic Director Craig Tyrl. "Next to Normal" tells the story of Diana Goodman and her family, struggling to find happiness and normality against a twenty-year backdrop of bi-polar disorder, depression, and grief. The musical examines mental illness and its powerful impact on the family unit.

Next, the company presents the world premiere of "Strong Arm," a play written by The Wayward Artist's resident artist, Wyn Moreno. Based on Anton Chekhov's play, "The Seagull," "Strong Arm" explores fame, parental love, sacrifice, and unfulfilled dreams. Following the lives of Elaine, a former professional tennis player, her athletic superstar of a son, and her professional baseball-playing boyfriend, "Strong Arm" examines the life- changing consequences brought about by the complex web of professional sports and a mother's love and sacrifice for her son. The production is directed by Mark Ramont and opens July 12, 2019.

Opening September 20, 2019, Director of Dance Natalie Baldwin McAllen uses the medium of modern dance in "Next of Kin." Exploring abuse, adoption, divorce, parenting, same-sex relationships, and the miracle of motherhood, "Next of Kin" is a dance collaborative that probes the understanding of family by storytelling through dance.

Rounding off the season of family is "God of Carnage," by Yasmina Reza. Directed by Associate Artistic Director, Sarah Ripper, the dark comedy features two sets of parents meeting to discuss an altercation between their children. Although the evening meeting begins in a civilized fashion, it soon degenerates into an evening of chaos, insanity, and outrageous shenanigans. "God of Carnage" opens November 8, 2019.

Grand Central Arts Center in downtown Santa Ana, CA is currently the home of the Wayward Artist. Tickets range between $15-$25 and can be purchased online at http://www.thewaywardartist.org/buy-tickets-4567.