Shatterbox Theatre

30/10/2026

You don’t want to miss this interview with Next to Normal director Julie Lane & Cheryl Singer on the Artscene, today after the news at noon on 99.3 County FM

What happens when a family’s world is turned upside down, and love alone isn’t enough to make everything right?

On this week's Artscene, co-host Cheryl Singer is joined by Julie Lane, director of Shatterbox Theatre’s production of Next to Normal — the award-winning rock musical that explores mental health, family, love, and loss.

We’ll talk about the challenges of bringing this powerful story to the stage and why it’s a production that promises to stay with you long after the curtain falls.

👉 Listen on 99.3 County FM after the news at noon and 6 pm!

Image Description: In the upper left is text that reads Artscene on 99.3 County FM Friday October 30th, next to the County Arts wordmark in white font on a black background. Below this is a photo of Julie Lane next to the poster for Next to Normal.

29/10/2026

✨ MEET THE CAST: JACKIE HSING AS HENRY ✨

A big heart. An awkward moment. A determination to keep showing up.

Jackie Hsing brings Henry to life in Shatterbox Theatre’s Next to Normal, stepping into their first non-ensemble role!

Since starting dance in 2008, Jackie has explored theatre from every angle—from stage crew and costume direction to choreography. After hearing about the production from fellow cast member Stephanie Rose, Jackie couldn’t miss the chance to explore Henry’s character and story.

For Jackie, Henry is someone who loves deeply and tries his best to show it, even when he misses the mark. His good intentions don’t always lead to the right choices, making him a familiar and deeply human part of this story.

What can audiences expect?
💬“Expect to see something real, familiar, and a group of people that’s just doing their best.”

Joining the production later in the process, Jackie found an encouraging cast, a welcoming crew and passionate directors who bring out the best in everyone. We’re so glad to have Jackie as part of this team—and can’t wait for you to meet their Henry.

📍 The Cape, Picton
📅 November 12–21 | Only 9 performances
🎟️ nexttonormal.ca

28/10/2026

✨ MEET THE CAST: STEPHANIE ROSE AS DR. FINE / DR. MADDEN ✨

Shatterbox audiences will remember Stephanie Rose as Sally Bowles in Cabaret and Martha in Spring Awakening. Now, she returns for her third Shatterbox production, bringing two very different doctors to life in Next to Normal.

Stephanie’s theatre credits also include Sheila in A Chorus Line, Miss Stacy in Anne of Green Gables, and Cathy in The Last Five Years. She has performed with numerous theatre companies across the region in a wide variety of roles, and we’re thrilled to welcome her back for this powerful story.

As Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden, Stephanie explores the difference between offering treatment and truly hearing the person seeking help. Her approach centres on Diana’s need to be heard and her growing determination to advocate for herself.

For Stephanie, the importance of this musical lies in the connections it makes possible:

💬 “Connecting deeply with the fears, pain and grief of others through these characters helps us to understand one another more profoundly. It makes us kinder, more sympathetic and opens our minds to the struggles people face every day.”

That opportunity to build understanding is at the heart of Next to Normal: making space for conversations about mental health, grief and the complicated ways we care for one another.

What can audiences expect? Stephanie puts it beautifully: “Raw emotion. Beautiful vocals. Authentic acting. And local artists who have come together to share their talent with our community.” 💙

🎭 Next to Normal
📍 The Cape’s Odyssey Room, Picton
📅 November 12–21
🎟️ Tickets: nexttonormal.ca

27/10/2026

✨ MEET THE CAST: KAYLA WEST AS GABE ✨

Charming, playful and complicated, Gabe is a character who can make you smile one moment and break your heart the next. Kayla West is excited to bring her own portrayal of him to the stage in Shatterbox Theatre’s Next to Normal.

Kayla has been dancing since the age of eight and found her way to theatre at twelve, making her musical theatre debut as SpongeBob in SpongeBob the Musical. From that first time on stage, she knew she had found her passion. Now 17, she dreams of one day performing on Broadway and changing people’s lives through her work.

For Kayla, auditioning for Next to Normal came from a deep love for the show and its story:

💬 “This show goes to places that a lot of others are too scared to go to. It is honest, gut wrenching, and an absolutely beautiful representation of how grief can rattle a family.”

She describes Gabe as “the charming son and little s**t of the show,” with a playful side and a heaviness that can rip your heart out. It’s that complexity that drew her to the role.

As for what audiences can expect? Kayla says to be ready to be shocked, touched and swept away—and recommends bringing a box of tissues. 💙

🎭 Next to Normal
📍 The Cape’s Odyssey Room, Picton
📅 November 12–21
🎟️ Tickets: nexttonormal.ca

24/10/2026

🎹 MEET THE CAST: Abigayle Phillips as Natalie Goodman

Brilliant, blunt, anxious, and longing to be seen. Natalie Goodman is a gifted teenage pianist trying to find her own way in a family whose struggles often leave little room for her needs.

Bringing Natalie to life is Abigayle Phillips, a 16-year-old performer from Belleville. Her credits include Annabeth in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and Jack in Bus to Bellevegus. Shatterbox audiences may also recognize her from She Kills Monsters, where she played an assortment of monsters and mythical creatures!

Beyond the stage, Abigayle releases her own music under the name Abbie ann, available on all streaming platforms. 🎶

After seeing Shatterbox’s audition announcement, she watched Next to Normal and fell in love with both the story and the music. Returning to the company was another draw:

💬 “My favourite thing about working with Shatterbox is that it is always such a warm and welcoming environment that lets me be myself while also challenging me to try new things.”

For Abigayle, the show’s power lives in its music and the message it carries. Through Natalie’s story, we see how easily someone’s struggles can go unnoticed—and how much it matters to feel heard.

Expect powerful music, heartbreak, humour, and conversations that continue long after you leave.

📍 The Cape, Picton
📅 November 12–21 | 9 performances only
🎟️ nexttonormal.ca

Experience Next to Normal in an intimate, in-the-round setting with fewer than 100 seats per performance. Book early for your choice of seats!

24/10/2026

Are you a student looking for some community hours? Check out these great ways to help out! Including behind the scenes with us at Shatterbox Theatre!

23/10/2026

🎭 MEET THE CAST: Thomas Medeiros as Dan Goodman

From karaoke night to the Shatterbox stage! After team member Brennan Michener heard Tom sing in 2023 and encouraged him to try theatre, he’s been performing ever since—with roles in Kingston Meistersingers’ We Will Rock You and Shatterbox’s Cabaret.

Now, Tom takes on Dan Goodman: a husband and father trying to hold his family together through incredibly difficult circumstances. Beneath his determination to do what’s best are flaws, fears and a journey of his own.

Having worked in hospitals and healthcare settings, Tom has seen how deeply mental illness can affect individuals and families. That experience drew him to Next to Normal—and to the importance of talking openly about mental health, even when those conversations are difficult.

For Tom, bringing Dan to life is an opportunity to explore what it means to listen, learn and work toward healing together. This story makes room for the struggles we don’t always see, and the conversations we sometimes don’t know how to begin. ❤️

His reason to see it?

“Come for the fantastic performances, the incredible music and a great evening out. Stay if you want to learn, grow and feel.”

Offstage, you’ll find Tom attending concerts, rolling 20-sided dice to slay monsters, or spending time with his mischievous cat. 🐾

Experience this Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical up close, in the round.

📍 The Cape, Prince Edward County
📅 November 12–21 | 9 performances only
🎟️ Grab your seats while there’s still a good choice: nexttonormal.ca

21/10/2026

🚨 THE BEST SEATS ARE GOING FAST! 🚨

We're just THREE WEEKS away from opening night of NEXT TO NORMAL, and tickets are moving!

Our intimate tables for two are being snapped up, and Saturday matinees are filling up fast!

The good news? There's still great availability for several performances! But with just 9 shows and fewer than 100 seats per performance, now's the time to get ahead of the rush.

🟢 See those green dots? That's your chance to grab your preferred seats while availability is still good! Don't wait until green turns to yellow… or red!

Raw. Powerful. Electrifying. ⚡

Experience the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical in an intimate, immersive, in-the-round setting at The Cape.

📅 November 12–21
📍 The Cape | Picton, Ontario

🎟️ Pick your date. Choose your seats. Don't miss out.

👉 nexttonormal.ca

21/10/2026

🎶 The kind of performance that gives you CHILLS. ❤️

We asked the cast of Next to Normal to share their favourite songs from the show, and Kayla West (Gabe) didn’t hesitate to name “I Miss the Mountains.”

It’s not just the song itself, but the way Susan Del-Mei brings Diana’s emotions to life that gives Kayla chills every time. Jackie Hsing (Henry) couldn’t agree more, describing the incredible emotional journey Susan takes us on through the song and the show.

🎭 And now, here’s a little taste of what they’re talking about... Watch Susan bring “I Miss the Mountains” to life during rehearsal.

Powerful music. Raw emotion. Performances that stay with you.

✨ Next to Normal opens November 12 at The Cape, and with matinees nearly sold out and tables going fast, now is the time to secure your seats!

🎟️ November 12–21 | Only 9 performances

Get your tickets at nexttonormal.ca