MANILA, Philippines - A Broadway rock musical set to open in March in Manila puts the spotlight on bipolar disorder, a psychological disorder characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania.

Specifically, the musical "Next to Normal" delves on the effects of bipolar disorder on a family.

"At the end of the day, the story is about the family. Our culture is so family-oriented. It's all about how a family deals with a crisis and what the coping mechanisms of people in the family are. It's about the strength of a family, what family means, and how a family deals with crisis," said Bobby Garcia, who is directing the musical to be staged by Atlantis Productions.

Bobby Garcia

After Garcia saw the show on and off Broadway, he wanted to mount the show in the Philippines.

With books and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, "Next to Normal" has won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2010) and 3 Tony Awards (2009).

'Like an indie film'

The show's appeal lies in its material and music. "If you'll equate it to the film industry, it's like an indie film--almost. It's not your everyday Broadway musical. It deals with themes no other musical has dealt with in the past. And the music...After 'Rent', this is the next important rock musical in the landscape of American musical theater. I think it's important for people to see," Garcia told host Patty Laurel on ANC's "Cityscape".

An impressive cast is doing "Next to Normal" in Manila, who could ably tackle the roles described as both "emotionally and vocally demanding."

Taking the lead role of Diana is talented singer-theater actress Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, whom Garcia knew had to have the role. "When I saw [the show], I knew that this is a show for Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo," Garcia said.

She is joined by singer Jett Pangan, better known as the vocalist of The Dawn band before, who plays Dan, Diana's husband. "He's an amazing singer and actor," Garcia said.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jett Pangan

Also in the cast are Bea Garcia who plays Natalie, the teenage daughter of Diana and Dan, Felix Rivera who plays Gabe, the son of Dan and Diana, and Jake Macapagal who plays Dr. Madden, the psychiatrist of Diana.

Filipino-Norwegian Markki Stroem is taking on the role of Henry, the classmate of Natalie.

A lot of work

Doing "Next to Normal" requires a lot of work, said Garcia.

"In a show like 'Next to Normal', you have to be as truthful and honest as possible because this is something people live with. Your next door neighbor, someone in your family, your brother, sister, mom, someone might have this disorder. You have to be as honest and as truthful as possible because it's around you if not even with you," he said.

A lot of research had to be done, not just by Garcia, but by the cast as well.

"When we come and start rehearsals, we really focus on the story, this particular story, and this particular family and what happens in this family. And we work around that and what's happening in the scene, what happens next and what happens to your character," said Garcia.

"It's a long preparation. I tend to work 6-7 months before I block a show. I do research on the material," Garcia added.

In fact, he talked to Lauchengco-Yulo as early as last year about the role and what they want to do.

'Can happen anywhere to anyone'

"Next to Normal" may be about an American family with a member (Diana) suffering from bipolar disorder, but Pangan said it's something anyone can relate to.

"The setting is in America but the situation is very universal. It can happen to any family, any race, any religion. The story's for everyone to relate to or to even understand," said Pangan.

In preparing for the musical, Lauchengco-Yulo said she did a lot of research before rehearsals started.

"I had to first understand the mind of a bipolar person. I'm trying to understand it. The material is particularly difficult. It's one of the more difficult roles I have had to do. So I'm still trying to constantly find a balance. We all did research because each character has his own problems in the story," she said.

Bea Garcia said, "I read stories of how people deal with bipolar in the family. It's a pretty fragile situation because she [Natalie] is a teenager. Aside from researching on bipolar, the score is challenging. I go to class for voice lessons to prepare because it's pretty hard and you have to have stamina."

And everyone in the cast shares the same work ethic. "Wonderful cast! It feels like a family here, the way we work together. Everybody's working hard," said Rivera.

"What we are careful about is portraying the character. What is normal nowadays? We want to say to the audience that we all go through the same thing," said Macapagal.

The audience is up for "a feel-everything musical," said Rivera. Pangan has one advice for those intending to watch: "Bring a lot of tissue."

"Next to Normal" goes onstage on March 11 to 27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. For details, visit the Next to Normal in Manila 2011 Facebook page.