UAMS’ Psychiatric Research Institute Hosts The Rep’s “Next to Normal”

By Sally Graham

 
PRI Director G. Richard Smith, M.D., moderates Q&A.
Molly M. Gathright, M.D., medical director of PRI’s child diagnostic unit, talks about families and mental illness.
Molly M. Gathright, M.D., medical director of PRI’s child diagnostic unit, talks about families and mental illness.
Tom Vandegrift, member of PRI’s advisory board, and Dorothy Morris, member of the College of Medicine Board of Visitors chat at reception.
Tom Vandegrift, member of PRI’s advisory board, and Dorothy Morris, member of the College of Medicine
Board of Visitors chat at reception.

UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn and Gov. Mike Beebe pose for photo before the show.
UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn and Gov. Mike Beebe pose for photo before the show.
Jeannette M. Shorey II, M.D., associate dean in the College of Medicine, Susie May, and June Freeman, member of PRI’s advisory board, visit at reception.
Jeannette M. Shorey II, M.D., associate dean in the College of Medicine, Susie May, and June Freeman, member of PRI’s advisory board, visit at reception.

 

In an effort to raise awareness, the Institute partnered with the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, the state’s largest non-profit professional theater company, for a special performance of “Next to Normal,” a Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical about a family in Seattle coping with a mentally ill mother.

 

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe and first lady Ginger Beebe were among the patrons from across Arkansas who enjoyed a reception, dessert during intermission and post-performance Q&A. G. Richard Smith, M.D., director of the Psychiatric Research Institute, moderated the frank discussion that featured, as he said, “the clinical superstars” from the Institute and the talented cast.

 

Actors discussed their motivation and how compassion fueled their performance. In developing Gabe, Will Holly described how he channeled an obsessive-compulsive disorder diagnosis he received when he was 11. Jonathan Rayson (Dan) drew a lot from “the manic highs and depressed lows” of a close college friend. Kristin Parker, who delivered a gripping and sensitive portrayal of daughter Natalie, shared with those gathered that seeing the musical on Broadway “changed her life” because she suffered from “a major eating disorder.” Parker looked down the line of clinicians seated onstage and told them: “Without therapy, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.”

“Thank you for sharing your personal account,” Molly M. Gathright, M.D., medical director of the child diagnostic unit at the Psychiatric Research Institute , said as she emphasized that children of parents with a mental illness are four to six times at risk.

 

In her Director’s Notes, Nicole Capri, The Rep’s resident director and director of education, writes “the coolest and most unique thing about this piece is that it talks, with openness, honesty and humor, about mental illness and specifically bipolar disorder and depression.”

 

More than 2.5 million adults in the United States are affected by bipolar disorder, often called manic depression. “Next to Normal” explores the reality that there is no cure. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life.

 

Act One’s musical number, “Who’s Crazy?/My Psychopharmacologist and I,” portrays seven weeks of appointments Diana, the mother, has with Dr. Fine who is constantly adjusting her medications, while her husband, Dan, asks “Who’s crazy? The one who can’t cope or maybe the one who’ll still hope?” The scat singing of the ensemble and the dynamic staging bring an artistic perspective to what doctors at the Institute do on a daily basis, that is, managing the most effective maintenance treatment plan for patients through medication and psychotherapy to prevent relapse and reduce symptoms.

 

The Institute and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre collaboration began before Capri accepted the challenge to direct “Next to Normal.” She first reached out to UAMS faculty members for their thoughts on the subject matter. At the beginning of rehearsals, Jeffrey Clothier, M.D., professor of psychiatry in the UAMS College of Medicine, met with the cast to answer their questions about bipolar disorder and helped give them perspective, especially about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

 

ECT is a specialized treatment available to severe, drug-resistant bipolar patients. While the musical’s dramatic version is not accurate, it does help inspire dialogue.

 

The Institute’s mission is simple – to improve mental health for individuals and families in Arkansas and beyond through the integration of outstanding education, research, clinical care and service.