South Bay residents looking for live theater close to home have a new option. Phantasma Arts, a nonprofit theater company founded by Jacob Nye and Maya Kallay, will stage "Next to Normal" as its inaugural production Friday, July 17, through Saturday, July 25, at the West Performing Arts Center in Torrance.
The venue sits just east of the beach cities, a short drive from Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and Hawthorne.
About the show
"Next to Normal" is a rock musical about a family navigating mental illness. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2010 and earned three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, during its Broadway run. The show is known for tackling grief, trauma, and suburban family life with an electric score that blends pop-rock with musical theater.
About the company
Phantasma Arts describes itself as a South Bay nonprofit arts organization and theater company aimed at serving local performers across the beach cities and surrounding communities, according to the Daily Breeze, which first profiled the founders in a Thursday, July 9, story by reporter Melissa Heckscher.
Nye and Kallay have been building toward opening night for weeks. The company posted rehearsal clips to Instagram and TikTok throughout late June and early July, introducing its principal cast and showing the ensemble running scenes at the Torrance venue.
@phantasmaarts: "The cast, team, & entire crew behind Next to Normal are forming quite the family bond. Come see us JULY 17th-25th at West Performing Arts Center in Torrance!"
How to attend
"Next to Normal" runs eight performances over nine days. Ticket pricing and purchase details had not been confirmed as of Friday, July 11. Residents can follow Phantasma Arts on Instagram (@phantasmaarts) or TikTok (@phantasma.arts) for ticketing updates and show times.
Upcoming community events
- Friday, July 17–Saturday, July 25: "Next to Normal" at West Performing Arts Center, Torrance (Phantasma Arts inaugural production)
