Next to Normal

The subject of mental health, particularly grief and depression, gets a thoughtful—and more entertaining than you might expect—examination in this production. It's a rock musical with a message and the talented cast, led by Andrea Thorpe as the troubled mother and Michael Roivas as the son she can't let go of, is excellent. F, Sa 8 pm; Su 2pm. Through 8/16. $18-$25. Runaway Stage Productions at the West Sacramento Community Center Black Box Theatre, 1075 West Capitol Avenue in West Sacramento; (916) 207-1226; www.runawaystage.com. J.C.