Stepping onto an Australian stage for the first time as Dan Goodman in Next to Normal was a moment I’ll always remember. It was exciting, humbling and a role that asked for complete honesty.

Returning to musical theatre in a new country, surrounded by an incredibly talented cast and creative team, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Dan is one of those rare roles that demands complete honesty from an actor. He’s a husband trying to hold his family together while quietly carrying a lifetime of grief himself.

There are no heroes or villains in this story, just real people doing their best to navigate impossible circumstances. That humanity is what makes Next to Normal such a powerful piece of theatre. Seeing audiences connect with that portrayal meant more to me than I can really put into words.

One review described my performance as:

“Simon Donovan gives a heartfelt performance… his portrayal is grounded and sympathetic, capturing both Dan’s loyalty and the emotional exhaustion that slowly builds beneath the surface.”– The Scoop

Another highlighted the quiet restraint behind the character:

“Simon Donovan as Dan anchors the family with a restrained anguish that only cracks when it absolutely has to, and the harmonies between father and son are among the most affecting moments of the night.”– What’s On Show

The review that probably stayed with me the most recognised exactly what I had hoped to bring to Dan:

“Simon Donovan brings both gravitas and emotional depth to Dan Goodman. While Dan often functions as the family’s stabilising force, Donovan ensures the audience never forgets the immense burden the character carries. His performance reveals a man desperately trying to preserve normality while quietly drowning in his own unresolved grief. Donovan’s vocals are warm, powerful and consistently expressive. He navigates the score with impressive ease, using every musical phrase to deepen our understanding of the character. His is a portrayal that is both strong and deeply moving.”

Reading those words was incredibly humbling because they reflected the story I was trying to tell. Dan isn’t the loudest character in Next to Normal. His pain sits beneath the surface, hidden behind responsibility, loyalty and an unwavering love for his family. Finding that balance, showing what isn’t always said, became one of the most rewarding acting challenges I’ve had.

I’m incredibly grateful to Sydney Musical Theatre for trusting me with the role, to Sarah Shanahan and the creative team for their guidance, and to every member of our cast, orchestra and crew who made this production such a special experience. Working alongside such generous and talented people reminded me exactly why I fell in love with theatre in the first place.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came to see the show, supported the production, shared kind messages or took the time to write such thoughtful reviews. Theatre only exists because people choose to come and experience it, and I’m grateful to everyone who was part of that journey.

This production marked not only my Australian musical theatre debut, but also the start of an exciting new chapter. After so many years away, it was a privilege to be back doing what I love.

Here’s to the next curtain call.