Caissie Levy Celebrates PBS Premiere of Next to Normal with Purple Tribute
Caissie Levy shares a purple tribute as Next to Normal premieres on PBS streaming tonight.
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Image: Instagram
On May 30, Broadway star Caissie Levy took to Instagram to share a striking purple-themed portrait, captioned simply “May 30, 2025 💜.” The image shows Levy illuminated by soft violet lighting, her gaze steady and confident. While the caption offers no further context, the timing coincides with the PBS Great Performances debut of the filmed stage musical Next to Normal, in which Levy received acclaim for her portrayal of Diana Goodman.
Star’s Purple Celebration
Levy’s choice of purple lighting appears to echo the show’s emotional depth and the significance of the broadcast. Next to Normal, with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, first premiered on Broadway in 2009, earning three Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Levy joined the production for its UK run at London’s Arena Theatre in 2024 and filmed the performance for PBS, bringing her nuanced performance to a wider television audience.
In the Instagram image, Levy wears simple stage makeup, her hair pulled back to frame her face. The violet hue highlights her features and gives the shot a contemplative mood. Fans have noted that the color choice ties into the show’s themes of mental health and family bonds—elements central to Diana’s journey onstage.
Pbs Great Performances Premiere
Next to Normal premieres on PBS streaming platforms tonight and will be available through June 30. In a previous Instagram announcement (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJb85OdO_XX/), Levy shared her excitement:
“Tonight! @nexttonormaluk premieres on @pbsgreatperformances tonight and continues to stream through June 30. I hope you watch, feel all the feelings, and love what we made. Diana was the hardest & most fulfilling role I’ve ever played, and having this captured forever means everything to me. Thanks for all the support and excitement for our show!”
Levy tagged composer Tom Kitt, lyricist Brian Yorkey, and director Michael Longhurst in the post, giving credit to the creative team behind the production. That earlier post included backstage snapshots from the UK run, with Levy in rehearsal, onstage with co-stars, and sharing candid moments with the musicians.
Looking Back At The Role
Levy described Diana Goodman as her most challenging and rewarding role, citing the character’s emotional complexity. Diana grapples with bipolar disorder and grief, themes that require the actor to navigate rapid shifts from powerful rock-infused numbers to quiet, introspective moments.
In interviews, Levy has noted that preparing for Diana meant extensive research into mental health narratives and collaborating with mental health professionals to portray the condition respectfully. Her dedication earned her praise in both New York and London, and now, viewers across the U.S. can experience her performance in the comfort of their living rooms.
For many fans, the PBS broadcast offers a rare opportunity to see a complete staging of a Broadway show outside of the theatre. Great Performances has a long history of preserving classic and contemporary theatrical works, and Next to Normal’s inclusion continues that tradition.
What’s Next For Levy
Beyond the PBS release, Levy remains active on stage and screen. In late 2024, she joined the cast of a new Off-Broadway production and has several concert appearances scheduled for summer 2025. On Instagram, she often shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of rehearsals, vocal warm-ups, and snapshots of her coaching students in her role as a musical theatre coach.
Levy’s dedication to her craft extends to mentoring young performers; she regularly posts tips on breathing techniques and character development. Her May 30 post, while brief, underscores her ongoing engagement with audiences and her flair for creating visually striking moments.
As Next to Normal streams on PBS Great Performances, viewers can tune in to witness Levy’s riveting portrayal of Diana. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the show, the broadcast offers a powerful reminder of musical theatre’s ability to tackle complex themes with heart and honesty.
The purple tribute may be simple, but it captures the emotional resonance of Levy’s performance—and invites audiences to join her in remembering why Next to Normal remains one of Broadway’s most poignant and groundbreaking productions.
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