Musical theater and professional counseling couldn’t seem more different. But that’s not stopping Nanette Gingery from combining them.

Gingery’s two seemingly non-sequitur passions will converge in her original play “REHAB a musical journey,” which is set to open Thursday. “Rehab” is running Sept. 6-9 at the Carson Theatre in the Lied Center for Performing Arts on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

“REHAB a musical journey” was written with the intention to make it on Broadway. It is a musical journey about losing hope and finding identity outside of addiction. The plot follows a Lennie, drug addict in treatment, as he learns about and relates to other characters in rehab.

“I wanted to throw back the curtain to the rehab process and show the audience members that they can both experience excellent entertainment and take away thought-provoking things,” Gingery said. “There are highs and lows. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry.”

Gingery has lived in Lincoln her whole life and grew up on the stage. While the first half of her life was devoted to music and performance, Gingery eventually went to school to get her bachelor’s in psychology and her master’s in counseling.

She is currently a life coach and counselor for addicts.

She said one day she was reflecting back on her life and realized her two seemingly different lives led to her decision to write a musical about rehab. This revelation was the start of her journey with “Rehab” and she began frantically writing her first musical.

Director Judy Hart said one of her biggest challenges with the production was working with the playwright present.

“You have to be really cautious about getting the play done and not hurting the playwright in the process,” Hart said. “We both have a good relationship, because we’re both really honest with each other.”

Gingery has been watching the rehearsals every day and has no fear the show will open with a bang.

“I watch it every day and still, every time I see it, I’m excited and on the edge of my seat,” she said. “It’s an amazing show.”

Both Gingery and Hart hope “Rehab” will stir the minds of audience members regarding their current perceptions of addicts.

“For me, every production I do is a journey,” Hart said. “This one was a great invitation to make these characters real people and not just stereotypes. I’ve learned a lot about addiction over this process.”

Gingery said she felt this was a story that needed to be told. Through her job as a counselor, she directly works with victims of addiction on a daily basis.

“The characters are a combination of things that I have experienced,” Gingery said. “The story isn’t based on one person, but it’s a combination of things that I’ve experienced taken further with my imagination.”

The roller coaster-ride plot, emulates the tumultuous whirlwind that is rehab.

“It’s funny, but there are some very serious moments as well,” Gingery said. “It’s gritty, true to life, has adult content, colorful characters and lots of surprises.”

Gingery added putting the show out originally made her feel vulnerable.

“It’s like giving birth to a baby and you don’t want anybody to tell you that your baby is ugly,” Gingery said. “The baby has grown and flourished into this beautiful project and production. It’s very vulnerable, but once others join your vision, it’s important to allow them to contribute and see how they see things.”

Gingery and Hart agree the musical element of the script will captivate and bring the audience to an emotional place.

Hart said the music in the show elevated the emotion and serves a purpose.

“It’s not like they stop talking just for the sake of singing a song,” she said. “They start singing because words are no longer enough.”

“Musicals touch all of our senses and connect with the audience,” Gingery added. “It will empower them to take things away that change their lives.”

The music might remind audiences of Broadway shows like “Rent” and “Next To Normal” with it’s pop-rock sound.

As Lincoln grows, the theater community follows suit. Not only is Lincoln receptive to new works, but Hart said it also pushes the youth and all performers to participate in new theatrical journeys.

“It’s important to make new theater everywhere because, if you follow what’s going on Broadway, you’re probably wondering how many more “West Side Story”’s they are going to do,” Hart said. “Lincoln is a great place to try something out without getting creamed for it.”

Gingery said she hopes to see the theater community in Lincoln continue to flourish, draw from other communities and be a hub of new and exciting work.

“Theater allows us to step into someone else’s circumstances,” Hart said. “I hope the audience will be mindful.”

The opening night performance will be dedicated to Gingery’s father, who died several weeks ago. He bought his tickets and was very proud of Gingery’s musical accomplishments, she said.

“I couldn’t have done this without my dad,” Gingery said. “When I was a little girl, he would play the guitar and I would sing. He nurtured my love of music.”