The Healing Power of Art

A New Brain

Not long after he won two Tony Awards for his 1992 groundbreaking production of FALSETTOS, composer and lyricist William Finn suddenly became ill. At first he was misdiagnosed with a brain tumor. Then later Finn learned that he was suffering from a disease called arteriovenous malformation. Following an extremely risky brain surgery that could’ve either killed him or destroyed his creative talents, Finn not only survived the ordeal but celebrated his survival with creativity. Joining forces with co-book writer, James Lapine, Finn created an autobiographical musical in 1998 entitled A NEW BRAIN. It’s an ode to defeating death, re-evaluating life choices and a glorification of the healing power that art provides.

In this dulcet depiction of his illness, Finn’s character is named Gordon. He’s a frustrated composer who earns his living by writing catchy jingles for Mr. Bungee, the sardonic host of a popular children’s television show. Under the stress of meeting his deadline, Gordon suddenly develops a debilitating headache and collapses into his lunch. At the hospital he’s examined, diagnosed after an MRI, and brain  surgery is strongly recommended. But Gordon’s frightened that all of the music he still has inside him will die on the operating table. Following surgery, Gordon languishes in a drug induced coma, during which he drifts through a nightmare world inhabited by everyone he knows.

The musical talent contained within this entire cast is undeniable. In addition to playing specific characters, they ply their skill as members of the singing/dancing ensemble, as well. Chicago and PrideArts newcomer Dakotta Hagar is excellent. He really looks the part of Gordon. Hagar has a lovely voice and plays cranky and frightened especially well. Hagar is supported by Beck Hokanson (DIANA, at Theo; DAMES AT SEA at Citadel) as Gordo’s loving and charismatic partner, Roger. In addition to being a strong ensemble member, Beck’s rich voice beautifully caresses songs like “Sailing” and, in a duet with Dakotta,“Time.” The always wonderful Michelle McKenzie-Voigt (THE BOY FROM OZ and BEAUTIFUL THING with PrideArts) is a powerhouse as Mimi, Gordo’s mother. She grabs the audience and never lets go in songs like “Throw It Out” and in her poignant rendition of “The Music Still Plays On.”

Several other topnotch actors are also making their PrideArts debut. They include Cordaro Johnson, as Richard, the hilarious “nice Nurse;”and Britain Shutters (MURDER REWROTE with Hell in a Handbag) as Nancy, the “not-so-nice Nurse.” Lena Simone pulls out all the stops as Lisa, a feisty homeless woman who trolls the audience while musically asking for “Change.” Add to this group the effervescent and golden throated Taylor Bailey for his portrayal of crabby and hypercritical Mr. Bungee. Jonas Davidow (CABARET at BrightSide Theatre; RAGTIME with Highland Park Players) is also excellent as the hospital Minister and a prominent member of the company ensemble.

A couple other excellent performers who’ve been seen before at PrideArts include lovely Caitlin Preuss (a polished triple-threat remembered for her strong appearance in [TITLE OF SHOW] at PrideArts). She makes Gordo’s gal pal Rhoda her very own and is especially memorable in the ensemble. And Elijah Warfield, playing Dr. Berensteiner, is another standout, especially as part of the company. He impressed at PrideArts in both GIRLFRIEND and GAY CARD. 

Talented Artistic Director Jay Espano and Choreographer Britta Schlicht have staged their production with polish, pizzazz and just the perfect amount of pleasantry. The story often spills over the edge of the stage and onto a catwalk that leads into the audience. Robert Ollis’ typically strong Musical Direction makes this quirky score caress lovingly at times and then pop when it needs to. And under Band Conductor Ollis, a talented, five-member ensemble provides the onstage accompaniment. Kudos to Gael Owens and Lea Davis for their excellent Scenic and Lighting Design, respectively, which nicely works hand-in-hand with Connor Blackwood’s Media Design. Add to this Shawn Quinlan’s wonderful Costumes (the teddy bear-laden coat worn by the street woman is a masterful work of art) and you have a production that’s both colorful and comic. 

Audiences may find it difficult imagining a show about a young man suffering from a deadly brain disease. But that’s the plot of William Finn’s memoir-inspired musical. Sadly, we lost William Finn earlier this year to pulmonary fibrosis. But he left behind a library of eclectic, small cast musicals that have become cult classics. They include, among others, FALSETTOS, THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE and A NEW BRAIN. While not considered William Finn’s finest work, this musical offers an often entertaining look at the creative mind. Finn’s fictional offering about his own near-death, out-of-body experience is strangely surreal, sometimes funny, often sympathetic and populated with interesting and bizarre characters. Through 100 minutes of more than three dozen songs, this musical paints a fascinating portrait of the creative mind and reminds us of the power of art.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 25-September 14 by PrideArts at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door or by going to www.pridarts.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.