A New Brain

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 1/27/05 at 10:29pm

i cant seem to find a synopsis anywhere, any help?

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/27/05 at 10:42pm

William Finn had an inoperable brain tumor and the story is based on his experience of living and going through the operation and recovery.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 1/27/05 at 10:43pm

oh. cool?

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/27/05 at 10:50pm

Think of it more like a song cycle rather than an actual musical.

[LetMeLeave]

Posted: 1/27/05 at 10:55pm

I love 'Heart and Music'

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 1/27/05 at 10:57pm

oooh. gotcha, sorta.

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 1/27/05 at 10:58pm

I disagree with Gotham's "song cycle" comment -- of all the William Finn musicals, A NEW BRAIN has the most specific timeline and story. There's a definite beginning (his discovery of his ailment), a middle (his hospital experiences), and an end (his recovery).

[La Vie Boheme]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 1:02am

I'd rather be sailing...

[DancerGirl16]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 8:14am

I LOVE "Sailing", "The Spring Song" and "Heart and Music"

My best friend bought me the cd and told me it reminded her of our life story....

LOL!

I LOVE A NEW BRAIN!

[Justice]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 8:21am

So who is Mr. Bungee supposed to be?

[vivalaviekelly]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 9:37am

I believe Mr. Bungee is supposed to be his boss who has a childrens show....probably why he is dressed as a frog the entire musical.

[Justice]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 9:45am

I know who he is in the show...Who is he supposed to be in real life?

[stagehand]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 9:45am

I love "I'd Rather be Sailing".

[Jon]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 9:45am

Bungee actually has three different personae: The cheery kiddie show frog (on television), the cranky, demanding, middle-aged man who is Gordon's boss (in real life), and the evil "Anti-Jiminy Cricket" voice in Gordon's dreams that torments him with lines like "You are not successful - your sister is a whore!"

[Jwaa]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 11:11am

I deeply disagree with the 'song cycle' comment.

It is slightly autobiographical but not to actual detail and there is a definate story.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 9:15pm

"A New Brain" is the story of Gordon Schwinn (Malcolm Gets), a struggling gay musical theatre composer that is currently writing music for the children's show "Mr. Bungee's Lily Pad". He hates his job, and can't finish a song. During lunch with Rhoda (Liz Larsen, who's wonderful), an executive, he collapses into a plate of ziti and is rushed to NYU medical center. There, he is joined by his boyfriend, Roger (Norm Lewis on the recording, Christopher Innvar in the original production), and his mother (Penny Fuller, in the performance of his career). Gordo is diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, and the prosepects look grim. This story is also populated by a colorful homeless woman (Mary Testa); two nurses, one of which is played by a young Kristin Chenoweth; and Mr. Bungee himself, hilariously played by Chip Zien. Gorgeous and heartfelt, this is without a doubt William Finn's best and most accomplished score. Standout tracks include "Sailing", "And They're Off", "Change", "Throw it Out", and the chillingly beautiful ballad "The Music Still Plays On", sung with incredible poise by Ms. Fuller. The OBC recording is a must own!

[Jon]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 12:45am

As to the question of who the real-life counterpart of Mr. Bungee would be: William Finn never wrote for a kiddie show, but he did write songs for several children's animated videos. I guess Bungee represents the typical jerky boss at a job you hate doing!

[KateMusic]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 12:47am

I love the song "And They're Off."

Malcolm Gets is amazing.

[apdarcey]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 2:20am

the show is sung through... so the cd is the story... there are only a few minor parts left out... otherwise you can find it at www.falsettos.net

[staticradar]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 2:49am

A new brain is one of my favorite musicals. It's an amazing heartwrenching story and gives you a wide array of emotions throughout. Malcolm Gets is a god and I adore him. His voice and acting are phenominal!

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 1:44pm

I loved A NEW BRAIN and the cd is highly addictive.

[bjivie2]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 2:13pm

To let younow, the story is not based on Finn's life. It's somewhat autobiographic (does Finn write anything that's NOT?), but in a different way. Finn was falsely diagnosed with a brain tumor. He never had to go through the procedure or anything, so the story was inspired by his wrong diagnosis. But (I'm assuming), the show is based highly on things in his life such as his mother, his lover, his boss, etc. It's a really amazing show.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 2:29pm

GREAT show.