Performed at Robert Frost Hall at Southern NH University March 18th-20th, 2011

The New Thalian Players, in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, presents A NEW BRAIN, a musical comedy by composer William Finn (FALSETTOS & SPELLING BEE) and writer James Lapine (INTO THE WOODS). 

A NEW BRAIN tells the story of a talented young composer, Gordon Schwinn, whose life is suddenly interrupted by a life-threatening illness in his brain. Gordon, who has been dealing with writer’s block, is forced to face the realization that he could die with all his greatest songs still inside him. His thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of a cast of colorful characters, including his neurotic best friend, care-free lover, overbearing mother, two competitive nurses, and his tyrannical boss – who stars in a children’s television show as a giant singing frog named Mr. Bungee! With an exciting contemporary score and a witty comedic script, A NEW BRAIN explores making the most out of life in the face of tragedy and finding salvation in the healing power of art!

CAST

Gordon Michael Schwinn..............................Marc Willis
Homeless Lady..............................................Jennifer Sue Mallard
Rhoda, Gordon's agent..................................Susan Schott
The Waitress..................................................Katie Proulx
Mr. Bungee....................................................David Cote
Dr. Jarar Berensteiner.....................................Eric Halter
Richard, the nice nurse...................................Nathan Barnes
Nancy D., the thin nurse.................................Katie Proulx
Minister...........................................................Michael Gallagan
Mimi Schwinn, Gordon's mother...................Susan Sartorelli
Roger Delli-Bovi, Gordon's partner...............A. Robert Dionne

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director...........................................................Joel Mercier
Choreographer................................................Beth Fenske
Production Stage Manager..............................Steve Pierpont
Music Director................................................Michael Shaughnessy
Conductor/Pianist............................................Jed Holland
Rehearsal Pianist.............................................Joe Rojek
Co-Producer....................................................Beth Fenske
Co-Producer....................................................Aaron Compagna
Technical Director/Lighting............................David B. Nelson
Scenic Design..................................................Joel Mercier
Costume Coordinator......................................Betty Thomson
Costume Contruction.......................................Janet Dare
Scenic Carpenter..............................................Kimball Fenske
Backdrop Painter.............................................Kate Harper
Scenic Painter..................................................Lacy Long
Video Design..................................................Aaron Compagna
Assistant to Stage Manger...............................Connor Sperry
Photographer...................................................Pat Delzell
Tickets.............................................................Aaron Compagna
Box Office.......................................................Meagan Wisecarver
Box Office.......................................................Deanna Neal

NTP Presents William Finn's A NEW BRAIN - The Musical on Vimeo.