"A New Brain," Torn Ticket II's fall major, is a musical about mortality. Based on the experience of creator William Finn and his life-changing bout with a brain tumor, the show musically demonstrates the heart (and brain) behind the condition.
Opening with character Gordon Schwinn's frustrated attempts to write a song for the children's TV show character Mr. Bungee, the show explores inspiration from all sources -- even brain surgery. Within the first few minutes, Gordon (senior Andrew Beattie) lands face down in a plate of ziti. Soon, he faces the news that he has a brain tumor, which leads him to make the choice between an operation and death.
Ironically, Gordon is the least bothered about his expected demise. He remains almost ambivalent towards death, except for one key thing: the unwritten songs he may have "been remembered for." The amusing number "Poor, Unsuccessful, and Fat," details Gordon's writer's block before his diagnosis.
Soon Gordon has renewed zeal, set on finding a muse before he dies.
Watching his doctors and family hover over his body, Gordon composes from this perspective, highlighting the disengagement caused by his illness. Songs about his mother's determined optimism and his lover's looming bereavement are moving portrayals of death's wrenching effect on the loved ones left behind.
Doctors, nurses and others become the unwitting cast of his coma-induced, hallucinatory compositions, some of which are the most entertaining of the play. "Gordo's Law of Genetics," humorously defines Gordon's situation with the refrain: "The bad trait will always predominate."
The amphibian villain and hallucination, Mr. Bungee, serves well as comic relief and an arch-nemesis for Gordon, though ultimately he is the encouragement Gordon needs to wake-up, in his song, "Don't Give In." The ever-present character of the Homeless Lady provides insight and a few laughs as she cheerfully involves herself in Gordon's life.
Though the subject matter is heavy, Gordon's impending death becomes secondary while his relationships with those he loves become the true focus. And even death can be entertaining. The themes of the musical are universal and the interpretation is unique. The jaunty, upbeat music contrasts well with the naturally distressing subject.
Director Rebecca Alspector was drawn to "A New Brain" originally through its music. "I think its something that can really speak to a lot of people," she said, "I think the message of the show is to find inspiration in the things around you. When people hear the subject, they say, 'Oh, that's an interesting idea for a musical."
The juxtaposition of the musical's light tone and dark subject may have been a difficult balance for some, but Beattie found his inspiration in reality. Beattie felt that even in the course of such illnesses that "in life, there are funny times, sad times, and real, depressing times." Beattie said he attempted to show this depth in his portrayal. Part of his character development included researching the brain disease that Gordon (and William Finn) was afflicted by and learning of its effects.
Senior Mike LaFazia, as Gordon's lover, Roger, is compelling as he remains steadfast by Gordon's side even as Gordon attempts to push him away. Senior Bonnie Lury, as Gordon's mother, is forceful, using her impressive vocal skills and presence to bully her son into survival.
As Gordon discovers, it takes heart, music, and time to make a song; and the set reflects this reminds us of the theme of mortality with three clocks prominently mounted. But ultimately, for Gordon and the creator Finn, it's clear that the musical is simply about the music.<$>
