We’ve seen it all before: The struggling artist finds new meaning in his craft after a tragedy forces him to reevaluate his outlook on life. But throw in an enthusiastic cast, comical lyrics and a clever set, and you’ve got yourself a whole new play.
Mask & Bauble’s final production of the year, William Finn’s “A New Brain,” delivers a musical experience unlike most found on college campuses. Gordon Michael Schwinn (Will Pridmore, COL ’10) is the struggling composer who seeks desperately to be remembered through his work. But instead of the symphony, he finds himself writing songs about springtime and the joys of Mr. Bungee (Mike Juba, COL ’08), a television frog akin to a certain purple dinosaur. But unlike Barney, Mr. Bungee becomes a haunting hallucination for Gordon, whose stress and neurosis lead to a brain problem that requires a craniotomy.
Facing the possibility of death, Gordon is forced to reevaluate his relationships with his mother (Allison Curran, COL ’08) and lover, Roger (Mike Maliakel, COL ’10), all while coming to terms with himself and his view of the world. A botched surgery leaves Gordin in a comatose state resembling something Alice would see past the looking glass. With familiar characters taking the form of dummies, clowns and gypsies, Gordon finds himself reflecting on his situation. After a little advice from Mr. Bungee in the song “Don’t Give In,” Gordon undergoes a radical transformation, leading to a whole new perspective on life.
Under most circumstances, any play with 35 songs and only a few breaths of actual speech at close to an hour and 45 minutes would grow tiresome, but Mask & Bauble’s performers deliver a stunning vocal show, holding notes and carrying tunes without the slightest sign of fatigue. The comical numbers such as “Poor, Unsuccessful and Fat” and “You Boys Are Gonna Get Me in So Much Trouble” keep the play moving and certainly make the musical worth listening to.
But the play is truly defined by the strong singers in all roles.
Pridmore captures Gordon’s personality with ease, and the softness of his voice helps to illustrate Gordon’s struggle to find himself in a time of fear and fragility. Maliakel successfully conveys the love and affection between Roger and Gordon, and Curren’s strong vocals offer a convincing portrayal of a mother’s pain and anguish over the thought of losing her son. Sean Andrews (COL ’08) excels in his role as Richard, the friendly male nurse eager to pamper Gordon during his stay in the hospital. His powerful voice carries throughout his performance and is suitable for both a laugh and a more somber mood. Kate Dennis (COL ’09) is wonderful as the wise homeless woman, bringing attitude and emotion to a seemingly simple role.
Onstage, the set is simple: Only an armchair, a white bed and a park bench occupy the stage, keeping the audience’s attention focused on the spectacular performances of the singers. The minimalist scenery works well in the performance, with scenes changing from Gordon’s room to the hospital to the street side with the flick of a light switch. The lighting uniquely brings the audience in and out of Gordon’s consciousness, from the white lights of the hospital to the purple hues of dream world.
Gordon sings that “heart and music make a song,” and the cast certainly listens to their own lyrics. Indeed, it’s the heart and music that makes “A New Brain” a truly new theatrical experience.