A New Brain details the autobiographical story of William Finn who had a near-death experience following brain surgery and how music played a role in his recovery: both in health and life. The show wrestles displays of reality intermingled with the fantastical world inside Gordon Schwinn’s (Morgan Coughlan) mind, which are plagued by hallucinations of a children’s television host, Mr. Bungee (Yazan Jaouni)

Now, I’ve only heard of A New Brain recently and never really read into what the show was about. Going into a show blind is always a tricky situation because to critique something effectively, you do need some sort of foundation to build upon. That being said, I enjoyed my time with this production and I don’t have much criticism of the show itself, more so criticism of the material/script.

General Direction

I believe this is Bethany Papadopoulos’ first directing and what a fantastic note to start on! I really loved a lot of the general blocking and there were never moments where I questioned the movement. She was also the choreographer for this production, but as a non-dance show there’s not much to comment on there. The little choreography that there was, was simple; however, executed with style that matched the theme of the show.

Because the Gladstone has very little space for movement, it becomes very tight on how and where people can go. Papadopoulos does an excellent job in utilizing the space and creating great tableaus. I do wish she used her elevated platform a bit more, as it looked more like a hindrance rather than a deliberate choice.

Music Direction

Sabrina Tang really set this musical into great motion with the excellent blend in the whole cast. The multi-layered sections in the song “Heart and Music” were just so tight harmonically with excellent blending. The music in the show is difficult in harmony and with the overlapping track, but it was so masterfully done and it is evident that a lot of hard work went into locking that in.

I do have to say that musically, my favourite moment was Gordon’s Mother (Vivian Burns) who sings a delightful song where she does a fantastic job in portraying as an almost crazy mother in songs like “Mother’s Gonna Make Things Fine” and the absolute female rage in “Throw It Out” had me seeing similarities to Falsettos “I’m Breaking Down”.

Design (set, sounds, and lights)

So not much to talk about the technical aspects of the show. There weren’t a lot of outstanding props or sets as it was all pretty minimal in design and I am a sucker for minimal design; however, I think this is the one time I wish there was a little more. It did create the clear division in play space that I was looking for, but it felt sterile at times (which could work because a lot of the show takes place in a hospital).

Costume, Makeup, and Hair

Okay, just look at this cute froggy hat.

Costumes really did great for all the “bit” characters: Mr. Bungee’s green suit was incredible and the hat really makes me want to get one for myself.

Standouts

My standouts would have to be Vivian Burns for such a delightful portrayal of a caring mother at the end of her wits trying to help her son. Yazen Jaouni with the ever so delightful and funny Mr. Bungee, scooting across the stage in an almost frightening fever dream manner. Stefania Wheelhouse’s best moment is her moment as a puppet. That performance was done so well with her motions and the comedic timing was on point.

Overall, this was a really solid show and the cast looked like they’re enjoying every moment of it. Although the script isn’t the most cohesive nor is it the most captivating, what this production does with it is focusing on the music: which is arguably the best part of the show. I would definitely say go grab your tickets just to hear those intermingling harmonies. Congratulations to such a great show!