A Labyrinth of the Mind
A Review of The Weekend Theater's "A New Brain"
The air in The Weekend Theater was thick with anticipation (and humidity) as I settled into my seat for this past Saturday’s performance of "A New Brain." Having only ever experienced the original recording with Johnathan Groff, I was intensely curious to see how David Weatherly and his cast would bring William Finn and James Lapine's poignant and often hilarious musical to life. From the moment the first notes playfully began, I knew I was in for a truly unique and deeply moving experience. The theater-in-the-round setting immediately enveloped me, creating an intimacy that pulled me and the rest of the audience directly into the tumultuous world of Gordon.
Act One unfolded like a fever dream, mirroring the disorienting descent of Gordon Schwinn, a writer for a children's show called Mr. Bungee, into a sudden, life-threatening medical crisis. Dakota Mansfield, in the demanding lead role of Gordon, was simply phenomenal. His vocal ability and control were a masterclass in themselves, effortlessly hitting those long, beautiful, full-voiced notes and holding onto them with a visceral intensity. It was as if he were gripping for the very life he felt slipping away due to the ominous threat of a bursting blood vessel in his brain. His performance was a constant reminder of the fragility of existence and the desperate struggle to hold onto it. The ensemble cast orbiting Gordon acted as beautiful complements, their presence a constant, albeit sometimes chaotic, source of inspiration and reassurance, attempting to pull him back from the precipice of despair.
The narrative, a journey through Gordon's hospitalization and the discovery of the perilous blood vessel in his brain, was punctuated by moments of both stark reality and fantastical hallucination. The nurses, Nancy (the thin one) and Richard (the nice one), played by Jade Coldiron and Sean Grigsby, respectively, were a hilarious and utterly compelling duo. Sean Grigsby's voice was as strong and powerful as I remembered it, a warm, comforting presence. Jade Coldiron was his perfect counterpart, embodying a catty, almost bitchy nurse to his more caring and amiable demeanor. Their dynamic brought a much-needed comedic edge to the tense atmosphere. Dr. Berensteiner, as portrayed by Cooper Sikes, was a smarmy, almost arrogant figure – a man who knew he could get the job done and seemed to care little for Gordon's or his family's opinions, his sole focus being the brain ripe for operation.
Then there was Josh Strickland as Roger, Gordon's partner, a character who radiated tenderness. His sweetness was a stark contrast to Gordon's cynicism, and their chemistry was palpable. You could truly see why they complemented each other so well; Roger's gentle optimism battling Gordon's more jaded outlook, making it all the more difficult for Gordon to envision a light at the end of his tunnel. And who could forget Emily Buchanan as Mr. Bungee? Her portrayal of this figment of Gordon's imagination was absolutely hilarious. Mr. Bungee, a persistent antagonist in Gordon's mind, kept appearing in his "mindscape," constantly undermining his attempts to hold onto life and sanity. The theater-in-the-round setting, while occasionally presenting minor sightline challenges from my position on the ground seats, only served to enhance the overall experience, drawing me further into the unfolding drama. The constant movement and energy of the cast kept my attention riveted at all times, making Act One fly by.
As Act Two commenced, the narrative delved even deeper into Gordon's psyche, particularly his experiences while in a coma. We were given a raw, unfiltered glimpse into how those who loved and surrounded him reacted to his unconscious state, but always through Gordon's own distorted perspective. It was a truly beautiful narrative choice, one that explored the devastating impact of disaster on those who care for us. The second act was a cascade of flowing emotions: tenderness, anger, sadness, and fear, all brought to life by the cast with spectacular grace and power.
Patricia Loera, as Rhoda, was truly spectacular. Though having worked with her previously myself, I am still always surprised by her vocal talent and control. I honestly thought she was going to lose her footing with all the spinning, and I was thoroughly impressed by her ability to navigate the performance space and exit without a single misstep. Sean Grigsby, as the kind nurse Richard, continued to impress with his strong vocal talent and impeccable comedic timing. He embodied the role so perfectly, portraying a nurse who poured so much nicety into his work that it was, as his character himself put it, “eating him alive.” A surprising and delightful performance came from Moe Bradshaw, who played the recurring role of the Homeless Woman. It was her very first performance ever, and she inhabited this liminal figure who also served as a therapist, bookseller and “change maker” with remarkable vocal talent. I am genuinely excited to see where her career in community theater takes her, as she is clearly a valuable new member of the community.
Overall, "A New Brain" at The Weekend Theatre was a remarkably well-done production. It skillfully told a delicate story about the fragility of life and how easily we can disregard and take for granted the people who matter most to us, caught up as we often are in our grand visions of what life "should" be like. The musical powerfully illustrated that disaster can strike from anywhere, completely upending our lives. Yet, it also offered a profound message of hope and clarity: that when our lives are turned upside down and we are forced to rewrite our narratives, we can find a new, perhaps even better, path laid out for us. One interesting observation I made throughout the performance was the continuous flow of the music; one song seamlessly bled into the next, offering little space for applause. While this created a compelling, uninterrupted narrative, there were moments where I felt a disconnect in being able to show my immediate appreciation for the performance, as it moved so quickly into the next musical phrase. Despite this minor point, the entire experience was deeply affecting and incredibly memorable.
All photos provided were taken and edited by Caroline Holt.
If you have not purchased tickets to see A New Brain, you can do so through the link here. A New Brain continues Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons through June 22nd.
Short Synopsis of "A New Brain"
"A New Brain" tells the story of Gordon, a cynical yet talented composer for a children's television show, Mr. Bungee's Lily Pad. His life is thrown into chaotic disarray when he collapses and is diagnosed with a potentially fatal brain aneurysm. Confined to a hospital bed, Gordon grapples with his mortality, his strained relationships with his partner Roger and his family, and the constant, taunting presence of his own creation, Mr. Bungee, who embodies his creative frustrations and fears. As he undergoes medical procedures and hallucinatory experiences, Gordon confronts his past, his aspirations, and the people who populate his life, ultimately coming to terms with the fragility of existence and finding a new perspective on what truly matters. The musical is a poignant, humorous, and deeply introspective exploration of life, death, and the power of art in the face of adversity.