From PERRYSBURG MUSICAL THEATRE
PMT is back on stage this fall with their production of “A New Brain” created by Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist William Finn and playwright James Lapine.
“A New Brain” will be staged at St. Timothy’s Church in Perrysburg on Oct. 21-23 at 7pm and Oct. 24th at 2pm. The show is limited to 80 seats per show and masks are required for audiences.
The musical gives a glimpse into the inner world of composer, Gordon Schwinn, who is played by Collin Smith, and as hospital team that tries to uncover what’s wrong with his brain. Throughout “A New Brain,” the composer floats in and out of consciousness and fantasy and contemplates his life, legacy, the meaning of music, and his relationships especially with his partner, Roger (Jordan Benavente), his best friend and manager, Rhoda (Brittany Kupresanin), along with his sometimes overbearing but loving mother (Beth Giller). The cast features 11 actors who work as ensemble and epitomize the idea of “Heart and Music”-one of the songs in the show.
Craig Cousino, Hanna Felver, Chuck Kiskaddon, Ward Ensign, and Mara Connor round out the hospital staff with fun and electric solos throughout the show. PMT newcomers, Elicia Kinder who plays Lisa, a homeless woman and Adam Nolan who plays the satanic Mr. Bungee and Gordon’s boss round out the cast.
A New Brain is directed by Artistic Director for PMT, Julie Bermudez, musical direction by Alli Rader, and choreographed by Julie O’Connell. Bermudez says she chose this musical after reflecting on how music and art healed many of us during the pandemic and there is an underlying theme of “art heals” in the story but the music also sold the story for her. Bermudez hopes “people will leave the show reminding them not to take time for granted, embrace that which makes your heart sing and engage with the hard parts of life because sometimes you find out they are often the best parts.”
She also states that, “the music (which is filled with 36 numbers) will live in your head for days and the choreography will make you want to get up and dance. It has the perfect that has a mix of drama, comedy and reflection.”
For more information on how to get tickets visit www.perrysburgmusicaltheatre.org.
