Perrysburg Musical Theatre is scheduling auditions for its production of “A New Brain,” an autobiographical musical with music and lyrics by William Finn, arranged by Jason Robert Brown and book by William Finn and James Lapine.
Synopsis
“A New Brain” deals directly with Finn’s harrowing personal experience with arteriovenous malformation and the healing power of art. The hero, Gordon, worries that he may not live to complete his work. Finn wrote many of the songs soon after his release from the hospital.
Story
Gordon Schwinn, a talented young songwriter, works at his piano to meet a deadline. Gordon is irritated because he must write a song about Spring for a children’s television entertainer who dresses as a frog. He takes a break from his writing and meets his friend Rhoda at a restaurant for pasta. During lunch, Gordon clutches his head and falls face first into his meal. Rhoda calls an ambulance, and Gordon is taken to the hospital. He learns that he has a brain tumor and fluid build-up in his brain. Gordon needs an operation, and if he does not have it, he could die or never regain the use of his faculties.
While in the hospital, Gordon contemplates his situation. His greatest fear is dying with his greatest songs still inside of him; and so, from his hospital bed, and in while in a coma, and all throughout his ordeal, he begins writing the songs. He also has several hallucinations that involve various people whom he has encountered. In particular, a homeless lady that he met on his way to get pasta with Rhoda continually pops up.
Gordon eventually has the surgery and recovers completely. The creative block he was experiencing before his ordeal lifts, and he gains new insights. His near-death experience encourages him to re-evaluate and better appreciate the people and relationships in his life.
All auditions and callbacks will be held at St. Timothy’s Church, 871 E Boundary St, Perrysburg.
GENERAL AUDITIONS: Monday Aug. 23 & Tuesday Aug. 24, from 7-9 p.m.
AUDITIONS BY APPOINTMENT: Sign up online for a 5-minute time slot on either day in advance of the audition. If you don’t sign-up you will be worked in around other appointments. Go to www.perrysburgmusicaltheatre.org for the link to sign-up for a slot.
