Explore this Show

Overview

Synopsis

After struggling composer Gordon Michael Schwinn collapses face first into a plate of spaghetti, his world is turned upside down with the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Surrounded by his nautical-loving partner, his mother, a co-worker, and the medical team, Gordon can’t help but keep composing a song for a children's TV show that features Mr. Bungee, the frog - a character that begins to haunt him throughout his medical nightmare. Facing a terminal illness, Gordon is forced to come to terms with his career and the state of his relationships, as he struggles to survive and finds salvation in the healing power of art. A New Brain is a medical musical tragedy is a semi-autobiographical piece from William Finn told through a fantastical lens. This quirky, life-affirming, one-act show is a great choice for an ensemble cast and strong leading man.

Show Information

Book
William Finn , James Lapine
Music
William Finn
Lyrics
William Finn
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1998
Genres
Dark Comedy
Settings
Fantasy/Imaginary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
A hospital room, Present day
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Small
Dancing
Some Dance
Licensor
Concord Theatricals
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Gordon Michael Schwinn

Lead

Male

Tenor

Mimi Schwinn

Supporting

Female

Mezzo-Soprano

Mr. Bungee

Supporting

Male

Baritone

Rhoda

Supporting

Female

Soprano

Richard

Supporting

Male

Baritone

Roger-Delli-Bovi

Supporting

Male

Tenor

Homeless Lady

Featured

Female

Mezzo-Soprano

Dr. Jafar Berensteiner

Featured

Male

Baritone

The Minister

Featured

Male

Tenor

Waitress / Nancy D

Featured

Female

Soprano

Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass

Songs

  • "Frogs Have So Much Spring Within Them" (The Spring Song)(Gordon)
  • "Calimari" (Gordon, Rhoda, Waitress, Mr. Bungee)
  • "911 Emergency/ I Have So Many Songs" (Richard, Waitress, Doctor, Rhoda, Minister, Lisa)
  • "Heart and Music" (Minister and Gordon with All but Mr. Bungee)
  • "Trouble in His Brain" (Doctor and Mimi)
  • "Mother's Gonna Make Things Fine" (Mimi and Gordon)
  • "Be Polite" (Mr Bungee)*
  • "I'd Rather Be Sailing" (Roger with Gordon)
  • "Family History" (Nancy D, Richard, Mimi)
  • "Gordo's Law of Genetics" (Nancy D, Doctor, Minister, Rhoda, Richard, Lisa)
  • "And They're Off" (Gordon with Nancy D, Doctor, Minister, Rhoda, Richard, Lisa)
  • "Roger Has Arrived" (Gordon, Roger, Mother, and Rhoda)*
  • "Just Go" (Gordon and Roger)
  • "Poor, Unsuccessful and Fat" (Richard, Gordon, Mr. Bungee)
  • "Sitting Becalmed in the Lee of Cuttyhunk" (All but Mr. Bungee)
  • "Craniotomy" (Doctor, Nancy D, Minister)*
  • "Invitation to Sleep in My Arms" (Gordon, Roger, Rhoda, Mimi)
  • "Change" (Lisa)
  • "Yes" (Gordon, Mr. Bungee with Nancy D, Doctor, Minister, Rhoda)
  • "In the Middle of the Room" (Gordon, Mimi)
  • "Throw It Out" (Mimi)
  • "Really Lousy Day in the Universe" (Roger and Lisa)
  • "Brain Dead" (Gordon and Roger)
  • "Whenever I Dream" (Rhoda and Gordon)
  • "Eating Myself Up Alive" (Richard with Nancy D, Doctor, Minister, Lisa)
  • "Music Still Plays On" (Mimi)
  • "Don't Give In" (Mr. Bungee with Gordon, Roger, Rhoda, Mimi)
  • "You Boys Are Gonna Get Me in Such Trouble/ Sailing (reprise)" (Richard, Gordon, Roger)
  • "Homeless Lady's Revenge" (Lisa, Gordon, Roger)
  • "Time" (Roger and Gordon)
  • "Time and Music" (Minister, Gordon, and All)
  • "I Feel So Much Spring" (Gordon, Lisa, Minister and All)

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.

Quote Analysis

Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.

Guide Written By:

Emma Houlahan

Emma Houlahan

Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.