A NEW BRAIN by William Finn and James Lapine, directed by Daryl Cloran (Acting Up). At Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley). To March 1. $22-$40. 416-368-3110. See Continuing. Rating: NNN
A New Brain is a pretty smart musical. It just doesn’t follow through on its thoughts or resonate emotionally.
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Based on co-writer William Finn’s personal experience with brain surgery, it tracks kids’ TV songwriter Gordon (Steven Gallagher) through the stress of his job creating melodies for a green frog named Mr. Bungee, his sickness and resulting fear that he’ll die holding on to too many unwritten songs. Family and friends struggle to get him back to health and happiness.
The largely strong cast gives energy and feeling to individual numbers. Barbara Barsky as Gordon’s mother, with a touch of Gypsy’s Mama Rose, has a haunting number in The Music Still Plays On. Paula Wolfson’s homeless woman and Steve Ross’s “nice nurse” are also audience faves.
Juan Chioran’s Mr. Bungee, seen through Gordon’s fantasies, is a comically egomaniacal asshole, while Thom Allison as Gordon’s lover brings lots of warmth to the show. In fact, the production’s heart beats in the scenes between Allison and Gallagher, whose chemistry gives the show some depth of feeling.
The trouble with Finn and James Lapine’s book is that it lacks a believable arc for Gordon and those around him. Many songs have flash, but the show doesn’t build to a satisfying climax. The bits can be great, but the totality isn’t.
Director Daryl Cloran and choreographer Marc Kimelman provide lots of clever entertainment on Lindsay Anne Black’s multifunctional white set, turned into various locales with the help of Michael Walton’s lighting. Under Wayne Gwillim’s musical direction, the production’s strong, too, with tight vocal harmonies and some fine solo numbers.
jonkap@nowtoronto.com
