EaDo Playhouse Opens with Limited Engagement Production of A NEW BRAIN
In 1998, musical theatre masterminds, William Finn (FALSETTOS, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE), James Lapine (FALSETTOS, INTO THE WOODS) and Jason Robert Brown (THE LAST FIVE YEARS, PARADE), premiered their mind-blowing "brain"-child, A NEW BRAIN, off Broadway. Closing out 2016, Houston's newest arts venue and production company, EaDo Playhouse, officially opens its doors with a brand new production of A NEW BRAIN. The limited engagement runs December 14 through 18.
Gordon Schwinn writes music. Specifically, Gordon writes music for a children's television show called Mr. Bungee's Lilypad. Mr. Bungee is a grown man who offers moral lessons while dressed as a giant frog. Gordon hates his job. He should be writing meaningful music. He should be leaving a legacy.
When Gordon face-plants into a plate of ziti, his best friend and manager, Rhoda, realizes something is wrong and Gordon is whisked away to the hospital. After careful examination and testing, it is determined that Gordon possesses arteriovenous malformation and will need extremely risky brain surgery in order to avoid severe paralysis or even death. Gordon is scared. Gordon's mother is too positive. Gordon's boyfriend is sailing.
A NEW BRAIN examines an artist in crisis, as we are invited into the deepest psyche of Gordon's brain. In a deeply moving, yet hilarious journey, A NEW BRAIN reminds us of the healing powers of art and the importance of appreciating every breath. EaDo Playhouse's production of the contemporary musical showcases genius music and lyrics by William Finn, masterful vocal arrangements by Jason Robert Brown and a brilliant book by Finn and James Lapine, interpreted by a powerful company of local Houston performers.
Tyler Galindo suits up in green as Mr. Bungee while Derrien Kellum attempts to keep everything managed as Rhoda. Brennan Ashley taps into the neurosis of the maternal Mimi Schwinn, Jayson Kolbicz prepares to sail as Roger, Michael Castillo slaps on a smile as "the nice nurse" Richard, and Anna Drake pulls double duty as an overly perky waitress and Nancy, "the thin nurse." Nathan Costella prepares for surgery as Doctor Berensteiner and Victoria Riley only needs some "Change" as homeless Lisa. As Gordon, Colton Berry marches into a mental battle with talking frogs, unfulfilled artistic achievement and impending personal doom.
EaDo Playhouse's mission states that the company "exists to broaden the experience of the Houston arts community by offering multifaceted programming, developing new and original works and exploring uncharted artistic perspectives of established plays and musicals." A NEW BRAIN marks the first step in The Playhouse's venture to introduce Houston to theatrical material that may not otherwise be presented. The Playhouse's mission continues with, "EaDo Playhouse presents works of theatre in an intimate setting, reducing the divide between spectator and art in order to foster a connected and empathetic community in the quickly developing East Downtown region of Houston." A NEW BRAIN also creates the first opportunity for Houston theater-goers to experience their unique venue.
A NEW BRAIN runs December 14 through 18 with performances at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday at EaDo Playhouse, 2619 McKinney. For more information, call 832-210-5200 or visit eadoplayhouse.com.
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