Maine premiere of musical theater, “A New Brain,” at USM Music

Take a neurotic, frustrated composer … mix together with an unstable mother and a collection of kind but kookie friends … cook under the diagnosis of a terminal brain condition … and you get the quirky, innovative and yes, funny, musical, “A New Brain.”

Edward Reichert directs the Maine premiere production of “A New Brain” to be presented October 31 through November 2, 2008 by the University of Southern Maine School of Music. Curtain times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. Sunday at Corthell Concert Hall on the USM Gorham campus. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students. Call the Music Box Office at 780-5555 for reservations.

The production is sponsored by Saco and Biddeford Savings Institution.

Written by William Finn and James Lapine, “A New Brain” is a show about making the most out of life in the face of tragedy. It is a thinly veiled autobiographical story of an ordeal that Finn faced in 1992, just after winning a Tony Award for “Falsettos.” He was diagnosed with a potentially fatal brain condition for which he needed surgery.

“Although it deals with serious issues, Finn looks at everything with humor and understanding,” reassures Reichert. “His style is so unique. He writes the most beautiful melodies and heart-wrenching ballads that anyone is going to hear in theater today, as well as some of the funniest lyrics.”

Joseph Valliere of Old Orchard Beach has the demanding lead role of the vulnerable yet sarcastic composer, Gordon. His role requires not only demanding singing, but also that he accompany himself on piano.

In the show Gordon is a talented young songwriter who is under deadline to produce a song for a children’s show. At lunch with a friend he collapses and is taken to the hospital where he learns he has a brain tumor. He contemplates the worst outcome – dying with his greatest songs still inside him.

“It’s about finding salvation in the healing power of art,” says Reichert. “The message here is that friends, family, and art are worth fighting for, even when things seem hopeless.”

Gordon’s mother, Mimi, is played by Slaney Rose Jordan of Bar Harbor; his best friend and manager, Rhoda, is played by Kim Stone of Newington, Conn.; and his boyfriend, Roger, is played by Kyle Dennis of Pittsfield.

Also in the cast are Christopher Ellis of Litchfield as the unsympathetic Dr. Jafar Berensteiner; Rylee Doiron of Wilton as the wise yet bitter homeless Lisa; Roger Marcotte of Rockland as the alcoholic hospital employee, the Minister; Autumn Pound of Portland as a sadistic nurse, Nancy D.; Alexis R.D. Handy of Lewiston as an overbearing waitress; Jeremiah Haley of Portland as a compassionate nurse, Richard; Kyle Skillin of Standish as Mr. Bungee, the producer and star of his own children’s TV show; plus Bungee’s Tadpoles, played by Emily Holden of Fryeburg, Ashley A. Christy of Raymond, and Greer Vashon of Waterville.

Reichert will do double duty at the keyboards with support from a small pit band. He says that the students are very excited about bringing to life a piece of theater that few people have seen, and guarantees the audience will be swept away by the music and the message of the show.

“Infectious,” says Edward Reichert. “I think of this word when I think of the songs of Finn. He has this way of writing infectious, rhythmic, driving songs that don’t resemble any other composer writing for the theater today.”