Event

"A New Brain"

The Costa Mesa Playhouse continues its 53rd season with William Finns semi-autobiographical musical A New Brain, running February 2 through March 4, 2018.

Tony-Award-winning William Finn (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) based A New Brain on his own experience with a life-threatening neurological disorder. Finn wrote the music and lyrics, and co-wrote the book with James Lapine, the team behind Falsettos. A New Brain was first produced off-Broadway in 1998.

While undergoing emergency brain surgery, Gordon, a songwriter with writers block, hallucinates a surrealistic musical-within-a-musical starring the people in his life, including mother Mimi, boyfriend Roger, and childrens tv show host Mr. Bungee. As Gordon struggles to survive, he finds salvation in the healing power of art.

Gordon is played by Stephen Hulsey, who also musical directs. The cast also features Eric Anderson, Noelle Carney, Jessica Elisabeth, Allison McGuire, Stan Morrow, Jon Peterson, Mark Phillips, Griffin Runnels, and Lisa Salas. Jack Millis is the director and Nicki Peek, the choreographer.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm, February 2 through March 4, 2018. The first performance Friday, February 2, is a Preview for which all seats are $18. The opening night Gala celebration, including a catered post-show reception, is Saturday, February 3. Gala tickets are $22 general and $20 for students and seniors. For all other performances, tickets are $20 general and $18 for students and seniors. Groups of 10 or more are $13 each. Reservations can be made at www.costamesaplayhouse.com or by calling 949-650-5269. The playhouses address is at 661 Hamilton Street in Costa Mesa.