A NEW BRAIN at Art Factory

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. 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. Art Factory’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 William Finn and James Lapine, presented by a powerful company of local Houston performers.

Authors

• James Lapine
• William Finn