By Kenneth Jones
05 Apr 2007

The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) will stage William Finn and James Lapine's darkly comic musical A New Brain, directed by artistic director Brian Swasey, May 4-20.

First seen Off-Broadway at Lincoln Center Theater, A New Brain "tells the story of Gordon, a struggling songwriter, who suffers a medical crisis when something goes wrong with his brain and he is forced to undergo surgery. At the time he is struck by illness, he is reluctantly composing a song for a children's television show featuring a frog by the name of Mr. Bungee. The specter of this large green character and the unfinished work haunts him throughout his medical ordeal as he learns to appreciate life's precious moments, and finds new inspiration to compose the songs he yearns to produce."

Music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner William Finn (Falsettos), with a book by Finn and Tony Award winner James Lapine (Sunday in the Park With George, Into the Woods, Dirty Blonde, Falsettos).

The piece was inspired by Finn's own harrowing personal experience with illness.

The cast for A New Brain will include Yolanda Batts, Justin Birdsong, Jim Dimarino, Sevan Greene, Shad Olsen and Julie Rees, as well as Doug Chitel, Lois Hart, Joe Pace and Stephanie Wilberding (who are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity). Musical direction is by Jeffrey Campos.

Performances will run every Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 6 PM May 4-20 at the Broccoli Theater – Variety Boys & Girls Club, 21-12 30th Rd at 21st St. in Astoria, Queens.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $5 for children under 10 years old, and are available at the door or at www.apacny.org. For reservations or more information, call (718) 393-7505.