William Finn Kristin Chenoweth Malcolm Gets - A New Brain 1998 Original Cast (29 tracks) +Album Reviews

Fresh, Funny & Touching: One of Finn's Finest!

A. R. Karpe | New York, NY | 09/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a musical about one of the most unlpleasant topics imaginable: a young man's brush with death as he goes under the knife for removal of a brain tumor. But don't let that awkward yet accurate description dissuade you from picking up "A New Brain." William Finn, the musical genius behind the three "Marvin Musicals" (In Trousers, March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland) once again plunges head-first into devastating territory, and presents a moving story with great humor and amazing theatricality. The talents on this recording are top notch, but above them all, Finn reigns supreme with glorious melodies and smart lyrics. This is more than a musical about our mortality. It is a musical about lovers, mothers, good nurses, bad nurses, show-biz charlatans and, as the song says, "Time and Music." I dare you to listen to the soaring finale, "I Feel So Much Spring" and not feel better about your situation, your day or your life. Finn's lesson? Sometimes life sucks, but it's how we deal with the lot we're given that counts. Sooner or later, it does get better. Personally, "A New Brain" goes in the CD player when I need a pick-me-up. It works every time!"

Intelligent & Refreshing

Susan B. Antonia | New York, NY USA | 11/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brain surgery? In a musical? Call me old-fashioned, but when I first heard of the subject matter for this new mucial, I thought it was rather...well, strange. How could a composer handle writing effective music about brain surgery and then combine it with a story that...made sense. William Finn was able to handle it and then some in his masterpiece, "A New Brain". The three-part introduction, which probably gets at least partially ignored by many, does a tremendous job of setting the tone for the musical. In the three or four minutes that are taken up my the introduction, there are about one-hundred different emotions expressed by various members of the cast. These emotions pop up again in reverse chronological order throughout the remainder of the musical. I thought it was fascinating how the first line and the last line of the musical, while they have the same musical structure and have all but three words in common ("Frogs have so much spring within them" to "I feel so much spring (within me)"), perfectly represent the journey taken by the main character throughout the course of the musical. The first complete song is "Heart and Music" and that song alone is worth the $13.99 you pay for the entire CD. It begins as a duet between Gordon, the main character, and the minister, but gradually builds to an end filled with lush harmony provided by the entire cast. I could probably go on forever discussing each individual song, but that would take hours. And becasue each song seems to be better than the previous, I can't really mention any standouts. When it comes to the cast, there are also no real standouts because each cast member is equally fabulous. Kristin Chenoweth, Chip Zien, Malcolm Gets, Mary Testa, Penny Fuller, Norm Lewis and the rest of the cast give performances of a lifetime. After Norm Lewis' sensitive rendition of the gorgeous "I'd Rather Be Sailing", I was nearly reduced to tears. Krsitin Chenoweth made me laugh with just her two verses in "Calamari". Mary Testa absolutely blew me away with "Change". And don't get me started on the show-stopping job done by Malcolm Gets on "And They're Off" and "I Feel So Much Spring"... This album is a real gem. Buy it and give it a chance to grow on you. Although there's no denying this CD is for the open-minded and the people who have already experienced a wide range of musical theatre. If all you know is "Oklahoma" and "Guys & Dolls", you're probably not someone who can appreciate the the rich, effective blend between music and lyrics that is so truly rare these days or the skill it takes to take such a delicate, complicated story and weave it into that blend of music and lyrics. If however you are one of these people, I assure you that you'll fall in love with "A New Brain" as I did. With the new musicals coming out today on Broadway (everything from "Footloose" to "Saturday Night Fever"), something as thought-provoking and intelligently written as "A New Brain" is a refreshing and welcomed surprise."

Not for Everyone, But...

dramadude 186 | Grayson, Georgia United States | 05/20/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"William Finn's semi-autobiographical, sung-through piece "A New Brain" is something of a challenge for listeners. At times it can be maddeningly unmelodic and non-conventional, yet at the same time it possesses some absolutely gorgeous songs and melodies. The premise of the show is certainly interesting and unique. How many other musicals deal with a man coping with a brain tumor, his gay boyfriend, overprotective mom, a thin nurse, a "nice" nurse, a crazy homeless woman and a frog named Mr. Bungee (see, unconventional)?The off-beat humor is not for everyone, but if you "get" it the show can be laugh out loud funny. The aforementioned Mr. Bungee is a hoot and a half, and any composer who dares to rhyme "virginity" and "affinity" gets points in my book (there's a really good bit involving this rhyme and Mr. Bungee that I won't spoil). And if nothing else, numbers like "Schwinn's Law of Genetics" and "Eating Myself Up Alive" are fun diversions from the main plot.However, the show also packs a few emotional punches, some of which sadly go underdeveloped. I personally felt Penny Fuller could have done more with the role of Gordon's mother. She nails the comedy, but doesn't go as far with the emotional turmoil as she could on the songs "Throw it Out" and "The Music Still Plays On." Although I can't see her point in the narrative, Mary Tetsa displays her excellent belt on the song "Change," sung by the homeless woman. And in the lead, Malcolm Gets shows he has what it takes to carry a musical."A New Brain" has flashes of brilliance, but like most experimental musicals doesn't quite click as a show. However, the positives outweigh the negatives and the CD is definitely worth a listen or two. The score will grow on you, and for the most part the performers do an excellent job (especially with the tricky harmonies and rhythmes). If your a musical theatre fan, buy it. If not, you might enjoy it as long as you're in the mood for something far from the norm."

Nothing short of wonderful!

Peter Adamson | Indiana | 01/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think most of the people that would buy this album are already probably familiar with William Finn's work. And to be a fan of William Finn means you probably are already a discriminating musical theater lover. However, it is those people that don't know Finn well that need to buy this album. Moreover, they need to give it a chance. Finn may inherit Sondheim's place in musical theater as being one of the most delightfully frustrating composers/lyricists on the scene. You really want to hate the songs when you first hear them--they are so uncoventional that I've had friends describe them as "noise." But after repeated listenings, you discern the meaning behind the song and out of all the supposed noise soars some of the most beautiful melodies to be heard in today's musical theater. I put the song "Heart and Music" as my contribution to a staff CD we made at work. Everyone hated it at first, and by the end of a few weeks, even the biggest naysayers admitted it was their favorite song. I think that's what makes Finn's musicals a tough sell on the stage--audiences only get one chance to listen. Give this CD a chance. If you hate it after repeated listenings, fine. It's probably not for everyone's taste. But don't give up after just one shot."

"Poor, unsuccessful and fat... and getting older.."

Morgan Phillips | Savannah, GA United States | 07/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had the very great honor of being cast as Richard, the Nice Nurse in my university's production of this show. Not only was I in love with this show's soundtrack, I was given the honor of singing my favorite song, "Eating Myself Up Alive". The show is beautiful and awe-inspiring, with a dash of Broadway star-power and wicked humor.

William Finn has crafted the surreal yet very realistic world surrounding him during a life-threatening brain condition. After miraculously surviving, he claims that he just couldn't stop writing.

Malcom Gets heads this show off as the main character, a sarcastic jerk named Gordon Schwinn. His performance is strong, and leaves nothing to be desired. In fact, the entire cast is sharp and create memorable, fun characters. Penny Fuller, Chip Zien, Michael Mandell and the lovely Kristen Chenoweth make this a musical filled with gorgeous songs that will have you humming for weeks on end. If you get an opportunity to see this show, don't pass it up. This is a sharp, fantastic musical. Don't miss "Sailing", "Gordo's Law of Genetics", "An Invitation to Sleep In My Arms", "Eating Myself Up Alive" or "Time and Music". Perhaps the only hang up in the album is the overrated theme of the show, "Heart and Music" which is a bit corny, and definitely feels a little hollow. Otherwise, you're in for a treat.

"

Search - William Finn, Kristin Chenoweth, Malcolm Gets :: A New Brain (1998 Original Cast)

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