A New Brain (Gallery Players) NYC Reviews and Tickets

79%

(49 Reviews)

Positive

88%

Mixed

10%

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Great singing, Quirky, Clever, Delightful

About the Show

By the Tony Award-winning authors of 'Falsettos,' this autobiographical musical deals directly with the writer’s own harrowing personal experience with arteriovenous malformation and the healing power of art.

Member Reviews (49)

Delightful, Enchanting, Refreshing, Intelligent, Funny

See it if Lovely tale about a gay songwriter's brain operation. Enthusiastic performance by a large cast having a great time. Wonderful music.

Don't see it if You demand Broadway-quality performers/production. You don't want to travel to Brooklyn. I thought this was so charming & well worth it.

Clever, Intelligent, Quirky, Slow, Resonant

See it if A musical about a brain clot?? Finn's quirky, autobiographical, musically dense piece is just that Doesn't work but Gallery gives it its all

Don't see it if Despite best vocal efforts of lead Manocherian, Gordon is an unsympathic crank on top of dark subject Finn's indecisive tone hurts concept

Critic Reviews (3)

"'A New Brain,' for all of its many strengths, is a flabby sort of musical..Most of the songs are pretty wonderful. However, the overall musical is less so. The main problem, for me, is the lack of real stakes--there is never any doubt that Gordon is going to live and prosper...Luckily, the Gallery Players can overcome one tone deaf apple, and, as with all of their musicals, this one is solid and smoothly directed."
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“‘A New Brain’ is a musical written by William Finn shortly after his having successfully undergone surgery to repair an arteriovenous malformation. It contains too many songs (32 numbers), too many scenes, and a particularly unlikeable, neurotic, main character. The cast is extremely talented. At only $25.00 a ticket, seeing this show is worth your effort and time. You will receive good value in exchange for your hard-earned money.”
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"Laugh-out-loud funny but refreshingly light during dramatic moments...Manocherian as Schwinn is the clear standout of the show...But other members of the ensemble fail to distinguish their characters, and director and choreographer Barrie Gelles sometimes seems to be at a loss for what to do with his actors in the space...A heartfelt and sentimental comedy tackling heavy themes in innovative ways...but the production doesn’t always have what it takes to realize the show’s fullest potential."
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