A New Brain told in a New Way

This is a William Finn show that I've never before had the pleasure to see IRL, but have listened to both the original cast recording and the 2015 cast recording starring Jonathan Groff many times. So I was thrilled to buy a ticket to see this at The Davidson/Valentini Theatre at the Los Angeles LGBT Center (a first for me), presented by Celebration Theatre, in association with LALGBTC. 

I have not been in a theatre this small in years, and the intimacy really worked here. The energy was shared between the performers and audience in this beautiful way that can only happen in live theatre. 

This was a different presentation of the show, directed by Khanisha Foster, starting with the casting. Gordon is played by non-binary (they/them) Amanda Kruger, and Roger (Gordon's lover) by Yassi Noubahar (she/her), roles previously played by men. Kruger's Gordon is three-dimensional, and finishes the marathon seemingly with more energy than when the show started! Noubahar's voice is beautiful, which made up for a lack of nuance in character. 

The 4-piece band adds so much to this show, but I was hoping for a moment to actually see them behind their hidden curtain. For the most part, the sound design works, but there were some  moments where the lyrics were lost, particularly with Kruger and Noubahar. 

Sade Ayodele as Rhoda, on the other hand, had no such trouble with her incredible voice! I also appreciated the depth she added to a character that was only outlined on paper. 

What struck me the most is that, even though the center of the story is Gordon's brain tumor, the majority of the 95-minute show is a celebration. The characters may be queer or gender expansive, but that's not the focus of the show. It allows these humans to be just that: humans dealing with love, sickness and demanding bosses, and finding the humor and ways to sing about it. 

While the show is about 5 minutes longer than it should be, Foster keeps the show moving and uses the space inventively. Alli Miller-Fisher's choreography celebrates the body's desire to move, to dance, to be free, and Mitchell Johnson throws themselves into every move with the biggest smile ever!

Every cast member has their opportunities to shine, and they feel like a loving family when they're all on stage together. 

This production runs through June 24, and I strongly encourage you to experience this celebration of life and theatre.