A New Brain in Concert at Mosman

Mosman Musical Society (NSW) is presenting A New Brain – a three-performance-only concert performance of the musical by Tony Award-winners William Finn and James Lapine, at the Mosman Art Gallery on 14 and 15 March, 2025.

A New Brain brings to life the powerful and often comedic journey of Gordon, a composer who experiences a life-changing medical emergency. When Gordon collapses into his lunch and wakes up in the hospital, he finds himself surrounded by his lover Roger, mother Mimi, co-worker Rhoda, and medical team. As he grapples with his condition and the unfinished work haunting him—an upbeat children's song featuring a frog named Mr. Bungee—Gordon’s story unfolds in a series of witty, poignant, and ultimately hopeful musical numbers.

This concert version of A New Brain returns the production to its roots. Originally a song cycle written by William Finn to process his own medical struggles, the show was first performed at Lincoln Center Theatre in May 1998. It tells the story of a composer’s struggle through illness and the power of art in healing. The concert performance will feature a cast of 11 talented soloists, a choir supporting ensemble numbers, and a full orchestra of seven musicians, offering an intimate yet vibrant experience of this cherished musical.

“This concert version allows us to focus on the heart of the musical—the music, lyrics, and emotional depth of the story,” said Musical Director, Andrew Beban. “Without the full production elements, the essence of the show really shines through. We can’t wait to share this extraordinary piece of musical theatre with Sydney audiences.”

As in the original production, A New Brain will be sung through with little dialogue, creating a continuous, musical journey that runs approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

ABOUT MOSMAN MUSICAL SOCIETY
Established in 1903 Mosman Musical Society is Australia’s longest continually running musical society, putting on two or three performances each year. Lately their seasons have combined full stage musicals (Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Annie, and Urinetown), cabaret evenings of various genres (jazz, disco, Broadway Reversed and 80s music) and concerts with Mosman Music Club.

ABOUT THE MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by William Finn and James Lapine
Originally premiered in 1998 at the Lincoln Center Theatre, A New Brain is an energetic and sometimes sardonic musical that blends humour and heart to tell the story of a composer’s medical emergency and his path to recovery. Based on Finn's personal experience with Arterial Venous Malformation, the show celebrates the power of creativity to heal the body and soul.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for A New Brain in Concert are available at Trybooking.com/CYKPF.

Event Details:
Dates: Friday 14 March, 7:30pm, Saturday 15 March, 2:00pm, Saturday 15 March, 7:30pm
Location: Mosman Art Gallery, 1 Art Gallery Way, Mosman