Ateneo Blue Repertory, the foremost college musical theater organization of the Ateneo de Manila University, and Kawasaki present blueREP’s 22nd season with a new take on the musical comedy A NEW BRAIN.
A NEW BRAIN follows the story of a disillusioned yet talented songwriter, Gordon Schwinn who is diagnosed with a rare medical condition that sends him into a coma and a brain surgery that could potentially end his life. Throughout the musical, Gordon’s greatest fear of dying with his greatest songs still left inside of him, as well as past hurts and emotional scars, are unearthed by memories and figures from his past who he conjures to his side as he walks through the proverbial valley of the shadow of death.
A NEW BRAIN is a musical that has been performed Off-Broadway and revived in the United Kingdom, United States, and now, the Philippines. Inspired by composer William Finn’s (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) true near-death experience, A New Brain explores the importance of time, relationships, and self-discovery.
A NEW BRAIN stars Arion Sanchez as the composer Gordon Schwinn with Angelo Lantaco as his charming and affectionate lover, Roger. Lara Antonio will play Gordon’s agent and former flame, Rhoda while Christina Amante and Ciary Manhit play the mother. Storm Sevilla plays the tyrannical Mr. Bungee and Trish Arcega as the show-stopping Homeless Lady. Also in the cast are Bernice Reyes, Wrench Canicosa, Rio Tanchuling, Bryan Mendoza, Ian Hermogenes, and Franco Ramos.
Arion Sanchez as Gordon Schwinn
Ateneo Blue Repertory’s A NEW BRAIN will be directed by Toff de Venecia (director of blueREP’s Freakshow, Little Shop of Horrors and 13: The Musical). blueREP alumna Dana Marquez returns to blueREP as musical director along with Gala Sanchez. Nina de Leon, blueREP alumna choreographs once again; with lighting design by Meliton Roxas Jr. and set design by CJ Francisco.
Ateneo Blue Repertory’s A NEW BRAIN will be showing from July 24-27, 31- August 3, and 7-10, 2013 at Black Box Theatre, G/F of the Old Communications Department (beside the College Covered Courts), Ateneo de Manila University. For ticket inquiries and reservations, contact Jade Albert (09175527778). Visit their Facebook page Ateneo Blue Repertory. Also, follow their official Twitter account, @_blueREPERTORY, for more information.
Press release and photos from Ateneo Blue Repertory.
Kalatas: Philippine Literature, Culture, and Ideas 