'Brain' a smart comedy

Frogs, homosexual romance, a fat nurse and a homeless lady collide in William Finn's "A New Brain", the most recent show from the Princeton University Players (PUP). But don't let the bizarre assortment of characters and circumstances throw you. "A New Brain" is a delightful, wry comedy performed by a talented young cast.

The play is semi-autobiographical, based on the life of composer William Finn: The main character, Gordon Michael Schwinn, is a young composer who aspires to Broadway stardom but is stuck writing music for Mr. Bungee, a singing and dancing frog in a children's television show. Everything changes when Schwinn suddenly collapses in the middle of lunch. He awakes in the hospital to learn that he has a serious brain condition and needs to undergo a high-risk operation. After miraculously surviving the operation, Schwinn conducts a kind of existential reevaluation of his life's purpose and values.

Despite the grave subject matter, "A New Brain" has its audience laughing all the way through. The show is packed with animated musical numbers, and the entire cast gives fabulous performances. Jonathan Schwartz '10, who stars as Schwinn, excels as both as singer and an actor. As the lead, Schwartz has the most complicated role, expressing emotions ranging from despair to frustration to optimism. And yet throughout the show he appears entirely immersed in his character. Aside from his almost flawless execution of lines and notes, the charm of Schwartz's performance lies in his subtle expressions and gestures.

Several other characters shine on stage with Schwartz. Liz Abernethy '07, the only upperclassman in the cast and a veteran of the Princeton theater scene, gives a strong performance as Mimi Schwinn, Gordon's protective mother. Abernethy has a few solo performances in the show, her most compelling being "Throw it Out" and "The Music Still Plays On."

Liz Dengel '10, starring in her first PUP show, is effective as Rhoda, Schwinn's friend and coworker. Though she has a smaller role than some other standouts, Dengel asserts her character convincingly during the first half hour, when she is most prominently featured. She appears appropriately frantic during "Prologue: 911 Emergency" and is confident on stage throughout the show.

The performances of Billy Hepfinger '10 and Connor Diemand-Yauman '10, as Roger Delli-Bovi and Richard (The Fat Nurse) respectively, are critical to the show's humor. Roger is Schwinn's pompous, sailor boyfriend, who makes his entrance in the play after Schwinn has just been hospitalized, singing, "I'd Rather be Sailing." Richard was a part originally written for an overweight African-American man, but svelte Caucasian Diemand-Yauman succeeds in making the character his own. At times he seems slightly self-conscious in his role, but overall he delivers a very entertaining performance. Richard's song, "Eating Myself Up Alive," is one of the funniest of the show.

Finally, Spencer Case '09 gives a fantastic, unforgettable performance as Mr. Bungee, the frog character who Gordon Schwinn can't seem to get out of his mind. At various critical moments throughout the play, Mr. Bungee flits on and off stage, always flanked by four spunky tadpoles, and delivers advice to Schwinn just as he does to children in his television program. Whether he is riding a small bike around stage or delivering a hilarious, screaming tirade to the other characters in "Yes," Case has fabulous stage presence.

In a show with so many well-done musical numbers, it's difficult to pick favorites. On the whole, however, the pieces that include the entire cast ensemble are the most entertaining and involve the most interesting choreography. "Family History," which progresses into "Gordo's Law of Genetics," pokes fun at Schwinn for having received all his father's bad genes. "Sitting Becalmed in the Lee of Cuttyhunk" provides a satirical view of the sort of upper-class life to which Roger subscribes. Inventive choreography and witty lyrics featuring wealthy society types sailing and picnicking comprise this very funny piece. Also look out for "And They're Off," which sheds a humorous light on the strained relationship between Schwinn's mother and father. Abernethy and Hepfinger, who also portrays Schwinn's father, play off each other's frustrations wonderfully in this piece.

The last few scenes in the show move from parody toward more thoughtful reflection. The song "Don't Give In" reminds the audience to live deliberately and purposefully in the present, declaring: "Those who are marking time — wake up!"

The musical's only weaknesses are the few times when the actors' voices are not strong and confident enough to be heard over the booming orchestra. During these instances, the scenes lose force. It doesn't take long, however, for the actors to regain their momentum and continue delivering an impressive show.

All those who enjoy silly and sardonic humor and are willing to embrace a seemingly incongruous assortment of characters will likely find "A New Brain" to be a fun and delightful experience. Even if the story line is not appealing to you, the performances of this set of talented young actors and singers who work so well together will not fail to impress.

Pros: Funny; creative; well-performed.