WHEN:
August 22 – September 14, 2025
WHERE:
Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted
3656 N. Halsted
Chicago
A spokesperson describes the event as follows:
“...The musical is by William Finn (FALSETTOS, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE) and James Lapine (INTO THE WOODS, PASSION, and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, all written with Stephen Sondheim). Finn, whose FALSETTOS is a landmark of LGBTQ-themed musical theater and LGBTQ-themed drama in general, passed away in April of this year. A NEW BRAIN, inspired by events in Finn’s life, follows a songwriter facing brain surgery. As he floats in and out of consciousness, he imagines the songs he has yet to write and daydreams about his boyfriend Roger who is on his way to the hospital..."
CAST:
The cast will be led by Dakotta Hagar as Gordon Schwinn, the songwriter who sings how “Heart and Music” make a song. Outside of Chicago, Hagar has played such musical theater leading roles as Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and Bobby Strong in URINETOWN. Beck Hokanson, who is currently appearing as Andrew Parker-Bowles in DIANA with Theo Ubique and last fall played Dick in Citadel Theatre’s DAMES AT SEA, will be Gordon’s boyfriend Roger, who sings of how he would “rather be sailing.” Michelle McKenzie-Voight, who has appeared with PrideArts in MOTHERS AND SONS, BEAUTIFUL THING, and THE BOY FROM OZ, has been cast as Gordon’s mother Mimi, and will perform the heartfelt number, “The Music Still Plays On.” Lena Simone, seen last year in WARM ON THE COOLIN’S BOARD with MPAACT and TWIHARD: A TWILIGHT MUSICAL PARODY for Otherworld Theatre, will be Lisa the homeless lady asking for “Change.” The cast also includes Taylor Bailey (Mr. Bungee), Caitlinn Preuss (Rhoda), Cordaro Johnson (Richard the Nurse), Britain Shutters (Waitress / Nancy the Nurse), and Jonas Davidow (The Minister, U/S Gordon). Understudies are Morgan Braithwaite (U/S Mimi Schwinn/Rhoda), Kevin Chlapecka (U/S Roger), Jay Torrens (U/S Richard the Nurse, Minister), and Aidan Sternberg (U/S Mr. Bungee/Dr. Berensteiner).
CREATIVE TEAM:
Music and Lyrics by William Finn, Book by William Finn and James Lapine
Directed by Jay Españo
Music Direction by Robert Ollis
Choreography by Britta Schlicht
The design team includes Shawn Quinlan (Costume Designer), Lea Davis (Lighting Designer), Gael Owens (Scenic Designer), Connor Blackwood (Projection Designer), Parker Vos (Props Designer),. Also on the production team are Garrett McCann (Assistant Director, Intimacy Designer), Ally Montgomery (Production Manager), Shreya Khanna (Stage Manager), Emily Stipetic (Assistant Stage Manager), Ruby Lowe (Lead Electrician), Aidan Smith (Technical Director), and Val Gardner (Sound Engineer).
