New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

PHOTOS from "A New Brain" at Old Library Theatre


By John Posada

originally published: 04/11/2024

(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre (OLT) is presenting the musical, A New Brain, over two weekends from April 12- 21, 2024. Created by Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist William Finn and playwright James Lapine, this is an unexpectedly funny show that gives a glimpse into the inner world of Gordon Michael Schwinn (played by Patrick Dwyer), a frustrated composer for a children's television show. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

A brain disorder leaves Gordon hospitalized, where he floats in and out of consciousness, contemplating his life, legacy, the meaning of music, and the important relationships in his life. Throughout his hospitalization, Gordon is haunted by an imaginary frog from the show he works on. As a quartet of quirky hospital staff (the egotistic neurosurgeon, a nice nurse, a mean nurse, and an out-of-his element minister) try to tend to his medically uncertain needs, Gordon’s overbearing Jewish mother, his lover, and neurotic best friend work to maintain his emotional health. Throw in a deeply philosophical homeless woman, and you have the ten-person cast of this touching, funny, and relatable musical that explores life’s beauty when we take the time to appreciate it.

The cast includes Patrick Dwyer as Gordon Michael Schwinn; Kathy Monroe as his mother Mimi; Jonathan Krouse as his boyfriend Roger; Melissa Miller as his best friend Rhoda; Peter Vaiknoras as his boss Mr. Bungee; Sam Szentmik as the homeless lady; Dave Toussas as Richard the nice nurse; Katie Lupfer as Nancy D and Waitress; Paul Foster as the doctor; and Jeff Parsons as the minister.

A New Brain is directed by Jess Katz, with Music Direction by Evan T. Charpentier. The show is produced by Amy Kurfist; with costumes by Jessi Blum, wigs by Katie Lupfer, choreography by Cassandra Barkett, prop and set design by Amy Kurfist, and Erin Sabat and Lyss Wortman as Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager. Mr. Bungee puppets designed by Kay Koch.

Director Jess Katz said "A New Brain is a musical about the healing power of art. It tells a story of someone overcoming obstacles when they seem nearly impossible to surmount. It challenges audience assumptions about love and acceptance. This show teaches us about facing our fears and doing it anyway.  I believe all of us can learn something from this show, and leave renewed with a feeling of ‘so much spring".  Producer Amy Kurfist added "This beautiful story has something that everyone can relate to and learn from. Families, relationships, illness - they are topics we all explore in our day to day life, and this show addresses them with such beauty and grace that everyone should get the opportunity to spend some time in the brains of this brilliant cast of characters."




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



William Finn’s musical genius shines through in every note. From infectious, toe-tapping tunes to heartrending ballads that tug at your heartstrings, A New Brain delivers an emotional rollercoaster that leaves audiences laughing, crying and singing along.

Performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Performances are held at the George Frey Center for Performing Arts in the Fair Lawn Community Center, located at 10-10 20th Street in Fair Lawn. Tickets are $23 for Adults, and $20 for Seniors. Tickets are available for purchase online. Old Library Theatre is committed to bringing quality entertainment at an affordable cost in Bergen County.

Here are more photos from the production.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Original

Original 'RENT' Cast Member and Obie Award-winner Anthony Rapp to Teach Master Class at Gateway Playhouse

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Somers Point's Gateway Playhouse is thrilled to announce that original Broadway cast member of the international hit, Jonathan Larson's "RENT," and Obie Award-winner, Anthony Rapp, will teach a master class to the all-teenage cast of "RENT: School Edition" on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, as part of the Gateway to the Arts program. The class runs from 9:00am to noon.



Music

Music Mountain Theatre presents the monster-hit musical "Young Frankenstein"

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- From the creators of Broadway's record-breaking musical comedy sensation The Producers comes Young Frankenstein, the monster-hit musical based on the classic film comedy by Mel Brooks. Music Mountain Theatre presents the musical in a limited engagement of 11 weekend performances from June 20 through July 6, 2025.



Surflight

Surflight Theatre presents "9 to 5, The Musical"

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre is beyond thrilled to be staging the forever timeless 9 to 5, The Musical from June 18 to July 6, 2025. Based on the book by Patricia Resnick and the 1980 film by Colin Higgins, Kelli Barclay directs and choreographs this staged adaptation following three iconic older women who decide to stick it to their boss once pushed to their breaking points.



Raconteur

Raconteur Radio presents Theatrical Adaptation of "The Hobbit" at Ocean County Library Barnegat Branch

(BARNEGAT,NJ) -- Feel like taking a journey through Middle Earth? Raconteur Radio presents a special theatrical presentation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 7:00pm.



Cape

Cape May Stage presents "Love, Loss, & What I Wore"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Love, Loss, & What I Wore from July 5-11, 2025. Based on Ilene Beckerman's bestselling book, this tender and witty play weaves together monologues and ensemble pieces to explore the deep connections between clothing and memory, touching on themes like mothers, prom dresses, bras, purses, and the timeless appeal of black clothing. Showtime is 8:00pm each night.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Vivid

Vivid Summer Solos: Where is Everybody?

Wednesday, July 09, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

The

The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

The

The Wizard of Oz

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
category: theatre


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info