Production of "A New Brain"
Benefits The Healing Exchange BRAIN TRUST
"Absolutely yes ..."
In December 1999, BRAIN TRUST Board Member Nancy Conn-Levin
and her husband Eric Levin (both survivors of brain
disorders) produced William Finn's musical "A New
Brain" in collaboration with Phoenix Productions, at
the Phoenix Studio Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. Tony award
winning composer and lyricist Finn's personal experience
being diagnosed and treated for a serious brain disorder
is the inspiration for this unique musical comedy.
"A New Brain" tells the story of a
songwriter whose life is changed by having a life
threatening brain disorder and surviving brain surgery,
including how this experience changes his perspective
about life, and his relationships with family and friends.
This production was a benefit for four charitable
organizations that help persons with brain tumors and
other intracranial disorders, including T. H. E. BRAIN
TRUST. Donations totaling more than $2000. were
distributed to help these organizations.
The photo above illustrates a scene in the musical
during which the lead character is encouraged to sign a
consent form allowing a challenging surgical procedure to
take place. The hospital chaplain advises him that it's a
high risk operation, without any guarantees of success.
The character is told that he really has no option, and
"the only answer, more or less, is absolutely yes."
It's a poignant moment that everyone who has had
neurosurgery and other serious invasive procedures can
readily understand.
