by: Brian Scott Lipton
Photos/Video: Magda Katz
After composer-lyricist William Finn had a near-death experience in the 1990s, he did what anyone else would do: he turned it into a musical! That show, “A New Brain,” – which had a successful run at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi Newhouse Theatre – is getting its first major New York City revival as part of City Center Encores! Off-Center season, June 24-27, featuring a revised script by Finn and James Lapine, who is also directing the show.
At a recent press event, Theater Pizzazz spoke with the show’s four marquee stars: Tony Award nominee Jonathan Groff, who plays Gordon Michael Schwinn (the Finn stand-in); Drama Desk nominee Aaron Lazar, who plays Gordon’s stalwart boyfriend, Roger; stage and television favorite Ana Gasteyer, who plays Gordon’s overbearing mother, Mimi; and Tony winner Dan Fogler, who plays children’s show host Mr. Bungee.
Here’s what this talented quartet had to say about why they’re excited one part of this special project and working with each other.