MainStage Productions
(Intended for Mature Audiences)
A New Brain
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by William Finn & James Lapine
A life-affirming musical about Gordon Schwinn, a composer who experiences a life-threatening medical event due to a problem with his brain. This leads to a surreal hospital stay, during which he confronts mortality, relationships, and the meaning of art while being haunted by people and memories from his past and present, as well as a maniacal frog-man. William Finn's semi-autobiographical musical uses absurdity, sardonic humor and a whole lot of heart to explore themes of mortality, legacy, and the healing power of love as Gordon grapples with his condition and the balance of external pressures with his personal hopes and dreams.
Intended for Mature Audiences
(or audiences that can at least try to pass as mature)
Performances
March 13-29, 2026
Friday and Saturdays @ 7:30 PM, Sundays @ 2:00 PM
Leggett Theatre (William Peace University)
SPECIAL EVENT - FREE
Friday, March 27 - Post-Show Discussion
"Healing with Humanity" with Dr. Elizabeth Ross, Duke University
Join us for a special post-show talkback with esteemed Duke University School of Medicine professor Dr. Elizabeth Ross to discuss themes of A New Brain around the framework of patient/doctor relationships, the patient experience, and how Dr. Ross and her Duke colleagues work to train medical students to value patients as whole people, not merely as their conditions.
Biographical Sketch for Elizabeth Ross, DPT, MMSc, ACC
Dr. Ross is an Associate Consulting Professor at Duke University School of Medicine and a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a specialty in teaching communication skills for healthcare professionals. She has served on the board and is a Fellow in the Academy for Communication in Healthcare. Dr. Ross currently directs a year-long seminar in the Masters of Biomedical Science addressing the "Art” of healthcare. The power of humanities in health professions education is a key focus of her teaching methods. She is an Associate Certified Coach who has coached medical students and trainees at Duke Health. Her deepest values reside in avenues to improve the communication skills, humanity and well-being of health professionals and patients.
Touring In-School Productions
(Intended for Youth Audiences)
Gazellephant
Book, music, and lyrics by Matthew Hager
Half gazelle. Half elephant. 100% Rockstar: On her first day at a new school, Giselle finds out the other students aren't exactly her biggest fans. Her teacher, Ms. Pronunciation, tries to help, but is distracted by her own issues. After a contentious rockstar showdown, Giselle learns lessons on conflict resolution, self-acceptance, and following your dreams.
The Midsummer Experience
By William Shakespeare, Adapted by Matthew Hager
Six actors and a narrator take audiences on a madcap dash through Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Filled with audience participation, ridiculous physical comedy, poignant moments, and lessons on how to understand Shakespeare, The Midsummer Experience is an accessible and riotous crash course on one of the Bard's most popular plays.
