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.