A New Brain presented by LaCosta Theatre Company at A Red Orchid Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Good casting goes a long way, too, and the voices don't disappoint. As the street urchin--talk about a non-sequitur character--Erika Brett Holleb (resembling a young Beverly D'Angelo) gets to show off some killer pipes. Jess Godwin is also noteworthy as a scarily intense nurse with the voice of a songbird."

Pioneer Press - Highly Recommended

"...You could walk right past and easily overlook the insignificant doorway at 1531 N. Wells St., almost invisible between the larger buildings on either side. Don't! You'll miss a delightful evening of theater. "A New Brain" is both whimsical comedy and a nearly non-stop musical from La Costa Theatre Company, with 32 catchy songs and clever lyrics by William Finn filling the 90-minute, intermissionless production."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"... Directors Greg Malen and Betsy Hansfield put a flawless cast through all the right moves and notes. Though Jonathan Hymen and Riley Thomas are too young to play midlife lovers struggling with a near-death experience, they've clearly grown into their parts. And the musical direction, by Thomas and Erika Brett Holleb, is so good it's scary."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Here’s an oddly appropriate pairing: La Costa with its sophomore production and composer Finn with his signature balancing act between don’t-wanna-grow-up adolescence and gotta-grow-up adulthood. Though the company’s as green as Mr. Bungee—the frog suit–wearing kids’ entertainer for whom composer Gordon Schwinn pens silly ditties—the show’s appeal lies precisely in its refreshingly honest approach."