GORHAM – Take a neurotic, frustrated composer. Mix in an unstable mother and a collection of kind but kookie friends. Cook under the diagnosis of a terminal brain condition – and you get the quirky, innovative and funny musical “A New Brain.”

Written by William Finn and James Lapine, “A New Brain” is a show about making the most out of life in the face of tragedy. It is a thinly veiled autobiographical story of an ordeal that Finn faced in 1992, just after winning a Tony Award for “Falsettos.” He was diagnosed with a potentially fatal brain condition for which he needed surgery.

“Although it deals with serious issues, Finn looks at everything with humor and understanding,” said Edward Reichert, who directs the show to be presented by the University of Southern Maine School of Music Oct. 31 to Nov. 4.

“His style is so unique. He writes the most beautiful melodies and heart-wrenching ballads that anyone is going to hear in theater today, as well as some of the funniest lyrics,” added Reichert.

“It’s about finding salvation in the healing power of art,” said Reichert. “The message here is that friends, family and art are worth fighting for, even when things seem hopeless.”

Among those in the cast are Christopher Ellis of Litchfield as the unsympathetic Dr. Jafar Berensteiner; Rylee Doiron of Wilton as the wise yet bitter homeless Lisa; Alexis R.D. Handy of Lewiston as an overbearing waitress; and Emily Holden of Fryeburg as one of Bungee’s Tadpoles.

Curtain times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. Sunday at Corthell Concert Hall on the USM campus. Tickets are $15, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. Call the box office at 780-5555.