A NEW BRAIN's  M. William Panek (director - looking quite drowsy at 2:30am) and Jillian Weingart (Rhoda) were guests on WGN Radio's Nick Degilio Show.

They chat about the humble beginning of The Brown Paper Box Co., the current run's final weekend, and pizza. A lot of pizza.

And thanks to the late-night listeners who checked out our blog and texted in questions! We blame you for all the pizza talk :)

Give it a listen!

Full name? Johnny Kyle Cook

Where you were born/where you were raised?   I was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky.  Louisa, KY, specifically. No, you've never heard of it. 

Your position/role within the A NEW BRAIN family? I play Richard, the nice nurse. 

How would you describe your character?   He's very odd. He's the funny fat friend. Delightfully self-deprecating and unpredictable. At his core though, he is very kind and compassionate. 

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? brain, sex, eating, sailing, spring

How would you describe Bill's writing? I've loved the show for a very long time. The writing is sometimes all over the place, but that requires you to make very specific choices as an actor.

Fill in the blanks: ____magic_______ + ____emotion_______ = a song.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid?  Tiny Toons (I can still sing the theme song.)

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be?  Arnold from Hey Arnold. That kid was way cool.

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life?  As a child, someone with excellent bangs. Their headshot/resume had better be giving me pristine BANGS!

Special hidden talent?  When I was a kid I would memorize TV commercials.  I still know a lot of them by heart... So... memorization?! (Wow, I'm lame...)

Something you're REALLY bad at? Spelling

Favorite Chicago neighborhood?  Uptown

Current local show you have been recommending to friends?  Into the Woods (and A New Brain, of course)

Most played song on your iPod?  Beyonce - "Ego"

Pop culture guilty pleasure? Beyonce. No guilt; all pleasure. 

Three things you can't live without? My friends, music, and Netflix.

"I'll never understand why… birds can fly, but I can't."

Come see Johnny in William Finn and James Lapine's A NEW BRAIN February 21 - March 9, 2014 at Rivendell Theatre. Ticketing and performance information can be found at The Brown Paper Box Co.'s site.

Full name? Martin James Hughes

Where you were born/where you were raised? Chicago, IL (I was born at Edgewater Hospital, which is no longer open, on Ashland Ave, less than a mile away from Rivendell!)

Your position/role within the A NEW BRAIN family? I play Dr. Jafar Berensteiner, whose name is never spoken in the show!

How would you describe your character? He's an extremely competent, yet insecure, neurosurgeon. A family man, for sure :-D

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? A whole boatload of fun.

How would you describe Bill's writing? Authentic. The man really knows how to tune into the human spirit; struggle, anger, empathy, hope. That said, he also expects a hell of a lot of vocal aerobics with melodies and harmonies.

Fill in the blanks: ___Life___ + ___Inspiration___ = a song. 

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? This is a tough one. I'm going to go with Boy Meets World; I have a very lofty career aspiration to follow William Daniels' longevity. I mean, the guy played Mr. Feeny, John Adams and K.I.T.T., for goodness' sake!!

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Dagwood. That dude knows his sandwiches.

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life? Easy. William Daniels. Duh.

Special hidden talent? I'm one of those people who can make a clover with their tongue (that's my law of genetics).

Something you're REALLY bad at? Ice skating.

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? I've always been a big fan of Irving Park!

Current local show you have been recommending to friends? Anything friends of mine are in: hamlet is dead. no gravity. at Red Tape, Gypsy at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Playboy of the Western World at the Raven Theatre.

Most played song on your iPod? Probably "Candy" by Gavin DeGraw

Pop culture guilty pleasure? Once Upon a Time and Community.

Three things you can't live without? Tea, family, service.

"I'll never understand why… TMZ is still a thing when there's still world hunger."

Come see Martin in William Finn and James Lapine's A NEW BRAIN February 21 - March 9, 2014 at Rivendell Theatre. Ticketing and performance information can be found at The Brown Paper Box Co.'s site.

Extra special thanks to CB Lindsey for his wonderful production photos.

A NEW BRAIN runs now through March 9, 2014 at Rivendell Theatre in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood. Tickets and additional info can be found here.

Full name? Michelle Kritselis

Your position/role within the A NEW BRAIN family? Dramaturg

What does that mean/what do you do? Research stuff. Write stuff. Explain stuff.

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? Neurotic, exploratory, life-affirming, joyful, soaring.

How would you describe Bill's writing? Catchy but complex.

Fill in the blanks: ___central cardiac organ___ + ___melodic auditory reverberations___ = a song.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? Mister Rogers and Sesame Street are PBS classics.

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Why not Zoidberg? (Haha jk, never Zoidberg.)

Special hidden talent? I can eat, like, a SHOCKING amount of sushi in one sitting.

Something you're REALLY bad at? Finishing my senten

Most played song on your iPod? This week: the Beatles' "Baby, You're a Rich Man"

Pop culture guilty pleasure? It's over, but my answer is still American Horror Story: Coven. Stevie Nicks as a LITERAL WITCH who stops by to jam for no apparent reason? Sounds reasonable to me!

Three things you can't live without? Portillo's, yoga pants, and my iPhone.

"I'll never understand why… people wear Ugg/imitation Ugg boots in the winter. I know they're comfortable, but aren't they fabric? Don't they get ruined in the snow and salt?"

Full name? Matthew William Panek

Where you were born/where you were raised? Northwest side of Chicago.

Your position within the A NEW BRAIN family? Proud director.

What does that mean/what do you do? Craft the show's approach and make sure everyone attached to the production has a clear view of where we're headed. As a musical theatre operetta, A NEW BRAIN has been exciting with its heavy dose of creative collaboration. I've been extremely reliant on our handful of designers and production staff in crafting the shape (Jaime, Cat, Michelle, Charlie), flow (Stephanie, Danny, Luke, Monty, Patrick), and sound (T.J., Justin) of the show. So in a nutshell, I'm a super lucky guy organizing 20 Chicago artists to tell Bill's story.

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? Beautiful, Life-Affirming, So much spring

How would you describe Bill's writing? Writing this in the midst of vocal rehearsals, the first thing I've noticed about Bill's writing is how insanely difficult it is to master. Our amazing cast of 10 is tackling 7-part harmonies in many of the songs (thanks to vocal arrangers Jason Robert Brown and Ted Sperling), so it really speaks to his storytelling skills and keen ear for . A NEW BRAIN has a mix of conversational book songs, spot-lit musical theatre numbers, and full-fledged

Fill in the blanks: ____Dedication____ + ___#werk_____ = a song.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? X-Men, the animated series. Saturday morning cartoon slot. 10am. FOX Chicago. My brother and I. Every weekend.

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life? Not in terms of looks (I'd kill for those eyebrows), but Brian D'Arcy James. And if Lifetime could make it a musical so "I" could get a sweet new song maybe written by Bobby Lopez or Jeanine Tesori, that would be great. 'K thanks, Lifetime.

Special hidden talent? I'm great at parallel parking. Mad great.

Something you're REALLY bad at? Drawing. Anything. Please, don't make me.

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? Favorite as a whole in terms of nightlife, food, and fun stuff to do? I'd have to say Boystown/Lakeview ... bu don't want to live there.

Current local show you have been recommending to friends?

Most played song on your iPod? Not counting A New Brain or Godspell songs, iTunes says it's "27 Jennifers" by Mike Doughty.

Pop culture guilty pleasure? Listing anything other than RuPaul's Drag Race first would be a complete and utter lie. And I'll be goddamn'd if I don't watch each and every one of The Skivvies' videos at least, um, 12 times. Wish they'd visit Chicago some time :)

Three things you can't live without? Hoodies. My folks. A car wi radio.

Full name? Nicholas Robert Shoda

Where you were born/where you were raised? Urbana, IL

Your position/role within the A NEW BRAIN family? I play The Minister

How would you describe your character? Caring and empathic, in spite of his chaotic surroundings. 

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? Sweet, Smart, Moving, Complex and Beautiful

How would you describe Bill's writing? Quirky and heartfelt

Fill in the blanks: ___Passion___ + ___melody___ = a song.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? Full House!!

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Dug from Up, and Daria

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life? Anyone who sweats too much for their own good. Sweating is a HUGE part of my life story. 

Special hidden talent? Oscar Trivia

Something you're REALLY bad at? Playing video games. 

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? Andersonville

Current local show you have been recommending to friends? It's closed now, but I enjoyed Kokandy's Sweet Smell of Success

Most played song on your iPod? "Love On Top" by Beyonce. I listen to it at least once a day. 

Pop culture guilty pleasure? Braxton Family Values

Three things you can't live without? Friends, family, and my iPhone

"I'll never understand why… I am relentlessly hard on myself."

Come see Nick in William Finn and James Lapine's A NEW BRAIN February 21 - March 9, 2014 at Rivendell Theatre. Ticketing and performance information can be found at The Brown Paper Box Co.'s site.

Full name? Jillian Kate Weingart

Where you were born/where you were raised? Crystal Lake, IL

Your role within the A NEW BRAIN family? Playing RHODA!

How would you describe your character? Gordo's more professional best friend. Can be a bit of a hard ass when it comes to work but "Rhoda always knows!"  

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? Zanny Bright Trippy Inspiring Tawdry (hahaha) 

How would you describe Bill's writing? I would put his music right up there with Sondheim and Jason Robert Brown (Parade especially.) It PHYSICALLY has so many layers of music, that it gives you chills when you listen to it. Listening to "I Feel so Much Spring" on the subway is an experience. Do it. 

Fill in the blanks: ____Love_____ + ___Passion___ = a song.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? Winnie the Pooh!

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Daniel the Tiger

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life? Ginnifer Goodwin

Special hidden talent? I can eat a whole pizza. Largest you got, I'll eat it. 

Something you're REALLY bad at? Using my gym membership.

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? West Loop!

Current local show you have been recommending to friends? Artistic Home's Cut to the Chase one act festival! Runs through January 25th!

Most played song on your iPod? "Perfume" by Brittney Spears

Pop culture guilty pleasure? True crime anything. I have stacks of books on famous murders. Always watching true crime tv. Is that pop culture? 

Three things you can't live without? My planner. A physical one, not the one on my phone. MAC lipstick. Phone calls to my sister in Michigan :)

"I'll never understand why… Speed cameras near parks and schools are active until 11pm. Are kids out playing till 11pm? Does 5 grade get out a bit later these days? Inform yourselves!"

Full name?  Justin Harner

Where you were born/where you were raised?  Effingham, Illinois

Your position/role within the A NEW BRAIN family? assistant musical director and Lily Pad Band founding member (Piano 1)

What does that mean/what do you do? I do everything in my (musical) power to make the people onstage look good.  They don't really need my help.

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN?  Brain surgery can be fun.

How would you describe Bill's writing?  Lyrically, it's like he wrote a very detailed, thousand-page book and then crossed out 99% of the words.  It leaves an AWESOMELY spare and compelling story.  Musically, he's not afraid of breaking away from the standard musical score.  He seamlessly dips into funk, disco, & soul.  My kind of guy.

Fill in the blanks: _____literary references______ + _____poop jokes______ = a song.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid?  I remember getting up early to watch Power Rangers. Who knew that *Bryan Cranston* was voicing some of those villains?!

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Muzzy.  Je l'adore.

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life?  Today I'm feeling Elijah Wood.  Mostly for the resemblance of buggy blue eyes and tiny mouths.  I've got much better facial hair.

Special hidden talent? Speed reading without comprehension

Something you're REALLY bad at? Insincerity.  How do people do that?  It just gets tougher and tougher for me to fake enthusiasm.

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? Uptown

Current local show you have been recommending to friends?  Paper Machete at the Green Mill on Saturdays.  They're blowing up!

Most played song on your iPod?  "Feelin' Alright" by Joe Cocker

Pop culture guilty pleasure? Still Celebrity Apprentice

Three things you can't live without?  Keys, synth, and voices

"I'll never understand why… your jerk-of-a-brain makes you recall all those embarrassing moments when you're just trying to go to sleep."

Full name? Anna Elizabeth Schutz

Where you were born/where you were raised? Born in Evanston, raised in Skokie

Your role within the A NEW BRAIN family? Waitress and Nancy D.

How would you describe your character? Waitress - charming, enthusiastic, scatter-brained. Nancy D. - driven, detail-oriented, composed.

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? The musical episode from Scrubs

How would you describe Bill's writing? Personal and unfiltered

Fill in the blanks: ____cursing_____ + _____7 part harmony_____ = a song.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? Anything on "Snick"

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Princess Anna of Arendelle from Frozen

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life? Zosia Mamet

Special hidden talent? Finding something to worry about, no matter what the situation.

Something you're REALLY bad at? Staying warm

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? Lakeview

Current local show you have been recommending to friends? Cock at Profiles featuring lots of U of I alums!

Most played song on your iPod? "Migratory V" by Audra McDonald

Pop culture guilty pleasure? Shark Tank on ABC

Three things you can't live without? iPhone, Phil, theatre.

"I'll never understand why… sweatpants are not socially acceptable work/daytime attire."