Being part of an ensemble cast can be compared to being assigned to a group in class. Sometimes the groups mesh, other times they don’t. For the cast of “A New Brain,” this assignment seems to have worked out in its favor.

“The people are just fantastic … and that’s what makes a show click,” says Gina Gedler, who plays Mimi.

“A New Brain” is an autobiographical musical comedy that follows Gordon, a songwriter who works on a children’s show hosted by Mr. Bungee, a giant frog. After having a brain aneurysm, Gordon is rushed to the hospital, but he survives. Given a second chance, he begins to tell the story of his life and the people who influenced him along the way.

“I think the fact that it’s based on a true story is kind of appealing,” Gedler says.

Gordon is the main character, but throughout the show the characters he introduces have their chance to shine, as well.

“Everybody has a song, everybody has a moment,” says director Tom Perrine. “It really is a true ensemble show.”

Melissa Kellar, who plays Rhoda, says because there are only 10 people in the cast they rely heavily on each other, and that has made them really come together as a group.

“We all carry the same weight,” Kellar says.

If group cohesion is one aspect of the show that makes it memorable, music is another. Gedler says the music flows well and it does a great job introducing the audience to new characters.

The audience will not only get to know the characters, but the music too.

“You kind of walk out with these songs in the brain,” Perrine says.

One reason this might happen is because Perrine says he has some of the best singers in Des Moines.

He says his feelings on the ability of the cast were reaffirmed one night at rehearsal. A tech person was walking by the rehearsal space and thought they were playing the CD of the Broadway recording, he says, but it was actually the cast practicing.

Kellar says the talent of the singers and the witty lyrics of the play also contribute to its success.

“The lyrics are written very conversationally,” she says. “It’s just very clever.”

Despite all of the successes of this show, it is still relatively unknown to the general public, Perrine says. The play is very well known within the theater community, he says, and those involved with this show hope to make more people aware of it.

Awareness may be a challenge, but Perrine says so is balancing the seriousness of Gordon’s situation with outrageous comedy, like having a giant frog on stage.

The process of overcoming challenges is always rewarding, and Perrine says seeing everything come together is really enjoyable.

“I love watching the actors grow into their parts and sort of reach the same vision I had when I first started,” Perrine says.

What: “A New Brain”

Where: Stoner Theatre, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines

When: April 15-17, 21-24 and 28, May 1. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays

Cost: $21.50, half price student tickets on day of show