Fun Home
Music by Jeanine Tesori- Book and Lyrics by Lisa Kron
- Based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel
- Directed by Miller Susen
- Musical Direction by Kristin Baltes
- March 9–25 Extended to March 31!!
- Gibson Theater
“Heart-gripping and cathartic, FUN HOME occupies the place where we all grew up.” – New York Times
FUN HOME traces the coming-of-age of young Alison from her childhood, through her college years, and finally to the present day, where Alison, now grown, struggles to make sense of her father’s recent death.
As Alison reflects on her past, she explores her complicated relationship with her father, Bruce, a closeted gay man and the owner of the family business—the Bechdel Funeral Home (a.k.a the “fun” home). As she recalls her father’s hidden desires, Alison recognizes her own experience of discovering, and ultimately embracing, her identity.
The winner of five 2015 Tony Awards including Best Musical, FUN HOME is a groundbreaking musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.
Understudy Performances
- Sophia will perform as Small Alison on Saturday, 3/10 and Thursday, 3/22
- Justin will perform as Christian on Sunday, 3/18 and Saturday, 3/24
- Justin will perform as John on Thursday, 3/15 and Wednesday, 3/21
Every family has secrets. This family’s secrets make beautiful art.
PRODUCTION TEAM
- Chris Kelly Producer
- Khymi Russell Apprentice Producer
- Cordell Smith Apprentice Producer
- Miller Murray Susan Director
- Mila Cesaretti Apprentice Director
- Camden Luck Apprentice Director
- Kristin Baltes Music Director
- Greyson Taylor Apprentice Music Director
- Steven Taylor Parent of Grayson
- Heather Powell Choreographer
- Gabby Lossia Production Stage Manager
- Georgia Castleman Assistant Stage Manager
- Claire Netemeyer Assistant Stage Manager
- Elliot Rossman Apprentice Stage Manager
- Dan Feigert Set Designer
- Elke Payne Apprentice Set Designer
- Jadyn Kowahl Apprentice Set Designer
- Deborah Arenstein Set Dresser
- Kristen Martel Set Dresser
- Mattie Wiseman Apprentice Set Dresser
- Steven Johnson Lighting Designer
- Ethan Miller Apprentice Lighting Designer
- Eliot Baker Apprentice Lighting Designer
- Aspen Miller Sound Designer
- Emily Lamb Apprentice Sound Designer
- Zoe Smith Apprentice Sound Designer
- Christina Ball Costume Designer
- Alysa Duncan Apprentice Costume Designer
- Maya Kelly Apprentice Costume Designer
- Ell Duval Apprentice Costume Designer
- Sarah Cain Properties Designer
- Katherine Mata Apprentice Properties
- Kai Landers Apprentice Properties
- Daphne Latham Hair and Make-up Designer
- Isabel Eldridge Apprentice Hair and Makeup
- Kyla Schott Apprentice Hair and Makeup
- Michael Swanberg Dramaturge
- Flora Micale Apprentice Dramaturge
- Olive Gallmeyer Apprentice Dramaturge
BAND
- Kristin Baltes Piano
- Thomas Castleman Drums
- Josh Tucker Bass/Electric Guitar
- Augie Fairchild Cello
- David Raposo Cello (Sub)
- Annie Kim Violin
CAST
- Julie Stavitski ALISON
- Maire Lee MEDIUM ALISON
- Violet Craghead-Way SMALL ALISON
- Sophia Levine SMALL ALISON (Understudy, Sophia will perform as Small Alison on Saturday, 3/10 and Thursday, 3/22)
- Jeff Dreyfus BRUCE BECHDEL
- Melissa Charles HELEN BECHDEL
- Murray Susen CHRISTIAN BECHDEL
- Ginger Craghead-Way JOHN BECHDEL
- Justin Parker JOHN/CHRISTIAN (Understudy, Justin will perform as Christian on Sunday, 3/18 and Saturday, 3/24; and will perform as John on Thursday, 3/15 and Wednesday, 3/21)
- Stan Marshall ROY/MARK/PETE/BOBBY/JEREMY
- Laura May Brunk JOAN
THE DETAILS
FUN HOME tells the story of the Bechdel family of rural western Pennsylvania, based on the award-winning graphic memoir by cartoonist Alison Bechdel. It’s both a coming-of-age and a coming-out story told through love, laughter, secrets, hope, and song. FUN HOME is a Tony Award-winning* Broadway Musical making its Charlottesville debut at Live Arts.
*Nominated for 10 Tonys in 2015, FUN HOME won 5 including, Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score.
THE PLAY AND ITS HISTORY
Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir Fun Home is an investigation of the humor, wonder, discovery, and painful growth of a family. FUN HOME the musical is humorous and passionate, cerebral and visceral, powerful and important.
“FUN HOME is the first Broadway musical told from the perspective of an openly lesbian protagonist,” says director Miller Murray Susen. “And as such it’s a landmark, deeply meaningful work of theater. FUN HOME tells a story that all audiences will find affecting and relatable. The humorous and painful confusion of childhood memories; the ache and delight of first love; the profound questioning of middle age–FUN HOME expresses these moments in gorgeous, indelible fashion.”
The musical follows Alison the character, narrated by Alison the character, as she discovers and honors her sexuality, which pushes her relationship with her father into crisis. FUN HOME invites the audience into Alison’s attempt to unlock the mysteries surrounding her father’s life.
FUN HOME actually features three Alisons – one a 43-year-old-adult, one a 19-year-old college student, and one an 11-year-old child growing up with her siblings in what to outsiders might seem a typical nuclear family. Much like the graphic novel, the musical tells its story through non-linear vignettes connected by narration provided by “present day” Alison.
