Fun Home
Music by Jeanine Tesori | Book and Lyrics by Lisa Kron
Based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel
November 1 -25, 2018
Featuring Tony Award Winner Karen Olivo | Wisconsin Premiere
Directed by Jennifer Uphoff Gray
THE STORY
Graphic novelist Alison Bechdel’s father was a volatile and brilliant man whose secrets defined her family and her life. Bruce taught high school English, ran the family’s funeral home business, and was obsessed with restoring their old house. When he dies unexpectedly, Alison digs deeply into her childhood memories to try and understand how his choices may have influenced her own.
This unique, funny and heart-shattering new musical zig-zags across Alison’s past and present as she tries to make sense of her parents’ lives, her own sexuality, and how she maps the terrain of her adult world.
THE CAST
Karen Olivo (Alison), Matt Daniels (Bruce), Clare Arena Haden (Helen), Rachael Zientek (Medium Alison), Chantae Miller (Small Alison), Solana Ramirez-Garcia (Joan), Andy White (Roy, etc.), Tryg Gundersen (Christian), Donovan Lonsdale (John), Walker Stephenson (Christian/John cover)
PRODUCTION TEAM
Scenic Designer: Keith Pitts
Lighting Designer: Jason Fassl
Costume Designer: Scott Rott
Sound Designer: James Uphoff
Props Designer: Pam Miles
Music Director: Mark Wurzelbacher
Associate Director: Jake Penner
Choreographer: Maureen Janson
Stage Manager: Sarah Deming-Henes
Asst. Stage Manager: Ashton LaReau
Technical Director: Kevin Zimmer
Scenic Charge & Props Master: Pamela Miles
Master Electrician, IA Staff & Light Board Op: Brad Toberman
Wardrobe Supervisor: Shannon Heibler
Run Crew: Cam Shimniok
Follow Spot: Bill Bolz, Emily Swanson
ORCHESTRA
Violin/Viola: Marie Pauls
Cello: Jonathan Backus
Reed: Luke Busch
Bass: Ben Ferris
Percussion: Michael Koszewski
Guitar: Joe Harris
Sponsored by: DeWitt Ross & Stevens, National Guardian Life, Nancy Ciezki & Diane Kostecke, New Harvest Foundation, Our Lives Magazine
LEARN MORE
Behind the scenes with the cast of Fun Home
Cast members Clare Arena Haden and Matt Daniels discuss Fun Home on WORT Radio
Graphic novelist Alison Bechdel shares how she created the illustrations for Fun Home.
Behind the music of Fun Home with Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori
REVIEWS
NATIONAL QUICK READS
Drawn From Life - The World of Alison Bechdel - The New Yorker
Lesbian Cartoonist Alison Bechdel Countered Dad's Secrecy By Being Out And Open - NPR