Theatre UAB
presents “Fun Home,” a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing one’s parents through grown-up eyes, from Oct. 11-15.
Theatre UAB is the performance company of the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Theatre at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir, the musical “Fun Home” is written by Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron. Both the graphic memoir and the musical tell the true story of Bechdel, a cartoonist, as she grapples with her relationship with her father, a closeted homosexual, who committed suicide only months after Alison herself came out. In remembering moments from her past as a child and college student, Alison questions whether she is like her father and whether she is guilty of causing her father’s death.
“Fun Home” contains strong language and adult themes. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11-14, and 2 p.m. Oct. 15, in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Sirote Theatre. Tickets are $15 and $20; $10 for students, UAB employees and senior citizens. Purchase tickets at AlysStephens.org or call the Alys Stephens Center Box Office at 205-975-2787.
Directed by Head of Musical Theatre Valerie Accetta with student co-director George Barreto of Isabela, Puerto Rico, with student assistant director Kiersten David of Chelsea, Alabama. Musical direction is by Carolyn Violi, with student assistant musical director Cara Parisi of Kansas City, Missouri.
It is a privilege to direct a piece by women writers that tells such a powerful and meaningful story, Accetta says.
“The musical is non-linear with three different women playing Alison throughout her life, and the score is just beautiful,” Accetta said. “This story feels doubly important right now, when the LGBTQIA+ community is fighting for their rights, and we were amazed to realize our production will open on National Coming Out Day — which is a happy coincidence.
“While Alison’s story is unique, the ideas of questioning the past and being true to oneself are universal,” she said. “I look forward to sharing this beautiful story with UAB and our wider community.”
Stage management is by Juliette Sosa Valle of Granger, Iowa, with Victoria Chaves of Florence, Alabama, and Emma Gibson of Biloxi, Mississippi, assistant stage managers.
The cast is Sammy Sledd of Huntsville, Alabama, as Alison; Abigail Coats of Florence, Alabama, as Medium Alison; Charity Bielicki of Huntington Beach, California, as Small Alison; Ford Beshirs of Huntsville, Alabama, as Bruce Bechdel; Rose McClanahan of Lexington, Kentucky, as Helen Bechdel; Hannah Moss of Pasadena, California, as John Bechdel; Darion Dewhirst of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Christian Bechdel; Lily Cameron of Birmingham, Alabama, as Joan; and Travis Settoon of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, as Roy/Mark/Pete. Understudies are Peyton Siegel of San Antonio, Texas; KK Murphy of Columbus, Ohio; Kaleigh Jones of Lakeland, Florida; and Sawyer Luke of Birmingham, Alabama.