Circle Theatre continues 66th Main Stage season with “Fun Home”
The production, running July 12–28, is the Michigan Community Theatre Premiere of the 2015 Tony award winner for Best Musical.
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Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids’ go-to destination for exceptional theatrical arts in an intimate setting, will continue the 66th Main Stage season with a production of “Fun Home” starting on Thursday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. inside the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College.
Under the direction of Jolene Frankey with music direction by Scott Patrick Bell, “Fun Home” tells the story of Alison Bechdel, a well-known individual in American LGBTQ history and author of the tragicomic graphic novel by the same name. When her father dies unexpectedly, Alison, a lesbian graphic novelist dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.
“‘Fun Home’ is important because it’s real. This story is based on the struggles, desires, loves, and tragedies of life as we know it,” shares cast member Caitlin Cusack who plays Alison’s mother Helen. “The way this story plays with memories and the burning desire to dissect the past to understand how it affects one’s present and future is something that everyone can relate to, however different our personal narratives may be.”
The production team and cast include a number of individuals that identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, which includes natural leader within the cast, Eirann Betka, who portrays Alison as an adult in the show. The Grand Rapids comedian and performer is no stranger to the stage, though this marks Betka’s Circle Theatre debut, and her first time as a lead in a musical.
“This is an important story to tell, because though every coming out story is unique, we all share the process. A queer or trans person doesn’t just come out once. You don’t just announce it and assume the entire world got the message. LGBTQA+ individuals come out for the rest of their lives. Sometimes to a loved one, sometimes a teacher, classroom, or institution. Many times throughout careers, and hobbies. They come out to strangers when they hold hands with their loved ones in public. They come out to doctors and when they donate blood. Sometimes people come out proudly, and sometimes they are forced to come out when they don’t want to. And every time someone is about to come out for the first time or again, there is a moment of panic just before, because you don’t know if someone will respond with understanding or fear,” said Betka. “I believe stories and conversations are the antidote to this. The more stories that are told and heard, the more the fear dissipates on both sides, making way for path of understanding.”
“Fun Home” is a groundbreaking musical on a variety of accounts. It’s the first musical produced on Broadway that featured a lesbian protagonist. It’s also the first time an all-female writing team won a Tony® Award for their work. Book writer and lyricist Lisa Kron has West Michigan roots as an alumna of Kalamazoo College. Composer Jeanine Tesori’s work may be familiar to Grand Rapids theatre-goers, as her credits include “Shrek,” “Caroline or Change,” and “Throughly Modern Millie.” “Fun Home” is also one of the few musicals that showcases three different performances by various actors playing the same character at various stages of life. In addition to Betka’s portrayal of Alison Bechdel, she’s joined by Circle Theatre regular Maddie Jones as Medium Alison (representing Bechdel as a freshman at Oberlin College), and Circle newcomer Evangeline VanderArk as Small Alison (representing Bechdel as a young girl).
Additional cast members include Kobe Brown (Roy and others), Ethan Mathias (John), Katie Tamayo (Joan), Drake Selleck (Christian), and Jason Morrison (Bruce).
“‘Fun Home’ has a universal message of love, acceptance and the dangers of not being true to oneself and the pain it causes not only that person, but the people that love them,” says Jason Morrison, who plays Bruce Bechdel in “Fun Home.”
Circle’s production of the show marks the Michigan community theatre debut for “Fun Home.” A part of Circle’s mission is to not just entertain and enrich audiences, but to educate as well. Due to the content of the show that includes adult language and sensitive topics such as suicide and sexual encounters, the show is rated PG-13 and recommended for more of an adult audience. Circle Theatre’s President of the Board of Directors, Derek Call shares that despite some of the heavy content within the show, it’s also entertaining and heartwarming.
“While it traverses some sensitive terrain — the Pennsylvania household of a troubled man who lived and died a puzzle to a daughter struggling with her own identity — this musical is by no stretch a downer. Instead, it is a joyful reckoning with painful issues we deal with in life.”
Circle Theatre audience members can take advantage of the Lobby Bar on select nights throughout the summer, including the July 13 performance of “Fun Home.” Craft beer and wine are available starting at 7:00 p.m.; beverages can be enjoyed inside the theatre on those evenings.
Audience members attending the July 27 performance of “Fun Home” can stick around after the show for a community conversation discussing “Fun Home” author Alison Bechdel’s contributions to art and society as well as dialogue on the central themes in “Fun Home,” family and LGBTQ issues. This talkback will dive deep into these topics with both a Q&A and panel discussion with leaders in our community. Those who attended an earlier performance may join in on the conversation by arriving at the theatre at 9:30 p.m. that evening; it’s recommended that audience members who chose to return for the talkback bring their ticket stub from the night they attended the show.
Other shows for “Fun Home” will run July 13 & 14, 18–21, 25–28 at 7:30 p.m. and July 22 at 5 p.m. The performance runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the box office at 616–456–6656 or visit Circle’s website.
About Circle Theatre
For 66 years and counting, Circle Theatre has enriched, entertained and educated the community through exceptional theatrical arts in an intimate setting. Located in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College, Circle Theatre presents innovative and entertaining theatre while fostering an enthusiastic and hard working corp of individuals who serve as staff, volunteers and board members. Through the Main Stage season, unique Summer Concert Series and Magic Circle family productions, Circle Theatre engages close to 30,000 people each season. Circle Theatre also values and creates effective collaborations with various community organizations in and around Grand Rapids.
More at www.circletheatre.org
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