Our production has two casts who will alternate performances. If you enjoy this performance, we welcome you to return to see it again with a different cast!
Note: both casts will perform every night together in the musical number ‘Raincoat of Love’
MUSICIANS
Holly Hubbs (Music Director): Keyboard
AJ Ranaglia: Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute
Sophia Bush: Violin
Peter Lockman: Cello
Alec Charon: Guitars
Louis Reiger: Bass
Gabriel Krolikowski: Drums and Auxiliary Percussion
Opening . .
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Company
Welcome to Our House on Maple Avenue….Helen, Alison, Bruce, Kids
Come to the Fun Home .
. John, Small Alison, Christian Helen, Bruce and Roy .
Changing My Major
Maps .
Raincoat of Love
Ring of Keys .
Days .
Telephone Wire
Edges of the World
Finale
. Bruce, Helen, Roy, Kids
Medium Alison
. Bruce, Alison
Company
. Small Alison
. . Helen
. Alison, Bruce
. Bruce
. Alison, Small Alison, Medium
Fun Home runs approximately 95 minutes without an intermission.
Please turn off all cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices. Texting and photography are prohibited during the performance.
Photo credit: Gianna Daiuto
ENSEMBLE
EVAN CHARTOCK ’25 is a Theater and Media & Communication Studies double-major, with a minor in Legal Studies. Ursinus College Theater acting credits: Into the Breeches! (Stuart), Everybody (Everybody / Kinship / Senses), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Valentine), Small Mouth Sounds (Teacher), Execution of Justice (Joseph Freitas Jr. / Carl Henry Carlson / Cop), And Baby Makes Seven (Peter Leven) Department Crew: Assistant Stage Manager for UCDC's Home is Here/Hear, Deck Crew for Sweat. Breakaway Student Productions: Ghost Light (Eli) and director for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Other credits include: Pirate Players' Bang Bang You're Dead (Josh), South Theater's Moon Over Buffalo (Howard), Theater-2-Go's To Kill A Mockingbird (Charles Baker "Dill" Harris) At Ursinus, Evan is also a Production Technical Assistant and Writing Fellow, plus President of Breakaway Student Productions, President of the Alpha Delta Phi Society - Ursinian Affiliate, Co-President of UC Hillel. Evan is from Lawrence Township, New Jersey.
LANDON CONRAD ’28 is a Mathematics major from Pottstown, PA. In the Breakaway One Act Festival, he played various roles. Other credits: Legally Blonde (Kyle / Dewey / Aaron) at Steel River Playhouse, The Addams Family (Gomez Addams) at Pottsgrove High School, The Lightning Thief Musical (Percy Jackson) at Forge Theatre. Landon is a member of the Ursinus College Singers as well as a member of Michael Ashby’s Voice Studio.
ALEXA DAIUTO ’27 is a double major in Theater and Performing & Visual Arts Design & Technology (PVDT). Alexa appeared in last semester’s Ursinus College Theater production of The Agatha Christie Double Bill (Brenda Jackson). She played Jojo (Seussical) at Steel River Playhouse. Alexa is from Chester Springs, PA
GIANNA DAIUTO ’26 is a Theater and Music double-major. Ursinus College Theater credits: Into the Breeches! (Maggie), Captain Darling (Smee), UCDC Fall '24 Concert, Working (Freddy/others), Execution of Justice (various roles). For Breakaway: The Trail to Oregon! (Mother), coming up in May: Clue (Mrs. Peacock). Gianna has played many roles at Steel
River Playhouse; recent favorites include The Wolves (#7), The Addams Family (Ancestor/Dance Captain), Seussical (Mayzie), The SpongeBob Musical (Pearl). Gianna is a Gold Ambassador and gives tours to prospective Ursinus students. She is from Chester Springs, PA, and, yes, the other Small Alison is her sister.
NATE GINET ’27 is a Psychology major and Theater minor from Ocean City, New Jersey. Last semester, Nate appeared in The Patient (UC Theater) and Rocky Horror Picture Show (Breakaway Student Productions). Nate also works in the theater scene shop, plays the saxophone, and is a member of the fraternity Delta Pi Sigma.
LAUREN MacALLISTER ’27 is English and Creative Writing double major and a Theater minor. For Ursinus College Theater, Lauren has appeared in Into the Breeches! (Grace), Captain Darling (First Twin), and Two Gentlemen of Verona (Outlaw). For Breakaway Student Productions, she was in the Ensemble of Rocky Horror Picture Show. Lauren has worked with St. Elizabeth Cedar Street Players in Anastasia (Countess Lily) and The Play That Goes Wrong (Sandra / Florence). She is a twotime winner of the Delaware Young Playwrights Festival (2020 and 2023). Lauren spends her time reading, writing, and going on adventures with friends. She is from Pennsville, New Jersey
OLIVIA NERI ‘28 is from Westampton, NJ with a prospective Creative Writing and Biopsychology double major and a Spanish minor. They were previously a part of Ursinus College Theater's Agatha Christie Double Bill as a beach attendant in Afternoon by the Seaside. Besides theater, Olivia is a Certified Peer Educator working with Ucrew; a member of Ursinus College's acapella group, "B'nats;" an America Reads Tutor at CCATE; and a part of UC's choir, "Voices of Ursinus." This is Olivia's first musical.
LIVIA MARIE NOCITO ’25 is an English and Classics double-major, an Education minor, with a track in Pre-Vet Studies. She has appeared at Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Little Women (Jo March); at ASH Theater as Cabaret Retainer Performer and in Frozen Jr. (Elsa). Livia is
New Member Educator for Tau Sigma Gamma Sorority, Student Engagement Officer for Ursinus Fund and Alumni Engagement, Writing Fellow, Senior Class Gift Committee. She does circus in her free time, lives with her cat, Fidget Cube, and guinea pig, Toast, and is a rock climbing and archery instructor. She is from Ambler, PA.
MEL PETRO ’27 is a Theater and PVDT double-major from Gilbertsville, PA. Ursinus College Theater credits: Agatha Christie Double Bill (Inspector Cray-Foley), Captain Darling (Cecco). She also appeared in The Pragmatists (Francis Von Telek) for student director Annie Zulick and in The Girl In The Mirror (Susan Connors) for Breakaway. For Facetime Theater, she appeared in Legally Blonde (Enid Hoopes) and Once Upon A Mattress (The Minstrel).
GABRIELLA PRICE ‘25 is a Dance major with a minor in Management Studies from Scranton, PA. Gabriella has performed in both Theater and Dance productions here at Ursinus. These performances include UC Theater’s Working (Grace Clements), along with dancing in the Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Fall 2024 Ursinus College Dance Company (UCDC) concerts. She also choreographed a student piece titled “Defeat” in the Spring 2024 UCDC concert. This semester she will also perform and student choreograph in “When I Think of Home...”, directed and produced by Dr. Karen Clemente. On campus, Gabriella is a Peer Advocate, Gold Ambassador, and a member of the Escape Velocity Dance Troupe. She has also been an Ursinus Cheerleader throughout her four years at UC, two of which she was Captain. As a senior she is very excited to perform with the Theater department one last time on the Lenfest stage.
ANDREW REYES ’28 is a double-major in Business and Musical Theater from Collegeville, PA. He appeared in Ursinus College Theater in Afternoon at the Seaside (Bob Wheeler). He was in Steel River Playhouse’s You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Linus), Forge Theatre’s Alice By Heart (Dodgy/Duchess), and Facetime Theater’s Rock of Ages (Lonny). He is a member of the Voices of Ursinus.
HANNA ROSS ‘28 is so excited to be back on the Ursinus College stage! She recently performed in UC Theater’s Afternoon at the Seaside (Arthur Somers). Hanna is a Physics major, an Abele Scholar, and a member of the Ursinus College Singers.
JORDAN SPADY ‘28 is a Dance and Business major from Philly. She recently performed as a dancer in Home is Here/Hear with Ursinus College Dance Company. Her past musical theater credits include lead roles such as Once on This Island (Asaka), Hairspray (Seaweed J. Stubbs), and Mean Girls (Regina George) at G.A.M.P Theatre Company. Outside of theater, Jordyn is a poet, singer, activist, dancer, and entrepreneur, serving as the founder and choreographer of Fluent Movement Dance, an inclusive dance program focused on community wellness and selfexpression. Jordyn serves as the Freshman Representative for Sankofa Umoja Nia. She also created the BSU Heart Scholarship to support and celebrate the excellence of Black youth.
TOVAH TOLUB ’27 is a Musical Theater and Psychology double major from Easton, PA. Ursinus College Theater credits: Captain Darling (Slightly), Afternoon at the Seaside (Mrs Gunner). For Breakaway Student Productions: Rocky Horror Picture Show (Columbia). For Capachione’s School For Performing Arts: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne), Hairspray (Velma Von Tussle). Tovah teaches voice lessons to a group of very talented middle schoolers.
LAISHA TORRES ’26 is a Music, Theater, and Spanish triple major, and Latin American Studies minor. For UC Theater: Into the Breeches! (Ida), Everybody (Everybody), Victims of Duty (Madeleine), Working (Maggie), Execution of Justice (Joanna Lu/Dr Blinder). For Breakaway: Trail to Oregon (Daughter). Laisha is a member of Voices of Ursinus, Ursinus College singers, Secretary of ALMA, President of Spiritual Life Leaders, and is a Music Theory and Spanish Tutor. She will be studying abroad in the Fall! Laisha is from Philadelphia, PA. She will be studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina during the Fall Semester. She is very excited to study Music and Theater in Argentina and to research its importance in Latin American Culture.
SADIE WALKER ’25 is a Theater and Performing Visual Arts Design & Technology double major from Trumbull, Connecticut. For UC Theater: Two Gentlemen of Verona (Julia), Captain Darling (Wendy). The Patient (Emmeline Ross). For Breakaway Student Productions: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Janet). For TYA: Anastasia (Olga Romanov / Dunya) and Mamma Mia! (Ali). When not on stage, Sadie works in the scene shop on campus. She has been a member of the on-campus a Capella group B- Nats for four years.
ANNIE ZULICK ’25 is a Theater and Media Communication Studies double major with a Film minor. For Ursinus College Theater: Captain Darling (Captain Darling), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Silvia), Working (Frank / Theresa), Execution of Justice (Sister Boom Boom / Inspector Erdelatz / Mourner), Pride and Prejudice (Mrs. Bennet). For Breakaway Student Productions: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Rocky). Annie appeared in Shakespeare in Clark Park’s As You Like It (Oliver / Jaques). Annie is currently directing Clue: On Stage! for Breakaway (performances are May 2nd and 3rd). Annie is from Wyomissing, PA.
MUSICIANS
SOPHIA BUSH ‘26 (Violin) ‘26 is a Theater and Environmental Science double major from Media, PA. At Ursinus, Sophia has appeared in Into the Breeches! (Celeste), Execution of Justice (Rudy Nothenberg / others); 365 Days / Plays (Various Roles); Small Mouth Sounds (Judy); Two Gentlemen of Verona (The Duchess of Milan); The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Shadow Cast: Riff Raff); Captain Darling (Peter Pan); Mircalla (Mlle / others); The Pragmatists (Plasfodor). Sophia interned this summer at Hedgerow Theatre and was acting stage manager for five official shows.
ALEC CHARON (Guitars) is an Adjunct Lecturer in Applied Guitar at Ursinus College. He also serves on faculty at the nearby Community Music School of Collegeville, where he teaches music theory and guitar lessons. He graduated from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance in 2021 with a B.M. in Jazz Composition. Alec is active in musical theatre throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, playing in recent productions for the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (The Color
Purple), Delaware Theatre Company (Always… Patsy Cline), New Light Theatre Company (Kinky Boots), Temple University (Spring Awakening, Xanadu), University of the Arts (Polyphone Festival), and Upper Darby Performing Arts (Big Fish, Tuck Everlasting, Spongebob). Outside the theater, Alec can be heard playing Irish traditional music on tenor banjo and mandolin in pubs throughout the Delaware Valley.
GABRIEL KROLIKOWSKI ‘28 (Drums and Auxiliary Percussion) is a Psychology and Music major from Collegeville, PA. He works frequently with the Music Depot school, and has his own one-man band called “Big Consequence.”
PETER LOCKMAN (Cello) has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Korea appearing at Carnegie Hall, the White House, and the Wiener and Graz Musikvereins. He earned his Bachelor of Music at DePauw University studying with Eric Edberg and Master of Music at Indiana University studying with Eric Kim. He acted as principal cellist at both universities, was a finalist in the DePauw Concerto Competition for three consecutive years, and soloed with IU’s Philharmonic Orchestra as winner of the Jacobs School of Music Cello Competition. In 2014, Peter formed the Esherick Trio with fellow musicians Keoni Bolding and Seth Trumbore focusing on producing audience-centric experiences emphasizing diversity in programming, audience-performer connection and education
AJ RANAGLIA ‘25 (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute) is a Music Major completing a SIM (self-initiated major) in music performance, business, and technology. AJ, who transferred to Ursinus on the closing of the University of the Arts, is the woodwind player in the pit, playing saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute. AJ performed in pit ensembles for two years at Spring-Ford High School, and agreed to join Fun Home because he enjoys providing music for a large production to assist in entertaining others.
LOUIS REIGER (Bass), multi-instrumentalist and founder of The High Street Music Company, has over 30 years of experience in music education and audio production. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Eric Bazilian of The Hooters, members of The Roots, Dar Williams, and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Louis holds degrees from Albright College and Immaculata University and has served in various educational roles, including as an adjunct professor at
The Hill School and MCCC. Additionally, he has produced for Rabbit Publishing, hosted Speakeasy on WBZH, and worked as a talent scout for Sony Music. With an extensive background in the industry, Louis humbly mentions that he’s been involved in more musicals than he can count and is eagerly anticipating his first production at Ursinus.
PRODUCTION STAFF
ANNA CISLER ‘27 (Assistant Stage Manager) is from Boston, Massachusetts with majors in both English and Theater. Previously, she has acted in UC Theater’s production of Captain Darling (Tootles) and served as production dramaturg for the Agatha Christie Double Bill. A member of Breakaway Student Productions, she was a director in the 2023 one act festival and was recently Dr. Richards in their latest show, Girl in the Mirror.
DR. KAREN CLEMENTE (Choreographer) is a Professor of Dance and the Dance Program Director at Ursinus College. She previously founded and then directed the Eastern University Dance Program for twenty-two years. Additionally, she is on the teaching staff at the Feet First Dance Center in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where she was the codirector for over thirty years. Dr. Clemente has worked with the Pennsylvania State Department of Education in the development of dance curriculum guidelines and academic standards for arts education. She currently serves as the Board Secretary and Social Justice Committee Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Dance Education Organization. Her research interests include: kinesthetic learning across the curriculum; dance improvisation and autobiography; authentic jazz dance; dance and spirituality; and most recently, 1920’s-40’s era jazz and tap dance artists. She has both a Master’s and a Doctoral degree in Dance Education from Temple University. She was the 2009 Outstanding Dance Educator in Higher Education awarded by the National Dance Education Organization and a 2010 recipient of the Creative Hands and Voices Award by the Neighborhood Interfaith Movement in Philadelphia.
OLIVIA CROSS ‘24 (Dramaturg) During her time at Ursinus, Olivia studied history and theater and contributed her costuming and dramaturgical skills to multiple departmental shows and Breakaway Student Productions. Her academic journey culminated in an interdisciplinary honors project focusing on feminist practice within
theater; Fun Home’s use of the stage as a playspace for a queer woman to openly process her life experiences was an integral part of her thesis. She would like to thank Professor Domenick Scudera for trusting her to communicate the world of the play to those in the production and the audience. Olivia has deeply appreciated working with the cast and crew of Fun Home and cannot wait for audiences to experience this impactful story.
LILY FOSSNER (Lighting Designer) Lily's work has included collaborations at/with theatres throughout the Philadelphia area and beyond. She is the resident lighting designer at Hedgerow Theatre. Recently: Nora: A Doll's House at Hedgerow, Into the Breeches! here at Ursinus, John Proctor is the Villain at Bryn Mawr. Training: MFA, NYU/Tisch. Member, United Scenic Artists Local 829. www.lilyfossner.com. Love to my wife Kate and daughter Charlotte.
ANE HAYES ‘28 (Assistant Stage Manager) is a PVDT and History double major, with Media & Communications and Spanish minors. She has served as an Assistant Stage Manager on UC Theater’s Agatha Christie Double Bill and Beacon Drama Art Theater’s Rent and Alice by Heart, and as Stage Manager for Beacon’s Midsummer. Ane is an Open Stage Project Act 2 alum who has also had an internship on Broadway working on Aladdin and The Lion King. Ane is from New York City.
DR. HOLLY HUBBS (Music Director) is the William Heefner Professor of Music at Ursinus College, where she teaches courses in music history and coaches chamber music. As a saxophonist, Hubbs has performed in venues in the United States and Europe. Also an active scholar, Hubbs recently contributed a chapter to the edited volume The Legacy of Elise Hall (Leuven University Press, 2024). Hubbs is currently engaged in two book projects with her Belgian research collaborator, Dr. Kurt Bertels, both which focus on illuminating the accomplishments of historicallysignificant Black women saxophonists. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Hubbs holds wind conducting degrees from Quincy University and Western Illinois University, and received her Doctor of Arts degree in saxophone performance from Ball State University, where she also served as the studio piano accompanist. In 2015, Hubbs was the recipient of Ursinus’ Laughlin Award for Distinguished Teaching, in 2018 she received the Laughlin Award for Outstanding Professional
Achievement, and in 2019 she received Ursinus’ Award for Outstanding First-Year Advising.
MEGHAN JONES (Scenic Designer / Production Manager / Technical Director) is the Technical Director and Production Manager for Ursinus’s Theater and Dance Department. She is a professional scenic designer, her designs can be seen throughout the Philadelphia area with Bristol Riverside Theatre, Inis Nua Theatre Co., PAC, Act II Playhouse, Delaware Theater Co., and Lantern Theater Co. Meghan also designs for DeSales University, and Arcadia University. She teaches stagecraft and production practicum courses for Ursinus. Meghan holds an M.F.A. in set design from Temple University. Much appreciation to Ursinus’s staff and faculty, cast, and crew for all their support.
MICHAEL KILEY (Sound Designer) is a Philadelphia based composer, sound designer, performer and educator working in dance, theatre and public installation. Theatrical work includes collaborations with The Wilma Theater, Playwrights Horizons, The Arden Theatre, The Play Company, Emursive, Swim Pony Arts, and Pig Iron Theatre. He is a five time nominee and two time recipient of The Barrymore Award for Excellence in Theatre, and a Helen Hayes Award nominee for sound design and original music. Michael’s work has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, The Independence Foundation, The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, The American Composers Forum, FringeArts, Mural Arts, The Wyncote Foundation, and The Hambidge Center. His first book about his voice practice, Personal Resonance, is now available at www.michaelkiley.com/personal-resonance.
STEVEN MAURER (Performing Arts Engineer) graduated from the University of New in 2015, earning a BA in Design for Performance.
DOMENICK SCUDERA (Producer / Director) is Professor of Theater at Ursinus College where he has been teaching acting, directing, and theater history since 1997. As a director, he has directed almost 50 plays at the college, including last semester’s Into the Breeches!. Professionally, he has directed at theaters such as the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater (where he was Resident Director), Delaware Theater Company, the Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, Historic Philadelphia Inc., and at Cedar Crest College. As a playwright, Domenick has written fulllengths and one-acts that have been produced from Alberta to Tampa. His latest original full-length play, The Half of It, inspired by the life of
Vaudeville drag pioneer Bert Savoy, received its world premiere at Phillips’ Mill in New Hope, PA this past summer. His stage adaptation of Gilgamesh is currently available from Gitelman & Good Publishers. His short play, In the Same Boat, will be published this spring by Smith & Kraus Publishers in the anthology We/Ourselves: Plays Celebrating Gender Diversity.
CAITLIN SHANAHAN
‘26 (Stage Manager) is a double major in Performing & Visual Arts Design & Technology and Media & Communication Studies. Previously, Caitlin stage managed Ursinus College's Agatha Christie Double Bill, Captain Darling, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. She has also worked at InterAct Theatre Company as a run crew member on their production of American Fast. Caitlin was also assistant sound designer for InterAct's production of The Climb, as well as Hedgerow Theatre's Beginners. Caitlin is from Haddonfield, New Jersey.
BRIAN
STRACHAN (Costume Designer) has designed costumes for many shows at Ursinus including Into the Breeches!, Everybody, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Working, Sweat, Complete History of Ursinus College [Abridged], Clybourne Park, Hair, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, By the Way, Meet Vera Stark and The Picture of Dorian Gray. He teaches make-up design at Rowan University and Ursinus College. Brian has designed for numerous theater and dance companies and colleges in the Philadelphia area including the University of the Arts, Rowan, Theater Exile, Lantern Theater, Delaware Theater Company, and the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater.
NOTE from the DIRECTOR
DOMENICK
SCUDERA, M.F.A., Professor of Theater
Welcome to the Fun Home! Thank you for joining us!
Alison Bechdel’s autobiographical graphic memoir, Fun Home, is familiar to most of the Ursinus community as a text in our first-year seminar course, the Common Intellectual Experience (CIE). It has been on the syllabus for many years, and all students and most faculty have therefore engaged with it. We are excited to share this live, musical version of Fun Home with you, so that we may all experience the memoir in a fresh way. Whether you are familiar with the original source material or not, we are confident that you will enjoy this innovative stage version of Bechdel’s life story.
Bringing this story to you feels particularly vital this year. Our nation’s current political climate is making it more difficult for LGBTQ+ lives to be shared and celebrated. Bechdel’s story is an examination of what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, including all the joys, pains, struggles, and triumphs that we face in our lives. Yet, her story is so much more than that. Any audience member should find elements of the story that will resonate with them. The play deals with family dynamics, generational differences, growing up, identity, sexual awakening, personal tragedy, and more. It is no wonder that the text has been on our CIE syllabus for so long. It allows all of us to explore the 4 questions of Ursinus’ core Quest curriculum: What should matter to me? How should we live together? How can we understand the world? What will I do? The musical version gives us new insight into the text, and new ways to answer those questions.
The company has had a fantastic time rehearsing this show. We have laughed often, and cried, too. Our hope is that you will be as moved by this story as we have been.
NOTE from DRAMATURG OLIVIA CROSS ‘24
Fun Home has never been an easy story. To write and present a story that “[sifts] through haunting memories and clues” of one’s childhood trauma, laying bare the darkest parts of their family life and secrets is a deeply vulnerable process that asks those writing, acting, and engaging with the narrative to bear witness with a level emotional rawness not often seen in traditional publishing and musical theatre (Alvarez). Thus, with such a complex creative process and heavy themes, one may presume that Fun Home is a pessimistic story. It is not.
Rather, Fun Home is about the often painful, yet freeing process of growth through recollection. Through its expert paneling and selfnarration within the graphic novel or its imaginative staging with a flexible sense of time in the musical, it allows Alison Bechdel both as an author and a character to look upon her past particularly her relationship with her father, Bruce with a fresh yet word-wizened gaze. Through replaying her memories, the story asks her to consider the damage alongside the beauty through the complex and personal lens of memory. Fun Home never looks away, and through that unflinching stance, it asks Bechdel not to draw perfect, clean conclusions about her childhood and her father but rather take them as they are and “fly away” from the hurt they caused her into a new chapter of her life (Kron and Tesori 77). Fun Home wants Bechdel to bloom when considering her history, not in spite of it.
Within this central theme, I was eager to explore in my dramaturgical work the concepts of memory, pain, identity, and acceptance. Through this process, I discovered small dialogue cues that spoke to Helen’s love and talent for acting, the historical realities that contextualized the stifling social atmosphere of Beech Creek, and musical motifs that paralleled Bruce and Alison’s stories. My understanding of each character and their perspectives grew through discovering their intricacies, and this level of thematic and characteristic nuance is remarkably and expertly reflected in the performances of the talented actors in this production. Through witnessing their portrayals of their characters, they embody the bittersweet, raw nostalgia at Fun Home’s core, with all the sorrow, love, and fear each memory holds. Furthermore, the actors, through their performances, worked to be both an individual character and a recollection of Bechdel’s own making, creating a dichotomy of truth and memory that blends to a “perfect
balance” for her to finally accept the realities and unknowns of her past (Kron and Tesori 77).
It is this balance that Fun Home finds its staying power. Many times in our lives, we will experience events and relationships that are confusing, unjust, and hurtful, which fundamentally alter us as people. And yet, during those same times, we can experience the most beautiful moments of our lifetimes. It is a messy, complicated existence we tread, and often, it feels simpler to flee our histories entirely for brighter days. Fun Home shows us that we will never truly understand and flourish as our present selves without acknowledging our intricate past.
Thus, I hope this show reminds you that while looking back is not easy or entirely joyful, we are always better for it when we choose to do so. When we understand our unique, perfect balance, we can learn to fly to better places.
Works Cited
Alvarez, John. “Alison Bechdel.” Pennsylvania Center for The Book, The Pennsylvania State University, 2018, pabook.libraries.psu.edu/literary-culturalheritage-map-pa/bios/bechdel__alison. Accessed 18 January 2025.
Kron, Lisa, and Jeanine Tesori. Fun Home: A New Broadway Musical. Samuel French, 2014.
THOUGHTS from the COMPANY about working on FUNHOME
Evan Chartock: “Although I could write an entire academic paper about the significance and importance of Fun Home, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire cast and crew for their unwavering companionship and support during the production process and throughout my tenure at Ursinus. Each and every one of them has helped me to fly ‘into something so sublime,’ and the memories made both on and off the stage will last a lifetime as I ‘ride, ride, ride away.’”
Anna Cisler: “As a first-time Assistant Stage Manager, it’s been so fun and informative to be a part of a musical like Fun Home and to be able to share these experiences and themes with the Ursinus community.”
Landon Conrad: “Besides the fact that Fun Home is my first production with Ursinus Theater, the show holds a lot of themes that resonate with my personal experiences. The show is the perfect blend of heartwarming storytelling, tragedy, and masterful music, and it is an incredible honor to portray the character of Bruce Bechdel!”
Alexa Daiuto: “This is a story that needs to be told, especially now, and I am very grateful for the wonderful cast and crew, as well as Domenick, for handling this beautiful story with such care. I also want to thank my sister, Gianna, who I get to share this wonderful role with!”
Gianna Daiuto: “Alison Bechdel and I lead very different lives and grew up to be very different people, but I deeply understand Small Alison's confusion about her self-expression, and the profound euphoria of realizing that it's okay for girls to wear "boy clothes" and of discovering my sexuality. I think stories like Fun Home are especially important in a time when the futures of marginalized identities like the LGBTQ+ community become more and more threatened with every new law that's passed. Now more than ever, we need to support kids like Small Alison and make sure they know that they're loved, understood, and celebrated for who they are.”
Nate Ginet: “Fun Home to me has been an exploration of what it means to be queer. Showing both the positivity and negativity that can come from being different.”
Ane Hayes: “Fun Home is an inspiringly vulnerable show about family and how it often isn't perfect despite how we might want it to seem. It does one of my favorite things by combining hard topics with fun songs and lighthearted moments.”
Lauren MacAllister: “It means a lot to be a part of this production because through the entire process, I got to be around my best friends. Getting to tell this powerful story surrounded by the people who make me feel like I belong was such a beautiful experience.”
Olivia Neri: Especially since this is my first musical, I feel a special resonance with this show as it relates to both their identity as a queer person, and the consideration and growth I am receiving from this experience. I am excited to see the people I love engage with this play and hopefully feel similarly to how I do about Fun Home and the significance of its existence as a musical.”
Livia Marie Nocito: “I have had an obsession with Fun Home since 2019 and the show has held a special place in my heart ever since (even driving me to do an independent research project on the book and musical). I’m so grateful to spend my last semester at Ursinus playing a dream role and studying the show that has made such a large impact on my life.”
Mel Petro: “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community it has been such an honor to get to portray a part of this incredible story. I think Fun Home portrays the parts of queerness and complex family dynamics that we don’t see often on stage, and I cherish the opportunity to be a part of it.”
Gabriella Price: “The cast, crew, directors, choreographers, designers, and musicians of “Fun Home” are outstanding and the musicals message is so important. This story will entertain while simultaneously leaving the audience to think about family, identity, memory, and more. Being a part of this production has been a great way to spend my last semester, and I cannot wait for you all to Come To The Fun Home.”
Andrew Reyes: “I think Fun Home is such an interesting and compelling adaptation of Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir. It brings its story from the page to the stage in a way I never would have thought of, which allows it to tell this story about coming of age and discovery of the past in an impactful way for all audience members.”
Hanna Ross: “Fun Home resonates with me deeply because of its themes of self-discovery, family, and identity. Its honest storytelling and
emotional depth make it a profoundly moving and relatable experience. I would like to thank Domenick and the entire cast and crew for all of their hard work!”
Caitlin Shanahan: “It's a great opportunity to work on a show that has such an impactful story and is told in such a beautiful way.”
Jordyn Spady: “Being part of Fun Home is a deeply meaningful experience, as the show’s themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance resonate on many levels. The production’s raw honesty and emotional depth make it a powerful story to share, and I am grateful to help bring it to life on stage.”
Tovah Tolub: “A production of Fun Home in today’s world is, in itself, an act of resistance. The LGBTQ+ community has always and will always exist, and to be a part of this project brings me immeasurable peace and pride.”
Laisha Torres: “I have learned so much in this role and show. It is so important to share your story and to learn about yourself in the process as Alison is doing. As so many stories are being silenced in this current climate, I am honored to be a part of a project that is continuing to share them and amplify their voices in the arts.”
Sadie Walker: “I love this play so much! I feel like it is the exact kind of work that I feel like needs to be told in our current political climate.”
Annie Zulick: “I'm loving how enthusiastic my director and fellow cast members have been regarding this production. Everyone has been working so hard on making this heartfelt story come to life. I'm happily sad that this will be my final main stage production at Ursinus College.”
SPRING Ursinus College Dance Company Concert
WhenIThinkofHome...
Produced by Dr. Karen Clemente
Choreographed works by dance faculty and guests, Karen Clemente, Michael J. Love, Nai-Whedai Sheriff, and Joshua Polk Student choreographers Izabella Entrekin and Gabriella Price Lenfest Stage, Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center
April 24-26, 7:30 p.m.
In this heart-warming spring dance concert that mixes nostalgia with future paths, the Ursinus College Dance Company poses questions about the nature of home. When I Think of Home... promises to be an exciting mix of works by faculty, guest, and student choreographers as they consider themes that define home as a place of memory, love, challenge, affirmation, and power.
UPCOMING from the URSINUS COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Ursinus College Wind Ensemble APRIL 11, 2025 | 7:30 P.M., BOMBERGER AUDITORIUM
URSINUS COLLEGE STRING ENSEMBLE APRIL 13, 2025 | 4 P.M., BOMBERGER AUDITORIUM
Music @ Noon Solo and Chamber Music Concert
APRIL 23, 2025 | NOON, BOMBERGER AUDITORIUM
Choral Concert
APRIL 26, 2025 | 4 P.M., BOMBERGER AUDITORIUM
UC Jazz Ensemble Concert and debut of the UC Tonight Modern Band
APRIL 30, 2025 | 7:30 P.M., LENFEST THEATER
The Ursinus College Music Department invites you to an exciting concert featuring the Ursinus College Jazz Ensemble and the debut performance of the UC Tonight Modern Band.
Voice Studio Recital
MAY 4, 2025 | 4 P.M., BOMBERGER AUDITORIUM
PRIDE WEEK
Our production of Fun Home is proud to kick off this year’s Pride Week. Check out the Pride schedule below and celebrate Pride with us this year!
(Note: schedule subject to change. Check the website for Ursinus’ Institute for Inclusion & Equity for up-to-date details on events and locations)
Fun Home: April 3 – 6
Pride Shabbat Dinner: April 4, 5:30 PM
Q&A w/ Black Feminist Queer Disability Justice Scholar
Moya Baileg, April 8, 3:00 PM
Cookie Decorating: April 8, 6:30 PM
Pride Week Drag Show: April 9, 8:00 PM
Community Conversation about LGBTQ+ Experiences, April 10, 4:00 PM
Night of Noise Concert: April 11, 7:00 PM
Gayla: April 11, 9:00 PM
Queer Disability Justice and Black Futures Workshop with Riz Carthins: April 15, 6:30 PM
Why Ursinus College Theater & Dance?
An Ursinus education is founded on leadership, innovation, and discernment.
Our rigorous liberal arts degree in Theater or Dance prepares students to live the questions that give their journeys meaning, giving them a competitive edge in their pursuit of professional work and graduate education in both the arts and other fields.
Not only do our students enjoy successful careers and earn graduate degrees in Theater and Dance, but they also use the self-knowledge and skills they have honed to pivot and thrive in other fields like Communications, Education, Politics, Library and Information Technology, Business Management, and Public Relations, among others.
A sampling of the graduate schools to which our alumni have been admitted include New York University, Cornell University, Brown University, Emerson College, the New School, and Monmouth University, to name just a few.
Our students have been accepted into professional training programs such as Atlantic Acting School, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.
Come and chat with us about what you can do with a degree in Theater or Dance. For more information, please email Theater and Dance Coordinator Nicolette Adams (nadams@ursinus.edu).
