Photo Flash: Take a Step Inside Virginia Rep's FUN HOME

Cadence Theatre Company and Virginia Repertory Theatre are pleased to present their first co-production of the 2017-2018 Cadence Season, Fun Home, book and lyrics by Lisa Kronand music by Jeanine Tesori. Adapted from the graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel, Fun Home is in celebration of Richmond Triangle Players'25th Anniversary Season.

"My dad and I grew up in the same small Pennsylvania town. And he was gay. And I was gay. And he killed himself. And I...became a lesbian cartoonist." -Alison Bechdel from Fun Home

Years after her father's unexpected death, Alison comes to terms with memories of her unique childhood, growing up in the Bechdel Funeral Home. Moving between the past and present, she relives her struggles to connect with her father and her growing awareness of her own sexuality. This ground-breaking musical is funny, honest and uplifting.

Fun Home is directed by Chase Kniffen (Cadence/ Virginia Rep - Violet, Caroline, or Change, Next to Normal; Virginia Rep - Dreamgirls, A Christmas Story, The Color Purple) , with musical direction by Anthony Smith, and choreography by Kikau Alvaro. "We are thrilled to be one of the first regional companies to explore this groundbreaking work", comments Kniffen, on the production.

Becca Ayers (Broadway--Addams Family, South Pacific, Les Miserables, and Avenue Q) will play the title role of Alison. Duke Lafoon (Cadence/Virginia Rep-- Rabbit Hole and Next to Normal; Virginia Rep-A Christmas Story; Off-Broadway -- Clinton, the Musical) will play the role of Bruce, and Andrea Rivette (Cadence/Virginia Rep-Next to Normal; Virginia Rep-A Christmas Story; Broadway--Jekyll and Hyde and Miss Saigon) will play the role of Helen. The talented cast also includes Violet Craghead-Way, Alex Csaky, Derrick Jaques, Cole A. Johnson, Brandon McKinney, Michaela Nicole, and Elizabeth Wyld. Fun Home's design team includes Rich Mason (Scenic Design), Joe Doran (Lighting Design), and Sarah Grady (Costume Design). Stephen Rudlin provides vocal supervision.

Fun Home is made possible through the generosity and support of Cadence Theatre Company's Season Sponsor, Salomon & Ludwin and The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. Show sponsors include The Richmond Group USA, Laura A. Heymann and Mark A. Badger, Frona and Alan Colker and Joe and Sarah Hoyle. Other major supporters include The Virginia Commission for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, and Community Idea Stations.

For single ticket information and for show times, contact www.virginiarep.org or call 282-2620.

Photo Credit: Jason Collins

Violet Craghead-Way and Duke Lafoon

Cole Johnson, Andrea Rivette, Brandon McKinney, Duke Lafoon, Violet Craghead-Way

Becca Ayres

Andrea Rivette and Elizabeth Wyld

Becca Ayres