By Lauren Sieh
Staff reporter
The musical “Fun Home” will be presented by the Theatre Department from Jan. 22 – 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. The musical is directed by Joshua Robinson, assistant professor of musical theatre, who is also staring in the show as Bruce Bechdel.
“Fun Home” tells the real-life story of graphic novelist Alison Bechdel. It focuses on her temperamental father and the secrets that he kept from his children. All while figuring out and exploring her own sexuality.
Jamieson Campo, musical theatre junior, who plays Alison Bechdel, describes the musical perfectly.
Campo said, “‘Fun Home’ is just a story about Alison’s life and in that her relationship with her father is a huge part of it. She’s always trying to figure out this balance for her life between who she is, who she wants to be and who her parents expect her to be.”
Campo said that they love the story in general and how it’s not every day that you see yourself represented on stage.
Elizabeth Santana, musical performance junior, who plays Joan, agrees with Campo.
Santana said, “I think it’s very important to have people see this kind of show and be like, ‘Oh, that person’s a lot like me.’ It’s very important to have representation that represents a diverse group of people.”
Santana also talked about what she loves about her character Joan.
“The way that we played her, she’s very independent, very head strong. She’s kind of forceful, but in a good way. She’s very caring, but doesn’t show it. She’s very confident, which has been hard to play because I’m not a super confident person,” said Santana.
While the musical has some dark moments, it also has some very fun and comical songs to break the tension.
Savannah Joldersma, marine biology senior, who plays Christian Bechdel, said “ ‘Come The Fun Home’ is a super fun scene. It’s just filled with jokes. It’s just a really campy song.”
Campo said, “There’s the whole song ‘Changing My Major,’ which I think is written hysterically. It’s a beautiful song, but the lyrics are about somebody having sex for the first time. It’s funny and you get to laugh about it.”
When asked what she would want the audience to take for the show, Santana said, “Diversity are within the people around you. Acceptance for other people’s lives. Keeping an open mind other people and their experiences and who they are. I think that’s very important.”
Cast members include:
- Alison Bechdel – Jamieson Campo
- Bruce Bechdel – Joshua Robinson
- Helen Bechdel – Telara Day
- Small Alison – Kathleen Miller
- Medium Alison – Maya Damron
- Christian Bechdel – Savannah Joldersma
- John Bechdel – Mary Tyler
- Joan – Elizabeth Santana
- Roy – Liam Cunningham
