'Fun Home,' a musical exploring family dynamics and identity, coming to Theatre 166

The Renaissance Theatre has announced the upcoming production of "Fun Home," a compelling musical that explores the intricacies of family dynamics, identity and the challenges of growing up.

The show will grace the Ren's Theatre 166 stage the next two weekends.

"Fun Home" delves into the complexities of family relationships, taking the audience on a journey through Alison's past and present. Adapted from Alison Bechdel's groundbreaking graphic novel, the musical offers a refreshingly honest and wholly original perspective on the challenges of understanding our parents through grown-up eyes.

When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison delves into her past to unravel the story of the volatile, brilliant man whose secrets defined her family. Moving between past and present, Alison revisits her unique childhood at the Bechdel Funeral Home, exploring her understanding of her own identity and grappling with unanswerable questions about her father's hidden desires.

Under the direction of Jenny Bennett and featuring a talented cast, "Fun Home" promises to captivate audiences with its unique storytelling and powerful performances.

The cast includes Jacob Poiner, Jamie Mayfield, Jess Kadish, Drew Traxler, Lori Turner, Sasha Dresser, Wendy Cave, Milo McDonald, Wyatt Bechstein and Saige Painley.

'Fun Home' to be performed next two weekends

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19, 20, 26 and 27; and 2:30 p.m. Jan. 21 and 28.

Tickets for "Fun Home" can be purchased in person at the Renaissance box office, by phone at 419-522-2726, or online at the Ren's website: www.rentickets.org.

Performance Dates and Times:

• Friday, January 19, 2024, at 7:30 PM

• Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM

• Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 2:30 PM

• Friday, January 26, 2024, at 7:30 PM

• Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 7:30 PM

• Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 2:30 PM

Under the direction of Jenny Bennett and featuring a talented cast, "Fun Home" promises to captivate audiences with its unique storytelling and powerful performances.

Cast:

• Roy/Mark/Pete/Bobby - Jacob Poiner

• Medium Alison - Jamie Mayfield

• Alison - Jess Kadish

• Bruce - Drew Traxler

• Helen - Lori Turner

• Small Alison - Sasha Dresser

• Joan - Wendy Cave

• Christian - Milo McDonald

• John - Wyatt Bechstein

• Understudy Small Alison/Christian/John - Saige Painley

Production Team:

• Director - Jenny Bennett

• Musical Director - Michael Thomas

• Assistant Director - Erica Cruz Hernández

• Costume Design - Linda Turske

• Set Design - Jason Kaufman

• Stage Manager, Props Master, Lighting Design - Nikolas Demers

• Assistant Stage Manager - Emma Yockey

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Theatre 166 presenting musical exploring family dynamics and identity