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Home , Fun Home, Fun Home (musical), Jeanine Tesori, John Guare, Kristin Chenoweth, Lisa Kron

For Immediate Release July 1, 2019 : The American Stage Marketing Team (727) 823-1600 x 209 [email protected]

American Stage presents the 5-time Tony Award-winning musical FUN , a refreshing, life-affirming story about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

July 17 through August 18, 2019. #asFUNHOME

HIGHLIGHTS FOR : 1. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical This production authored by the female duo, (books and lyrics) and (music) was nominated for twelve , winning five awards including Best Musical marking the first time an all female composing team won. It was also a Pulitzer Prize finalist for Drama and its cast album received a nomination for the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Album. 2. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Book This musical is based on 's best-selling graphic memoir of the same name. 3. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Original Score This powerful work about LGBTQ identity is the first Broadway musical with a protagonist.

For Cast Bios please visit AmericanStage.org/FUNHOME

LINK to press releases: AmericanStage.org/media

LINK to promotional photos: Flickr American Stage *Publicity photo credit: Joey Clay Photography. Archival photo credit: Beth Reynolds. Please contact [email protected] for needs with promotional photos.

St. Petersburg, FL – American Stage concludes its 2018-2019 Season ‘LIFE. OUT LOUD’ with the 5-time Tony Award-winning Musical FUN HOME, with book and lyrics by Lisa Kron (2.5 MINUTE RIDE), music by Jeanine Tesori, and directed by Karla Hartley (THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, , SEVEN HOMELESS MAMMOTHS WANDER NEW ENGLAND and RED – American Stage).

American Stage welcomes FUN HOME to our Mainstage as the first musical performed in the Raymond James Theatre in four years. The intimate nature of this finds its “home” for its run on the Mainstage and features a cast of 9 with a 2-piece band.

“I love when a piece of theatre stops you in your tracks and draws you in surprising and rewarding ways. FUN HOME is that kind of theatre. As one of the biggest Broadway musical hits of the last decade, this groundbreaking musical has mostly been presented in large, sold-out venues since originally captivating critics and audiences five years ago. I am very happy to have the opportunity to share this moving, powerhouse musical with our audiences in American Stage's intimate setting.” – Stephanie Gularte, CEO/Producing Artistic Director

All 9 cast members are making their American Stage debut. Featuring: Adrianne Hick* (INT’L Tour: JEKYLL & HYDE, NAT’L Tour: LES MISERABLES, and Alice in BRIGHT STAR – Surflight Theatre); David Mann* (Emcee in , Tevye in , and Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL – freeFall Theatre); Kristin Carbone* (Broadway: Crazy Marie in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA, Mrs. Banks in MARY POPPINS, and Tzeitel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF; Mollie Posnik (THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES – Majestic Theatre and ARROWHEAD: A NEW MUSICAL – AEA Reading); Skyler Rosenthal (PIRATES OF PENZANCE, – University of Tampa); Xavier Reyes* (1st NTL Tour: , ); Brinley Degwert (Gandry in READY, STEADY, YETI, GO! – Stageworks Theatre); Mercy Roberts (Ti Moune in ON THIS ISLAND JR.); and Tanner Grant (Hans in FROZEN – City Theatre).

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall it is as important as ever to further representation of the LGBTQ communities. Meaningful representation leads to understanding and acceptance. The exceptional thing about FUN HOME is that it allows us a window at all phases of the process.” – Karla Hartley, Director

ABOUT THE PLAY GROW UP. OUT LOUD. Every once in a while a Broadway musical comes along that surprises, moves and excites audiences in ways only a truly landmark piece of theatre can. This groundbreaking and life-affirming new musical was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike and garnering five Tony Awards. Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME introduces us to Alison at three different ages. We follow her as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood in this refreshingly honest and intimate musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

“Heart-gripping and cathartic, FUN HOME occupies the place where we all grew up” – The Times

Winner of 5 Tony Awards Including Best Musical

Age Recommendation: 14+

The following includes information on the cast, production, performance dates, and ticketing information, as as a listing of special events associated with the production.

CAST CREATIVE Adrianne Hick* (Alison) Karla Hartley (Director) David Mann* (Bruce Bechdel) Jeremy D. Silverman (Musical Director) Kristin Carbone* (Helen Bechdel) Charles Murdock Lucas# (Set Designer) Mollie Posnik (Medium Alison) Mike Wood# (Lighting Designer) Skyler Rosenthal (Joan) Dina Perez# (Costume Designer) Xavier Reyes* (Roy/Bobby Jeremy/Mark/Pete) Stephen Kraack (Sound Designer) Mercy Roberts (Small Alison) Jerid Fox (Properties Master) Brinley Degwert (Christian Bechdel) Rachel Harrison* (Production Stage Manager) Tanner Grant (John Bechdel) Heather Krueger (Choreographer)

BAND Melanie Downs (Percussionist) Jeremy D. Silverman (Keys)

* = Member of Actors’ Equity Association; # = Member of the United Scenic Artists Union ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHTS

Lisa Kron (Book, Lyrics) is a writer and performer whose work has been widely produced in New York, regionally, and internationally. Her plays include WELl, 2.5 MINUTE RIDE, and THE VER**ZON PLAY. She wrote the book and lyrics for the musical FUN HOME (with music by composer Jeanine Tesori), winner of five 2015 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Lisa and Jeanine were the first all-woman team to ever receive a Tony for best score. As an actor Lisa was most recently seen as Mrs. Mi-Tzu and Mrs. Yang in GOOD PERSON OF SZECHUAN (Foundry Theater) and received a Lortel Award for “Outstanding Featured Actress”. Honors include a Guggenheim fellowship, a Doris Duke Performing Artists Award, and the Cal Arts/Alpert Award. She is a proud founding member of the OBIE- and Bessie-Award-winning collaborative theater The Five Lesbian Brothers. Lisa currently serves as Secretary of the Dramatists Guild Council and on the boards of the McDowell Colony and the Lilly Awards.

Jeanine Tesori (Music) has written a diverse catalog for Broadway, , film and television. Her Broadway musicals include: FUN HOME (2015 Tony Award Winner, Pulitzer finalist); ; CAROLINE, OR CHANGE; THE MUSICAL; THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE; (LCT); ’s . DELACORTE: MOTHER COURAGE (starring ). She has received five Tony nominations, three Obie Awards and three Drama Desk Awards. The hallmarks of her work have been described as "close-to-the-surface emotion, structural rigor and rhythmic drive". Her include THE LION, THE UNICORN AND ME; BLIZZARD ON MARBLEHEAD NECK (MET/LCT Opera/Theater and Glimmerglass Opera commission); and her upcoming collaboration with , BLUE was commissioned for Glimmerglass Opera company and will premiere there next season. She wrote the musical featured in the 2016 revival of Gilmore Girls and has also written special material for artists such as The Girl in 14G for and has been featured in documentaries Show Business and Theater of War. Jeanine Tesori became the founding Artistic Director of a new concert series at Center called Encores! Off- Center for which she has helmed seasons joined by artists such as , Lin Manuel-Miranda, Randy Newman, , , Renee Elise Goldsberry, and . After producing four seasons of Off-Center concerts, she took one of those concerts, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (starring ) to Broadway where she produced the 2017 revival, with ATG and Riva Marker. She was the recording producer for SUNDAY as well as the Original Cast Recordings of VIOLET; CAROLINE, OR CHANGE; SHREK; TWELFTH NIGHT; etc. A lecturer in music at Yale and on faculty at , Tesori has spoken and taught at universities and programs all over the country. She is the founding Creative Director of the non-profit A BroaderWay, an arts empowerment program for young women. She was given the Einhorn Mentorship Award by Primary Stages for her exceptional work with young artists. Her daughter, Siena Rafter, is a sophomore at Brown University.

BEFORE & AFTER THE SHOW Throughout the run of FUN HOME, ticket holders are invited to arrive early for an exclusive PROLOGUE presented by ASFWD apprentice Season Wong 30 minutes prior to each performance.

TALKS & EVENTS – FULL DETAILS American Stage has also programmed several audience experience opportunities surrounding the production. Visit americanstage.org/CLOSER and click the TALKS & EVENTS tab for a full listing of events.

American Stage is committed to AS FORWARD, shaping the future of live theatre in Tampa Bay – Engaging the next generation of Artists & Audiences. The AS FWD apprentices will conclude their immersive season by showcasing their original work following select FUN HOME performances. See below for details or visit americanstage.org/fwd

JUL 31 – AUG 16 (following select FUN HOME performances) Apprentice Original Work: THE GAP AND THE GLUE This original piece, written, produced and performed by AS FWD apprentices. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, July 31 Thursday, August 1 Friday, August 2 Wednesday, August 7 Thursday, August 8 Friday, August 9 Wednesday, August 14 Thursday August 15 Friday, August 16

“The American Stage apprentice program culminates each year in this original work that reflects the passionate and powerful voices of the next generation of theatre professionals. This year’s apprentices bring their uniquely talented and insightful perspectives to this fresh work about art, society and the future. I’m very proud to feature the THE GAP AND THE GLUE on our Mainstage as we conclude our LIFE. OUT LOUD. season.” says producing artistic director, Stephanie Gularte. This collaborated work is a chance for these young theatre makers to discover their creative voice and take the necessary steps to put their voice out into the world.

Sunday, July 7 @ 1PM Spotlight Series: BEHIND-THE-SCENES – FUN HOME Featuring – Director Karla Hartley and select cast members (Meet the Alisons), with a special tour by Jerid Fox, Director of Production. The perfect primer! Take a peek behind the curtain before the opening of FUN HOME with this informative and entertaining presentation about the play, the playwright, and the American Stage artists who bring it all to life. Professor Emerita Dedee Aleccia will provide relevant details about the history and central themes of the play, while members of the artistic team will give an insider’s perspective on their process. Pricing: $10 for General Public Free for American Stage Subscribers and Act 1 Club Members Friday, July 19| Reception at 7PM | Performance at 8pm Opening Night Celebrate with the stars! Enjoy a pre-show reception sponsored by Parkshore Grill with hors d'oeuvres and an open bar, rub elbows with the cast & creative team, and be among the first to see one of our first-class productions. There will also be a post-show dessert reception with the cast. Thursday July 25, Sundays July 28 & August 4 & 11 Spotlight Series: CHATBACKS – FUN HOME Stick around immediately following select performances to talk with the cast and other audience members while the experience of the play is fresh! Ask questions about the play, the characters, and the process, plus respond to the story and ideas aroused by the production. Free for FUN HOME ticket holders.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: American Stage presents FUN HOME with Book and Lyrics by Lisa Kron, and Music by Jeanine Tesori WHERE: Raymond James Theatre 163 3rd Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 WHEN: JUL 17 through AUG 18, 2019 Preview Wednesday, July 17, 7pm, “Pay What You Can” Preview Thursday, July 18, 7pm, $34 tickets Opening Night: Friday, July 19, 8pm, $74 tickets (includes opening night reception at 7pm, and a dessert reception with the cast following the performance.) Continues: Wednesdays-Sundays through August 18, 2019 Arrive 30 minutes early to get the inside scoop on the play.

TIMES & PRICES Wednesdays 7pm, $48 tickets Thursdays 7pm, $48 tickets Fridays 8pm, $54 tickets Saturdays 8pm, $58 tickets Saturdays & Sundays 2pm, $48 tickets

ASFWD The Next Generation Under 30 years of age (UNDER 30 PASS): Our ‘Netflix-style’ subscription, offering ‘unlimited theatre’ for only $15 per month. Under 20 years of age (UNDER 20 PASSPORT - suggested 12-19): FREE tickets to American Stage’s mainstage season. Contact the box office about our UNDER 30 PASS & UNDER 20 PASSPORT. Visit americanstage.org/fwd for details. Age Recommendation: 14+ SERVICE & FACILITIES

Physical Accessibility: The theatre features accessible parking, entrances, restrooms, and seating. Displaying a valid disabled parking permit will allow you to park at City metered spaces for FREE, for as long as your event requires, including those posted with time limit signs (green signs). This does not apply to loading zones or otherwise restricted parking signage (red signs).

Large Print Program: Theatergoers may peruse large print programs for each Mainstage production. Request from House Manager on duty. A digital version will be available at americanstage.org/PROGRAM

Listening System: Theatergoers may enjoy the free infrared listening system from any seat. Request from Concessions.

AMERICAN STAGE American Stage Theatre operates as a non-profit 501-(C)3, and has been providing live theatrical performances as a professional regional equity theatre in the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida, since 1977. American Stage’s mission is to reinforce the power of live theatre with high quality productions that excite and challenge a diverse audience. Our year-round programming seeks to realize this through our Mainstage season, Spotlight Series, 21st Century Voices: New Play Festival, American Stage in the Park and Improv. American Stage Education’s offerings include award-winning Teaching Artist Outreach focused on bringing theatrical arts experiences to underserved populations, helping them to excel onstage & beyond.

We believe that through the telling of dynamic stories, live theatre has the power to unite us in our shared experiences and to deepen our connection to one another through the illumination of diverse perspectives. American Stage artists and stakeholders are responsible for helping a small theatre touring company blossom into a thriving world-class professional theatre providing nearly 80,000 Tampa Bay residents and tourists with accessible, relevant art and arts education annually.

Powerful Stories. Boldly Told.

SOCIAL MEDIA

@americanstage

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION: Phone: (727) 823-PLAY (7529) Email: [email protected] Location: 163 3rd St. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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