Photo: Jordan Alexandra Gilbert portrays "Adult Alison" in the spring musical production of Fun Home.
The Pitt-Greensburg Theatre Company will present Fun Home as its spring production. It is a musical adaptation of Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir of the same name, with music by Jeanine Tesori and book/lyrics by Lisa Kron.
This coming-out and coming-of-age story was nominated for 12 Tony awards in 2015, winning five. It shares the experience of the adult Alison who struggles to remember her past as she comes to terms with her father’s suicide while trying to write her graphic novel. The show ran on Broadway from April 2015 through September 2016.
“I’m excited for this chance to direct an all-women-written musical, as well as direct a story that represents an LGBTQIA+ experience,” said Christina Allaback, PhD, director of theater at Pitt-Greensburg. “This is a first for our campus. The theatre company hasn’t taken on anything like this in the past 20 years.”
Chris Bartley, music director at Pitt-Greensburg, will collaborate on the project. Matt Klumpp, part-time instructor of music, is the accompanist. Music will be provided by a pit orchestra staffed by regional professional musicians and Pitt-Greensburg students. Marcy Yonkey, assistant director of Career Services, will call on her dance background to handle dance choreography duties. Allaback also brought in an intimacy coordinator to choreograph scenes depicting intimate moments.
“The show deals with some adult themes, including abuse and suicide,” said Allaback. “The Fun Home website recommends that the show is appropriate for those who are 13 and older.”
This performance is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.
The show will run Apr. 11, 12, and 13 (8 p.m.) and Apr. 14 (2:30 p.m.) in the Ferguson Theater (Smith Hall). General admission is $10 for adults and $5 with a student ID that will need to be shown for purchase and admittance. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at https://bit.ly/PITT-GBG-THEATER-TKTS.
Meet the cast of Fun Home:
Jordan Pastor (Bruce) is a first-year visual and performing arts major from Fairview, PA
Kate Cramer (Helen) is a first-year creative and professional writing major from Scottdale, PA. Cramer is thrilled to be performing in Fun Home, her first production at Pitt-Greensburg, though she’s been involved in theater for nearly 10 years. Outside of theater, on campus, Cramer is involved with the Pitt-Greensburg Honors Program, Phi Eta Sigma, Pitt-Greensburg Chorale, and The Insider.
Marley Derr (Christian) is a second-year psychology major from Muncy, PA. She has been in 13 high school productions, her favorites being The Wizard of Oz, Mamma Mia, and The Little Princess.
Sydney McLaughlin (John, the six-year-old brother of Christian and Small Alison) McLaughlin is from Homestead, PA, and is a second-year student majoring in early education. She has been involved in three other Pitt-Greensburg productions, including A Streetcar Named Desire (Young Collector), Talking With . . . (three monologues), The Day the Earth Stood Still (Bobby Benson), and serving as the sound person for War of the Worlds.
Jordan Alexandra Gilbert (Adult Alison) is a third-year English literature major from West Newton, PA. Her favorite previous roles include Jo March (Little Women the Musical), Vivienne Kensington (Legally Blonde the Musical), and Miss Honey (Matilda the Musical). Gilbert’s non-acting credits include directing, stage management, and theatre tech. Gilbert proudly assisted as production staff for Yough Intermediate Middle School's drama department for six years. She is an assistant manager at 60 Minute Missions Escape Room.
Aaron M. Zavatchan (Roy, Mark, Pete, and Bobby Jeremy) is a fourth-year student majoring in anthropology and history from Connellsville, PA. Zavatchan also performs with the Pitt-Greensburg Chorale, and Campana Consort, and participates in the Majors Mentor Program.
Jocelyn Andolina (Joan) is a first-year student from Johnstown, PA, visual and performing arts. A seven-year veteran performer, she is happy to continue acting in college.
Brielle Zimmerman (Medium Allison) is a second-year student majoring in psychology. This is her second show at Pitt Greensburg! Brielle’s hometown is Latrobe, Pennsylvania and she cannot wait for everyone to see this beautiful show!
Marris Sobotka (Small Allison), a second-year political science major originally from Long Island, NY, whose most recent show credits at Pitt-Greensburg include the fall 2023 productions of War of the Worlds and The Day the Earth Stood Still, as well as the 2022-23 production of A Streetcar Named Desire (Blanche). Sobotka also performed in the ensemble of the Greensburg Civic Theater’s production of Sweeney Todd.
Shianne Steck (stage manager) (They/She) is a junior visual and performing arts major, with minors in gender studies and writing. This is her fifth show at Pitt-Greensburg, and she is thrilled to be involved in telling this story. Steck has been involved with various productions in Pittsburgh and will serve as apprentice stage manager for Front Porch Theatricals' upcoming production of Bandstand this summer.
Olivia Richard (assistant stage manager), from McDonald PA, is a third-year student majoring in early childhood education. Active in the Pitt-Greensburg theater department, she has served on the production staff and on-stage as part of the Director Showcases and Capstone Performances. Richard also serves as the vice-president of the Performing Arts Society here on campus as well as being a member of Delta Psi Omega Theater Honor Society. Fun Home is Richard’s sixth Pitt-Greensburg production and her second one serving as assistant stage manager.