Categories: Kristen Schweizer, THE BUZZ

THE BUZZ: ‘Fun Home’ Brings Powerful Narratives to Life at New Village Arts Theatre

by Kristen Nevarez Schweizer

January 30, 2024

Lena Palke and Brent Roberts Photo credit: Daren Scott

New Village Arts (NVA) kicks off the new year with the emotionally charged musical FUN HOME on Saturday, February 3, 2024. The groundbreaking musical drama—recipient of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score—brings vulnerability center stage.

FUN HOME, born from Alison Bechdel‘s graphic memoir, navigates the complexities of her relationship with her father through her different life stages. It invites audiences to come to a fuller understanding of the journey of coming out through the powerful exploration of one woman’s quest for truth and connection within the confines of her family’s home. The show offers a heartfelt exploration of identity and the universal quest for truth on the bridges between ignoring, knowing, accepting, and empathy.

Rae Henderson-Gray steps into the role of Alison, the narrator and heart of the story. She is eager to open the show, saying, “Being a part of Fun Home is so meaningful to me because this show was the first time I ever saw myself represented in musical theatre. It’s an art form I’ve loved my whole life, but until Fun Home it never really saw me back.”

The show is directed by San Diego-based artist Kym Pappas. The ensemble includes Priya Richard and Lena Palke as the younger Alisons, Brent Roberts, Sarah Alida LeClair, Zayden McHardy, Leo Jones, and Lisette Velandia. Together, they create a space for the audience to witness the power of vulnerability, exploring themes of acceptance and understanding that mirror the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community today.

FUN HOME is more than lovely music; it’s an invitation to lean into discomfort, embrace vulnerability, and recognize the beautiful humanity in each of us. New Village Arts becomes a sanctuary, where the echoes of our own stories meet the resonant chords of Alison’s journey.

Fun Home
Directed by Kym Pappas
Feb 3 – March 3, 2024

Performance Days & Times:
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 pm
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Evenings at 7:30 pm

Tickets and Subscriptions 
Single tickets range from $25 to $60. 
Subscriptions for the 3 Show Package range from $81 to $158

New Village Arts
2787 State Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008

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