The Library for the Performing Arts Play Club [IN PERSON]

Play Club is like a book club, but for plays! Whether you are familiar with the art of reading plays, or looking to expand your appreciation for dramatic literature, this book club is an opportunity to read plays you have been meaning to explore or have never considered reading before. Learn about new works, discover new playwrights, and make friends! This month, we read and discuss Fun Home, music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. Based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel.

This group will read one playscript from the Library for the Performing Arts circulating collection every month, and then come together to discuss the work. We will read one scene from the play together and discuss the text in a book club discussion format.

This program will take place in person at the Library for the Performing Arts Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab. If you would like to participate in on Zoom.

Content warning: This musical discusses suicide.

You may read the libretto and/or listen to the soundtrack ahead of Play Club.

This program is intended for adult patrons.

Thursday, December 18, at 6:30pm - , music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. Based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel.

When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.

Lisa Kron 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.

Jeanine Tesori has written a diverse catalog for Broadway, opera, film and television. Her Broadway musicals include: Fun Home (2015 Tony Award Winner, Pulitzer finalist); Violet; Caroline, or Change; Shrek the Musical, among others. She has received five Tony nominations, three Obie Awards and three Drama Desk Awards. Kron and Tesori were the first all-woman team to ever receive a Tony for best score.

We have a few copies of the libretto and CD available at the Library for the Performing Arts, but if you are looking for additional copies, the Drama Book Shop has graciously set aside copies of the play at a discounted price of 10% off for Play Club attendees. (While supplies last.)Please visit the Drama Book Shop to purchase your copy.

Photo Credit: From left, Oscar Williams, Zell Steele Morrow, Sydney Lucas in a scene from Fun Home. Photograph by Joan Marcus, 2015. Billy Rose Theatre Division.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING AND ASL | ASL interpretation and real-time (CART) captioning available upon request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing [email protected].

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Host or Publisher New York Public Library for the Performing Arts