Lisa Kron is an American actress, playwright, and performer, best known for writing the lyrics and book to the musical Fun Home.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Kron developed a passion for theater at an early age, participating in numerous productions throughout her school years. After graduating from Wesleyan University with a degree in theater, she moved to New York City in 1984 to pursue a career in theater.
Kron's early work focused on solo performances and collaborative projects with the experimental theater company The Five Lesbian Brothers. Her plays, often humorous and poignant, explored themes of identity, sexuality, and social commentary. Her 1994 play, 101 Humiliating Stories, received critical acclaim and established her as a rising voice in the theater world.
In 2004, Kron's play Well premiered Off-Broadway, garnering rave reviews and earning her a Tony Award nomination for Best Play. The play, which explored themes of family dynamics, mental illness, and the search for personal identity, resonated deeply with audiences, cementing Kron's status as a playwright to watch.
Kron's breakthrough success came in 2015 with the Broadway premiere of Fun Home, the musical adaptation of Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir of the same name. Kron, in collaboration with composer Jeanine Tesori, crafted a deeply personal and moving musical that delved into themes of family secrets, sexual identity, and the power of storytelling.
Fun Home received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Original Score for Kron and Tesori and Best Book of a Musical for Kron. The musical's success catapulted Kron into the limelight, solidifying her position as one of the most celebrated playwrights and lyricists of her generation.
Beyond her work on Fun Home, Kron has continued to write and perform in a variety of projects. Her play In the Wake, which premiered in 2010, explored the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, while her 2012 play The Ver**zon Play looked at the impact of technology on our lives. In 2018, she collaborated with composer Anthony Braxton on 101 Humiliating Stories in Concert, a theatrical adaptation of her early work.
Kron's work has been praised for its honesty, humor, and insightful exploration of complex social issues. She is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Obie Award, and the Lortel Award. She is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.