by Lorie Lewis Ham

This week, Dysfunction, an original musical written by local playwright Ke’Lea Flowers is premiering at the Selma Arts Center. According to Claudio Laso, Producer and Selma Arts Council Member, this is the first time an original musical has been performed in full at the Selma Arts Center. KRL took a moment to chat with Ke’Lea about the show.

KRL: What Dysfunction is about?

Ke’Lea: Dysfunction is about trauma, community and how we move forward through healing after the things that happen to us. It reminds us that we are not alone, have never been alone, and that the things that make us feel weak are actually what make us strong.

KRL: Where did the idea come from, and what was its journey from then until this production?

Ke’Lea: The show was originally conceived over 12 years ago with a different plotline and was then called Strong. I revisited the concept after having an inspiring conversation with a friend in February of 2023. It was then when we put Dysfunction: A Song Cycle onstage for the Selma originals. Then, she was 20 minutes long and featured only 8 performers. We now have a 90- minute musical with a cast of nearly 30 creative artists . We were approved to put this iteration of the show onstage this year as a Selma Arts Center special event and are oh so grateful for the opportunity.

KRL: Did you write the story and the music all on your own? If so, what was the hardest part?

Ke’Lea: I did in fact write the book, lyrics, and songs all on my own. It was challenging to take the 28 songs I wrote by ear, and to transcribe them so that we had tangible sheet music to teach our cast. I wouldn’t have been able to complete that feat without the help of some friends and collaborators, as well as ‘Empower’ who provided me with resources and connected me with people who could help me with the music endeavors of the show.

KRL: What musical style is Dysfunction?

Ke’Lea: Dysfunction, as far as musicals go is sort of a mix and match of many genres of music and art forms. If I were to compare it to anything, I would say it’s like Songs for a New World meets Hair the musical meets 35 MM with some very clear Lin Manuel Miranda and Jonathan Larson influences.

KRL: What is your background in writing, theatre, and music?

Ke’Lea: I’ve been writing music since I was about 6 years old. It was a gift that always came very naturally to me. Life circumstances and choices led me down paths that were not aligned with my purpose and so I lost touch with the love and passion for these gifts for a minute there. I have been studying music theory at Fresno city in the hopes of transferring to Fresno state for a degree in music composition. It’s never too late to come back to yourself.

KRL: Are you from Selma? If not, where are you from?

Ke’Lea: I am not from Selma. I was originally born in Austin, Texas and grew up in Clovis, CA. I currently am a Fresno resident.

KRL: Did you study theatre or writing?

Ke’Lea: I took several writing, theatre, choir and dance classes in high school and was an active participant in our speech and debate team. I’m currently majoring in music and am a self-made writer and creator.

KRL: What do you hope that the audience will take away from this show?

Ke’Lea: What I’m really hoping for is that my show makes an impact. Every word and lyric in the show was chosen for a reason, and each moment means something profoundly deep to me. To write about this isolating feeling of being broken and dysfunctional, and to have people say “Wow, I feel so seen!“ That would mean everything.

KRL: What are your future goals with the show?

Ke’Lea: Future goals for the show include continuing to develop it further throughout our local theatre community and hopefully garner attention and take it somewhere bigger with each iteration. The sky truly is the limit.

KRL: Have you written any other shows?

Ke’Lea: I have tried to write several wacky little musicals, plays and TV shows. This is the first project I was able to see all the way through to completion. It wasn’t easy by any means and still has so much work that needs to be done. I, however, have already begun the writing process for another musical.

KRL: Anything else you would like to add?

Ke’Lea: I just want to send a thank you and LOVE YOU to every single person who got in the trenches with me to put this show onstage. I wrote it, composed it and shot my shot, but did not by any means do it all by myself. Nwachukwu , my partner in crime and assistant director, Claudio our producer, our amazing stage managers Ananda and Jameila, our friends from Fools Collaborative and Empower, specifically Camille Gaston and each and every member of our outstanding cast have all contributed to creating something special, honest and beautiful. I couldn’t be more thankful.

Dysfunction: A New Musical, playing at the
Selma Arts Center, from April 10 – 19, 2025 in Selma,
CA, directed, written, and composed by Ke’Lea Flowers.
Selma Arts Center is located at 1935 High St, Selma, CA
Tickets can be purchased here: ci.ovationtix.com/35468

If you love local theatre, be sure to check out Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and also on podbean.

Check out more theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. You can also find more theatre coming up on KRL’s Local Theatre event page.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery novel, One of Us, is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre!