Last night was my first time seeing Fun Home, the 2015 winner of five Tony Awards – including its historic win for Best Musical, the first ever for a show written exclusively by women (Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori).
Based on a graphic novel by Alison Bechdel, the story follows protagonist Alison (Kate Shindle) through a reflective journey of her life – from childhood (Carly Gold) through young adulthood (Abby Corrigan) – as the mysteries that lied within begin to unravel and expose truths about those closest to her – her mother Helen (Susan Moniz) and particularly her father Bruce (Robert Petkoff).
At its core, it’s the story of a woman who comes to terms and accepts complicated circumstances by learning to view them through a different lens.
I didn’t know what to expect, and hadn’t read much about the production prior to watching, but to say that I related to this play on an unexpected level is an understatement. The musical is raw and honest, displaying a universal truth of how adults better understand parents, good or bad, with maturation and acceptance. And I for one certainly reflected on how this truth pertained to my life by the final curtain.
And the play juggles candid and difficult content with refreshing humor – a favorite of mine was the scene with the child actors performing a commercial for their father’s funeral home!
In short, this is a play well worth seeing if you have the opportunity – just be prepared with facial tissue, if you’re a thinker and empath like myself, because you may accidentally get something in your eyes. 🙂
“Fun Home” is playing now through June 18 on Broadway Philadelphia at the Forrest Theatre. Tickets and information available at kimmelcenter.org.
Until next thought, Thomasena
My son was classmates with Medium Allison! We’re so excited for her!
NICE! She was really good!