The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through June 25, 2017
by Jarice Hanson
The touring company of “Fun Home” at the Bushnell is packed
with first-rate talent. In this deeply personal musical memoir, graphic
novelist Alison Bechdel’s moving story about her sexual awakening is juxtaposed
against the backdrop of decades of living with her family and their own
relationship challenges. The book and lyrics were penned by Lisa Kron who
received a Tony in 2015 for Best Book of a Musical and Best Score of a Musical,
but the story is Bechdel’s, who subtitled her graphic novel, “Fun Home,” as “A
Family Tragicomic.”
“Fun Home” isn’t really fun. At times, it’s painful, but
there is always a thread of love that unites the family, and the actors and audience.
The title refers to the funeral home Alison’s father ran, in addition to
serving as an English teacher and part-time antique furniture aficionado and
historian. But Bruce Bechdel is also a man who had a secret, and that secret
propels much of the action throughout the play. The plot has plenty of
surprises and the play caters to the audience’s empathy, but there is a truth
and honesty to the story that draws you to the carefully worded lyrics, and to
the passion each actor gives to their character.
Special praise must be given to Robert Petkoff as Bruce (the
father) whose vocal quality is clear and exquisite. Susan Moniz as Helen (the
mother) can pack more feeling into her voice than most contemporary musicals
can boast, and her rendition of “Days and Days” is heartbreakingly effective.
The character of Alison is played by three actors; adult Alison (Kate Shindle),
“Small Alison” (Carly Gold), and “Medium Alison” (Abby Corrigan) who often
share the stage and sing together. The eight piece musical ensemble under the
direction of Micah Young blends its sound perfectly for the Bushnell’s
acoustics and for the young and old(er) voices.
These days it’s rare that an audience is perfectly silent,
but the Bushnell audience didn’t want to miss a word or a beat. Kudos to the
Bushnell for bringing this deeply personal musical to the area, and to the “Fun
Home” cast and crew for mounting such an effective, beautiful production.
