On Wednesday, my two Broadway-obsessed friends and I went to New York City. We bought discounted tickets to see "Fun Home." They were ecstatic, especially since it's won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical. Being completely honest, I was not as happy. It wasn't the type of show that I usually enjoy, but my friends wanted to see it, so I went along.
As we waited anxiously for the show to begin, I began reading the description of the musical, which deemed it a "dramatic comedy." Often times, this means a very serious show with one or two one liners that make the audience resent even chuckling at such a horrible joke.
I had a very strong feeling that I was going to hate this show, but again, I was there for my friends and the day in the city. I would pretend that I liked the show for the sake of my friends, but I thought it wasn't going to be good.
Wow, was I wrong.
As the show began, I immediately felt captivated by the amazing performance of all of the actors. The musical showcases three young children whose vocals made me embarrassed of ever performing with confidence. The adults in the show had very serious roles, but had humor to them. I was absolutely amazed.
The main character is portrayed at three ages throughout her life: The youngest Alison, college-aged Alison, and the mother Alison. There were a few new faces in the cast: the actress who played college-aged Alison had been an understudy and took over the role, and the actress who played the mother was stepping in for the usual actress who wasn't able to be in that show. You would have never known that they were "new" to the show.
Being a theater geek, I die for shows that have good soundtracks. That being said, I wouldn't necessarily say that this soundtrack is one for a road trip. The music in this particular musical was used more to tell a story rather than just pure entertainment (although I found this number pretty entertaining!)
However, this soundtrack is still amazing. Songs such as "Telephone Wire" and the ever-famous "Ring of Keys" (performed in the 2015 Tony Awards) are performed in ways that absolutely mesmerize the audience, and make you feel right along with the characters.
"Fun Home" was actually based on a true story, which Alison Bechdel, the author, portrayed in comics in her book "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic." This is why Alison is portrayed at three different ages. The oldest Alison is the narrator, and she's revisiting her childhood for reference when drawing her comics. The childhood Alison and college-aged Alison are the two reference points that she uses to draw.
Seeing as it is a true story, she really includes every part of her life, which can get extremely dark. For example, the constant fighting between her parents, her father seducing young men, and the eventual suicide of her father. I would not suggest this show for a family. The show's age discretion is 16 and older, and I strongly believe in this.
Overall, I give "Fun Home" five stars. The music was absolutely beautifully written and performed, the actors were completely believable and wonderful and the actual story is something that you won't find in any other show on or off Broadway. This show is claimed as "being on everyone's top 10 must see list on Broadway" for a good reason!
If you ever find yourself looking for a new show to see, go to "Fun Home"! You won't regret it!
