Every cast member is evidently talented, but strong performances from the three Alisons truly make the production shine. It’s refreshing to see a narrative positively and unapologetically describe and celebrate gay sex, especially given its endearing execution.Ĥ2nd Street Moon’s production of “Fun Home” boasts an extraordinary cast. It’s a little excessive at times, but so is first love. The song is bright and humorous, performed by Attridge with contagious enthusiasm. Specifically, she’s “changing (her) major to sex with Joan, with a minor in kissing Joan,” all something Alison decides once she wakes up from their first night together. Her new major of choice? Her first girlfriend, Joan. Medium Alison’s “Changing My Major” describes her determination to do just that. Deeply intrigued by this woman’s swagger, short hair and her ring of keys, 10-year-old Alison can’t fully explain her admiration, but she knows “(they’re) alike in a certain way.” Beautiful, personal moments like these demonstrate the musical’s poignancy.Īnother standout number is much more on-the-nose than “Ring of Keys,” and more outwardly proud. The lyrics and Rose’s performance are both brilliant in this tender moment of connection. One number that exemplifies the musical’s aptitude for using subtle hints toward discovery is “Ring of Keys,” sung by Small Alison when she spots a butch delivery woman at a luncheonette with whom she is instantly enamored.
Through fascination with queer literature and the desire to wear traditionally “masculine” clothing, Alison’s revelation is authentically gradual and cathartic.
Alison realizes she’s gay in college, but the conclusion doesn’t come all at once. The musical’s narrative is incredibly humanizing if depictions of queer lives are rare, even rarer are depictions that span decades and document childhood innocence, teenage awkwardness and adult assuredness. In addition to following Alison’s journey, the story explores her relationship with her father, Bruce (Jaron Vesely), who frequently had affairs with men but remained deeply closeted. The story is told from the perspective of adult Alison (Rinabeth Apostol), Medium Alison (Teresa Attridge) and Small Alison (McKenna Rose). “Fun Home” is told nonlinearly, focusing primarily on Alison’s childhood and college years as her 42-year-old self painstakingly captures these past memories on paper. Produced in the Bay Area for the first time ever by 42nd Street Moon, “Fun Home” tells a moving story of self-discovery and acceptance that is as enjoyable as it is important.
This disastrous coming out story has the ability to make anyone choke back tears and resonates with particular relatability for many in the LGBTQ+ community.įrequently silenced queer experiences are brought into the light in Tony Award-winning “Fun Home,” the stunningly poignant musical based on Bechdel’s graphic memoir of the same name. She had written home earlier to share an announcement that was reciprocated with radio silence: “Dear Mom and Dad, I am a lesbian.” The ominous quiet is eventually broken, but the outcome is as she feared: denial, dismissal and disappointment. Alison Bechdel, a 19-year-old student at Oberlin College, anxiously writes a follow-up letter to her parents in her dorm room.