Clear Space Theatre opens ‘Fun Home’ May 4
Fun Home - a finalist for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and winner of multiple awards both Off-Broadway and on - opens Friday, May 4, at Clear Space Theatre! Adapted from Alison Bechdel's 2006 graphic memoir, with book by Lisa Kron and music by Jeanine Tesori, Fun Home is the story of the memories evoked as the middle-aged Bechdel works on her memoir.
The action alternates between the adult Bechdel (Carissa Meikeljohn) and her reflections on two periods earlier in her life: a childhood defined by her volatile, temperamental father, Bruce (James Keegan), and a young adulthood during which she discovered her own sexuality. Bechdel's attempts to unlock the mysteries surrounding her father's life thread throughout the narrative.
Says Meikeljohn, "I saw this show on Broadway and read the graphic novel some years ago. It's a powerful and important story." She continues, "The show is an emotional journey - it's based on real people who - as we all know - can be difficult and demanding, as well as fun and engaging." Keegan concurs: "This show is a beautiful and artful rendering of the graphic novel for the stage. It's a funny, moving story of a difficult father / daughter relationship and of the complexities of sexual identity and 'coming out.'"
Keegan continues, "The challenge with portraying my character, Bruce, is to make sure that all his good qualities - his creativity, his artistic eye and spirit, his fundamentally loving nature - don't get completely overshadowed by his less appealing ones. He can be bossy, aggressive and pathetic." Of portraying Bechdel, Meikeljohn notes, "As Bechdel faces these family vignettes from her past, reliving the intense and vulnerable moments her reflections provoke is a challenge. It's an emotional rollercoaster - and sometimes it touches uncomfortably close to home."
Both report that the music is wonderful: "moving and entertaining; funny and poignant." Says Meikeljohn, "The show takes the audience to some fun places through its music." Adds Keegan, "The music is very much the strong stitching holding together the fabric of the play." Tony Award voters in 2015 agreed: Nominated for 12 Tony Awards, three of the five Fun Home won were for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.
Sponsored by Jeanine O'Donnell, State Farm, Fun Home runs weekends from Friday, May 4, through Sunday, May 20. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 3 p.m. There also is one Thursday performance, May 10, at 11 a.m. Tickets for all shows are $17 to $32, and may purchased on-line at www.clearspacetheatre.org, or by calling the box office at 302-227-2270.
