Do Not Pass Go Do Not Collect $200 Go Directly to the Magical Musical "Fun Home" at The Ahmanson Theatre Now Thru April 1st!

I have to start with kudos to the of Alison Bechdel, the author of Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, the graphic memoir about her relationship with her closeted gay father. Without her expertise and candidness, the world would not have the amazing experience of witnessing a magnum opus such as Fun Home.

Similarly, it’s no surprise that Lisa Korn, the exquisite writer of the book and lyrics, won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical. As a wordsmith myself, I was blown away by the brilliance of each and every one of her significant statements, in a script that allowed the actors to rise to the occasion.
Leading the dysfunctional family are critical parents, Helen & Bruce, powerfully played by Susan Moniz and Robert Petkoff, respectively. True to form, Mom is in denial throughout most of the poignant and provocative play. She escapes at the piano or by sewing and reveals, “Welcome to our home where we shine. Everything is in perfect order, but not really.”
Alessandra Baldacchino reprises her Broadway role as “Small Alison.” With her vibrant voice and captivating presence, she’s destined to go far.
“Medium Alison” as portrayed by Abby Corrigan, is an extremely skilled artist. You’ll be mesmerized every moment she appears. With her fast paced non stop verbage and rhetoric, Abby exudes tremendous passion, sincerity, and believability.
A simple proclamation from Abby, e.g. “They’re real lesbians,” will touch you deeply. Her number “I’m Changing My Major to Sex with Joan” is the piece de la resistance. Expect the room to burst into endless applause.
The final WOW’s (words of wisdom) spoken by Kate Shindle (Adult Alison), a gifted talent to be reckoned with, moved my heart and soul: “Every once in a while there was a moment of pure balance, where I soared above him.” In the background we see a caricature drawing of the infamous “flying position” (see photo above).
Some of the most superb moments occur when all three Alisons appear on stage, simultaneously singing blissful harmonies, making your ears perk up even more.
The children’s number “Forget Your Troubles,” near the top of the show, lets you know you’re in for an energetic exciting entertaining adventure.
All the tunes are quite catchy, with memorable music by Jeanine Tesori (2015 Fun Home Tony Award Winner Best Score of a Musical.) You’ll want to get the soundtrack straight away. I was wondering, however, why the songs weren’t listed in the program. Any explanations are welcome.
The stunning sets by David Zinn, make you imagine you’re perusing an antique museum, as each piece is prolifically placed.
To my delight, the outstanding orchestra directed by Micah Young, was in view on the stage, making each musician tantamount to the production. For an aficionado like myself, this is pure joy.
Performed without an intermission, the time went by quite quickly, and I was longing for this spectacular masterpiece to continue.
Fun Home Runs Through April 1: Tuesday through Friday at 8pm; Saturday 2pm and 8pm; Sunday at 1pm and 6:30pm. Added 8 p.m. show on Monday, March 27 and 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 30.
Ticket Prices (subject to change) are $25-125 available online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org; By calling Center Theatre Group Audience Services at 213.972.4400; or In person at the Center Theatre Group Box office at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, in Downtown L.A. 90012
Group Sales: 213.972.7231 Deaf community information and charge: visit CenterTheatreGroup.org/ACCESS.
For those who live in the Valley, the Ahmanson Theatre is a hop, skip, & a jump on the Metro Red Line (NoHo or Universal City station) saving you from traffic jams & parking fees.