FUN HOME

VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS: 

JAN 12 – Extended through FEB 25

By popular demand!

Maya Ferrario and Lars Preece (photo credit RDG Photography)

 

With book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and music by Jeanine Tesori, “Fun Home” is an adaptation of a graphic novel with the same title. 

     The show won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2015. 

     Bechdel’s work tells the story of her discovery of her sexual orientation as a lesbian, and her relationship with her gay father who was ‘in the closet.’ 

      The non-linear presentation allows us to see Alison through her memories (“It All Comes Back”) of her childhood growing up in the family funeral home (hence the title: “FUN HOME”) run by her father.   

     Director Emma Rebecca Maxfield has wisely chosen to stage “Fun Home” in the Bond-Trimble Theatre. The intimacy of this space lets us as audience experience this taut, tense and emotionally charged production up close and personal.

     The young actors Maxwell has cast do a fine job with the acting. Maya Ferrario, River Hetzel and Adaleia Odekirk all give fine portrayals of Alison, Medium Alison and Small Alison respectively. 

     Ms. Odekirk is at her best singing “Ring of Keys.”

        River Hetzel’s singing “I’m Changing My Major… to Joan” begins with intentionally awkward tension and segues quickly into exhilarating triumph singing about the first night with their new paramour, Joan.

     Elise Brianne Todd portrays Joan with a breezy naturalness that’s a joy to watch. Ms. Todd is a graduate of UNC’s musical theatre and dance program. One hopes to see her on the Denver stage again soon.

     Lars Preece delivers a riveting portrayal of Bruce Bechdel, Alison’s father. Whether teaching Medium Alison to assist him in the mortuary or attempting to explain secrets to adult Alison, this performance stuns. This actor’s duets with Ms. Ferrario leading up to final curtain are especially moving. Mr. Preece is one of Denver’s premier actors. This actor has stunned audiences with his acting and singing prowess in recent productions of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” and “A Grand Night for Singing” both at Performance Now Theatre. 

     As Bruce’s wife, Helen, Adrienne Asterita breaks our hearts with her singing of her loneliness and depression with “Days and Days.”

    Marlene Hall does superb work in numerous roles.

     The live theatre band delivers the award-winning score with warmth and sensitivity.

 

Fun Home contains Adult Language, Domestic Violence, Mature themes, LGBTQIA+ trauma and discussions of suicide.

For tickets call: 303-856-7830      Vintagetheatre.org