A Gripping Tale of Family and Identity: EU Student’s Powerful Performance of “Fun Home”
Throughout the week of March 14-16 and 20-22, Elmhurst University students delivered a moving and thought-provoking performance of “Fun Home,” the musical based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel. Performed at the Mill Theater, the show captivated audiences with its compelling portrayal of the Bechdel family and transgenerational trauma and self-discovery issues.
The production, directed by Erik Wagner, demonstrated how college theater programs can deliver powerful performances that reach past students’ ages and are on par with professional stages.
“Fun Home” is a unique story of Alison Bechdel, a graphic novelist who is reflecting on her childhood and her relationship with her father, a closeted gay man who unexpectedly committed suicide.
The musical uses a non-linear storytelling method and incorporates emotional and humorous songs making it a challenging performance for EU theater students to tackle. In the end, the cast and crew brought this intimate narrative to life with precision and care.
The set of “Fun Home,” designed by Sean McIntosh and Aleksander Harris, transported the audience to each stage of Alison’s life, as the whole stage was utilized to ensure the audience got a full understanding of the dynamic of the household. The usage of the stage was unique, and each transition between scenes was simple and smooth.
McIntosh made excellent use of lighting throughout the performance, but the most notable aspect was how lighting effectively replaced the need for a physical TV prop.
When Alison and her brothers were gathered around the coffee table to watch TV, there was no actual TV present. Instead, the flickering lights of a show being “watched” reflected across the actors’ faces.
The cast could not have been chosen more perfectly, with Alyssa DiVarco playing Alison, who captured the journey of understanding one’s childhood concerning self-identity. Regan Bobich, playing Medium Alison, brought a vulnerability to the role as her character discovered her sexuality.
A standout performance came from Delaney Murphy as Small Alison. Her portrayal of a child struggling to understand her family dynamic and personal identity was compelling and emotional.
Equally impressive was Derek Liavas as Bruce Bechdel, Alison’s father; his portrayal as a man struggling with his sexuality and mental illness was both heartbreaking and jaw-dropping. The character was brought to life through Liavas and left the audience stunned.
The musical score of “Fun Home” ranged from upbeat, saddening, and emotionally charged songs. The cast’s vocal performance was beautiful, particularly in the number “Ring of Keys,” sung by Delaney Murphey/Small Alison, the vocals brought out the innocence and discovery that came with Alison realizing she was attracted to the delivery woman.
The orchestra conducted by Nicholas Pulikowski was well-balanced, never outshining the performers, but adding the perfect touch of emotion.
Overall, the production of “Fun Home” was an impressive and deeply moving piece, audience members were leaving the theater wiping tears from their eyes. The talented cast made this one of the most memorable shows put on at the Mill.
I did not grow up in a Pennsylvania funeral home with a closeted manic father and a self-sacrificing mother, but when I left the Mill Theater, I felt as though I lived that life alongside Alison. “Fun Home” left me in tears as I exited the theater, reflecting on my own family experiences and feeling an undeniable urge to call my parents.
