Lyric Theatre Presents the Inspiring, Tony Award winner “Fun Home”
…by Adrienne Proctor
Lyn Cramer as Alison \ Lyric’s “Fun Home” Photo by KO Rinearson
More than just a night out of the house, an evening at the theatre is one of the most powerful forms of escapism there is. Fun, dazzling, and inspiring, musical theatre can sometimes be so moving and ground-breaking that it becomes more than just entertainment. Lyric Theatre is offering that level of inspiration with their latest production, the regional debut of Fun Home.
A story of coming out, learning about yourself, and facing your own past, the five-time Tony Award winning Fun Home is deeply moving and important. Set in three time periods, Fun Home shows the protagonist Alison at different stages in her life. All three Alisons- adult, child, college student- are played by different actresses who will be charged with creating a unique, singular character at different times in her personal story. Each part of Alison will help her to learn who she is as an adult.
Lyric’s Artistic Director, Michael Baron, is directing this show, and he says “This pioneering production is refreshingly honest. The complexity of this musical allows us to reflect on our own families and how they influence us as adults.”
The cast of Fun Home includes Lyn Cramer as Alison, Mateja Govich as Bruce and Mandy Jiran as Helen. Also included are Taylor Yancey as Medium Alison, Reese Freund as Small Alison, Coulter Hershey as John Bechdel, Connor Willis as Christian Bechdel, Taylor Blackman as Roy and Sandra Mae Frank as Joan. The production is choreographed by Matthew Sipress.
A uniquely innovative set will be featured for this regional debut. The Lyric Theatre has been given permission by the writer of the original graphic memoir to use her drawings as the basis for the design in the set. The set will be designed by Dawn Drake, with costume design by Jeffrey Meek, lighting by Art Whaley, and sound design by Anthony Risi. Music direction is by Brian Hamilton.
A cast that is full of Lyric Theatre favorites, they’re especially proud to feature Frank as Joan, a deaf actress integrating American Sign Language into this musical. Last seen at the Lyric in “Fiddler on the Roof”, Frank will utilize ASL and the drawings on set to convey her lines.
Fun Home was the first Broadway musical to feature a lesbian as the lead character. To celebrate this unique aspect, the Lyric is offering Pride Night, Thursday April 12th at the 7:30 performance. This special event is sponsored by The Gayly. Another special event will be held at the April 19th performance, Pint Night, sponsored by Coop Ale Works.
Lyric Theatre’s production of “Fun Home” runs April 11th – 29th at the Plaza location, 1725 NW 16th St. For tickets, visit lyrictheatreokc.com or call the box office at 405-524-9312. Fun Home is recommended for mature audiences only.