Synopsis
Hailed as one of Broadway’s most original musicals and the winner of 5 Tony Awards, Fun Home is a groundbreaking story inspired by Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir. In this intimate musical, Alison sets out to unravel the many mysteries of her childhood through a series of memories and conversations – from her coming out to her moving journey to acceptance. Gary Griffin (Hand to God, Never the Sinner) directs this emotionally charged family drama that The New York Times calls “extraordinary,” and “a rare beauty.”
Video
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We know #FunHomeVG is incredibly important, special, and must-see theater. But don't take our word for it! See what audience members had to say after experiencing this breathtaking production….
Posted by Victory Gardens Theater on Friday, October 27, 2017
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A Message from Fun Home Composer Jeanine Tesori
Jeanine Tesori, composer of Fun Home The Musical has a special message for YOU! Get your tickets to see Victory Gardens' production of the Tony Award Winning Musical here: https://victorygardens.org/our-season/fun-home/
Posted by Victory Gardens Theater on Wednesday, August 9, 2017
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FUN HOME is now in rehearsal! Check out some behind-the-scenes footage of our photo shoot….
Posted by Victory Gardens Theater on Friday, August 25, 2017
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Artists
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Gary Griffin, Director
Jeanine Tesori, Music
Lisa Kron, Book & Lyrics
Cast
McKinley Carter* (Helen Bechdel)
Preetish Chakraborty (John Bechdel)
Danielle Davis (Joan)
Leo Gonzalez (Christian Bechdel)
Sage Elliott Harper (Small Alison)
Stella Rose Hoyt (Small Alison)
Rob Lindley* (Bruce Bechdel)
Joe Lino (Roy) Danni Smith* (Alison)
Hannah Starr (Medium Alison)
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Production Team
Doug Peck, Music Director
Charlotte Rivard-Hoster, Conductor, Accompanist
Yu Shibagaki, Set Design
Melissa Ng, Costume Design
Paul Whitaker, Lighting Design
Ray Nardelli, Sound Design
Mealah Heidenreich and Alec Long, Props Masters
Jessica Forella, Production Stage Manager
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Press
- ★★★½ (out of 4)
“A Chicago Fun Home to Savor…You Do Not Want to Miss This.”
The Chicago Tribune
September 29, 2017 - “An Intimate, Emotional Powerhouse…That Rivals (If Not Bests) the Original Broadway Production.”
Broadway World Chicago
September 29, 2017 - “Sizzling. Highly Recommended. Altogether-brilliant.”
Chicago Sun-Times
September 28, 2017 - CRITICS’ PICK “I Feel Indebted to These Performers, and to Tesori, Kron, and Bechdel, for Their Willingness to Dig Deep…To Tell This Story. Buy Tickets Today. You Won’t Want to Miss It.”
PerformInk
September 29, 2017 - “I don’t often find myself saying ‘better than Broadway’, but Victory Gardens Theater’s production of Fun Home truly connects with the Chicago audience in a way I did not feel it in New York. The characters are real, played with authenticity, complemented by strong voices (even the youngest actors) that fill the house with emotion and power. Victory Gardens often takes on challenges since Chey Yew took over as artistic director, and the successful results should keep bringing people back to the theater or future productions. For now, enjoy Fun Home in a way you probably have not enjoyed it previously.”
Paul Lisnek
Host, Backstage, Comcast Network
Host, Behind the Curtain, WGNplus.com
September 29, 2017
Gallery
Public Programs
Post-Show Conversation
After every performance of Cambodian Rock Band (unless otherwise noted)
Join us for one of our intimate post-show conversations led by members from the Victory Gardens community, reflect on what you’ve seen, and share your response.
Post-Show Group Conversation | GET TICKETS*
October 1 | Sunday
Show begins at 3:00 pm | Group Conversation begins at 5:00 pm
“FUN HOME, the graphic novel, looks back. In FUN HOME, the musical, we watch characters as they move forward in time,” begins Lisa Kron in the foreward of the musical. But how is a graphic novel made into an award-winning musical? Come celebrate FUN HOME at our Victory Gardens graphic novel book club, complete with book club staple — wine and cheese!
* Tickets include the 3:00 performance of Fun Home and the Fun Home Book Club Conversation at 5:00
Post-Show Karaoke | GET TICKETS*
October 5 | Thursday
Show begins at 7:30 pm | Karaoke begins at 9:00 pm
We’re all virtuosos in the shower. But want to test out those pipes at Victory Gardens? Think you have what it takes to be in FUN HOME? Just want to belt along to some of your favorite musical theater show tunes? Join us after the performance of FUN HOME for discounted drinks and karaoke, and show off your inner Idina Menzel.
* Tickets include the 7:30 performance of Fun Home and Pitch Perfect Karaoke at 9:00
Post-Show Panel Discussion | GET TICKETS*
October 12 | Thursday
Show begins at 7:30 pm | Panel discussion begins at 9:00 pm
LGBTQ youths are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In FUN HOME, societal pressures affect both Bruce and Alison in ways that many queer folks can identify with today. How do we create a safe and healthy environment for everyone to thrive? Join us after FUN HOME for a discussion with local experts in queer mental health and wellness, and how we can do better.
FEATURING: Ashley Molin (Center on Halsted), Dr. Reese Minshew (Intraspectrum Counseling), Liz Weck (Howard Brown)
* Tickets include the 7:30 performance of Fun Home and OUTLOUD: Pressure Cooker post-show panel discussion at 9:00
Post-Show Performance | GET TICKETS*
October 14 | Saturday
Show begins at 7:30 pm | Post-show performance begins at 9:30 pm
Join us for this post-show performance celebration featuring performances of different disciplines including performed by Chicago based artists who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Let’s queer the stage and make some noise!
FEATURING: Alex Grelle (Comedian), Dominique Watson (Bambi Banks—Drag Performer), Morgan McNaught (Performance Artist/Playwright)
* Tickets include the 7:30 performance of Fun Home and Queer the Stage post-show performance at 9:30
Free Post-Show Performance | GET TICKETS*
October 20 | Friday
Show begins at 7:30 pm | Post-show performance begins at 9:30 pm
In FUN HOME, Alison looks back through her memories to understand her father, and how his identity affected her family and their relationship. What sort of secrets do family members keep? What changes when those secrets are revealed? Join us for a pre-show reception in the lobby featuring delicious drink specials & free pizza. Then, stick around for FUN HOME and stay for post-show performances featuring short scenes written, directed, and performed by college artists from local universities.
* Tickets include the 7:30 performance of Fun Home and College Night: Family Secrets post-show performance at 9:30
Pre-Show Celebration | GET TICKETS*
October 21 | Saturday
Pre-show Celebration begins at 6:30 pm | Show begins at 7:30 pm
We’ve all heard the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.” But what does that mean in the world of graphic art? How does a visual artist tell stories with their work? Come out to Saturday’s performance of FUN HOME early for an evening of live art demonstrations and exhibitions featuring Chicago-based graphic artists. Join us for free food and art!
FEATURING: Quinn Rivenburgh, Gabe Howell, Kat Leyh
* Tickets include the 6:30 pre-show celebration and the 7:30 performance of Fun Home
Pre-Show Celebration | Post-Show Town Hall | GET TICKETS*
October 26 | Thursday
Show begins at 7:30 pm | Post-show town hall begins at 9:30 pm
In our current political climate, rights won by the LGBTQIA+ community are at risk and under attack. How far have we come? How much more is still to come? Join us for this special post-show town hall event where we will be joined by scholars, activists, and local politicians as we begin the process of uncovering where we need to go from here.
* Tickets include the pre-show celebration, the 7:30 performance of Fun Home and post-show town hall at 9:30
Post-Show Performance | GET TICKETS*
November 2 | Thursday
Show begins at 7:30 pm | Post-show performance begins at 9:30 pm
Although every queer person has their own individual coming out experience, the act is universal. Sharing your truth with your loved ones can be terrifying, but it helps to know that you aren’t alone. Join us after the evening’s performance of FUN HOME to laugh, cry, and come together as queer comedians, performers, and storytellers share their stories.
FEATURING: Ike Holter, Gwen LaRoka, Brittany Meyer
* Tickets include the 7:30 performance of Fun Home and I Came Out Like a Wrecking Ball post-show performance at 9:30