FUN HOME - Read the book first?

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 6:35pm

Opinions?  I've got tix for Fun Home on our September visit. I know that this is not the typical musical (whatever that is) nor is the novel on which it's based in a traditional format - so I'm wondering if you'd recommend reading the graphic novel before seeing the show. 

[MorningGlow2]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 6:40pm

I went to see it without any prior knowledge or having read the book. Didn't detract from the experience at all and now having actually read it post show, don't regret it one bit. I know some here have instead read it first, but also say the same thing.

Up to you!

[gypsy101]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 6:40pm

Read it! It's a terrific book.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 6:45pm

Either way you'll be fine. The show isn't told in a linear fashion, but neither is the book, and I don't think either are very difficult to follow. I hadn't read it before I went, but I bought the book before I left the theatre because I was so interested in reading it after seeing it live. 

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 7:06pm

The best part about reading it before, at least before the idea of making it a musical had even been floated, was the fact that when you did hear there were plans to  make it a musical the first thing you thought was, "There's no way you can turn that into a musical."

Then to see what those artists did with it was pretty much mind-blowing.  

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 7:21pm

I figured there'd be no spoilers-type plot turns that would be an issue. What I really hate is when I read the book first and changes for the adaptation involve a character doing things that make no sense based upon the presentation in the novel.

In this case, I expect that each will enrich the other. Perhaps a good book to download for the flight to NY.

[Fantod]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 7:29pm

I did, and it made me somewhat disappointed in the transition to stage. If you want to see the stage show, I would avoid the book beforehand.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 7:30pm

The musical is pretty faithful to the book, so I wouldn't worry. And regardless of what order your experience them in, they're each fantastic and very much worth your time. 

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 7:47pm

I'd suggest reading neither the graphic memoir nor Bechdel's comic strip that preceeded it.  It's more rewarding, in my opinion, to have the story unfold before you without knowing what's in store.

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 8:44pm

I read it after.  I think you can go either way.  I agree with the poster who said they enrich each other.  Maybe see it first and read it after.  

[seahag2]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 10:52pm

Fun Home was a contender for my school's '15-16 campus common read but lost out to Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I wanted to be upset but c'mon, it's Chimamanda.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 4/16/15 at 10:58pm

I hadn't read the book when I first saw the show (I knew a very basic plot outline), and I loved the show. The book is now sitting right in front of me on my bed, but I haven't started yet. I will soon!

Also hoping to see the show again, so we'll see how the book influences my second viewing.

Anyway, yes, this show is fine to go in cold.