I saw it in Chicago in November after having seen it on Broadway four times. I was incredibly impressed by the re-staging and didn't really miss it being in the round at all. I wish I could be home in the Bay Area to see it again!
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
I saw it in chicago as well as on broadway, it was great both times! In the round and traditional stagings both had their ups and downs, both evened out and both are fantastic.
Any ideas if they are planning to record the tour? The show seems like the kind of show they would record, especially as it's not a show that is likely to have much longevity beyond the tour.
The tour was absolutely incredible, I saw it here in Denver last weekend. Although I do feel as if it was slightly lacking something by not being in the round. I truly wish I could have seen it on Broadway. Also it almost completely sold out when I went, only a few seats open in the very back.
AngusN said: "Any ideas if they are planning to record the tour? The show seems like the kind of show they would record, especially as it's not a show that is likely to have much longevity beyond the tour. "
Actually, I think it will be quite widely staged at universities (especially given the popularity of the graphic novel) and community theater - although perhaps not in more conservative communities.
I was blown away. All-around spectacular tour which is the equal to the NY production. I was especially impressed by Abby Corrigan as Medium Alison and Robert Petkoff as Bruce. It's a remarkable production of a special work with a score that rewards multiple viewings and reveals more with each exposure.
And it was great to see the beautifully reborn Curran Theatre so fully attended.
ChairinMain said: "If you get a chance to see the tour, do so for Abby Corrigan alone - she is absolutely perfect in the role."
Agreed. I'm told that part of the reason is that she IS exactly that age, so she IS Medium Alison in energy and attitude and life experience. (In addition to possessing awesome acting and singing chops!)
Agreed on Corrigan, who's incredible. I was slightly disappointed in Shindle (but maybe I wouldn't have been if I hadn't seen how amazing Beth Malone was in the role). I do like how the proscenium involves Alison in the action more thoroughly than the in-the-round staging did.
KnewItWhenIWasInFron said: "I do like how the proscenium involves Allison in the action more thoroughly than the in-the-round staging did."
This is a fascinating comment, and makes me look forward to seeing the production in DC! At The Public, my main qualm was that Alison seemed to be stuck at her table in the corner for so much of the time. Seems like they've fixed that for the tour.
That problem has been fixed in the updated tour staging.
**Spoilers?**
Director Sam Gold has placed Alison, with her sketch pad and pencil in hand, somewhere in the scene that isn't necessarily in the middle of the family action, but present enough to notice her always looming over the proceedings... watching and remembering. It feels almost ghost-like at times. Plus, Kate Shindle has such a large presence on stage with her statuesque height, she never seems to get lost in the back ground. You never lose adult Alison in the picture.
Enjoy the show in DC! I feel that Fun Home will play very well at the more intimate National, than the cavernous Ford Center/Oriental in Chicago where I caught the tour in November.
Agreed. I saw the show in SF over the weekend and it is fantastic. Corrigan is phenomenal and in fact the entire cast is strong. A tight, expertly performed production. Going back to see it again before it leaves SF.
I can't compare the show in San Francisco to the Broadway version, which I didn't see. But I thought it was a moving production. Abby Corrigan was out on Friday, but I liked her understudy - Caroline Murrah - very much. One thing that did strike me, on reflection, is that Kate Shingle really does loom over the show even during the many times when she is silent. So the staging worked well enough for me. My eyes would catch her expression, even as my main attention would be on her younger incarnations. Alessandra Baldacchino is poised and does a terrific job as the young Alison. My wife and I met her, and her mother, after the show.
It's not one of those musicals where you leave humming, at least the first time. But it's a powerful show, ranking just behind Hamilton on Broadway and the San Francisco touring version of Hedwig and the Angry Inch as my favorite shows during the past year. (I know they're not new to you Broadway folks, but I've been catching up on musicals lately.)
The revamped Curran looks nice, and they even gave people a free drink (and cookies) after the show.
Does anyone have a Playbill from the SF leg at the Curran. I would love to have one of those special Playbills but alas I live on the other side of the country
Finally got to see this last night, and it was fantastic. A great reflection of the Broadway staging, and some scenes even played out better, like the house reveal near the end.
The entire cast did a great job, but I have to agree that Abby Coirrigan as Medium Alison really stood out. Keep an eye on her.
Make sure to catch this if you're in the Bay Area!