Fun home or an American in Paris? — Page 4

I find it much more interesting to know what goes into a statement like "I'm not interested" rather than that alone being the reason. So I thank you for taking the time to explain it.

I've personally never been able to listen to a cast recording of a show I've never seen. To me it would be like going to a movie where the projector bulb is shut off. Or whatever they're called now that there aren't film or bulbs. I know a lot of people do it, but for me it's like having half an experience.

Your economics make perfect sense too. And hell, if Fun Home actually goes and plays in Iowa, it truly will be a revolutionary show.

Well, I think "Fun Home" will cause controversy. I'll be interested to see how the tour goes.

I don't think the show is the first of its kind in that way. I mean, it's not even Tesori's first show that does all the things you're saying Fun Home is the first to do.

I have to be honest, I'm not super interested in Fun Home. I'll see it because it's nominated, but what I've seen of it and heard of the score has bored me out of my mind. AAIP spoke to me more as a dancer, so maybe my biases come from that.

Besides not selling tickets, what are the elements of a show that grabs you?

I didn't care for Fun Home the first time I listened to the cast recording, but i understood that it was probably something special.

It's now one of my favorite cast recordings and I find the score absolutely beautiful. I can't imagine it not winning best musical. I actually will be flying up to see it soon.

Some musicals, especially Tesori's, take more than one listen to really appreciate. Fun Home is a subtle, tender show that may not have flashy dancing and sets, but rather a cast of beautiful actors that are singing and performing a gorgeous little show.

AAIP is probably gorgeous, but it will tour and be incredibly popular regardless of the award. Fun Home NEEDS this award to stay alive.

I would rather see the little show win.

Believe The Visit needs it more than fun and liked the Visit much more.

Did not take you long to chime in NAMO

Well done.

As a fan of Fun Home, obviously I know winning the award would be helpful to the show's box office, but ultimately what matters to me is that the show is recognized. The creative team took on an unusual source for a musical, both in terms of subject matter and its origin as a graphic memoir, and turned it into a beautiful piece. Fun Home not only tells a story about a queer woman, too rarely done in mainstream theatre, but it's also applicable to anyone because it's all about how so much of who were are comes from our parents and our families. It would be wonderful to see this recognized, not for any financial reason, but because it's work that is worthy of recognition for its skill and daring. Not to mention, in a field that is so heavily and historically dominated by men, it's high time a musical written by two women gets this award.

We're all talking about variations on themes and in some cases (Roxy) completely different things. I think Fun Home is a remarkable achievement and not at all surprised that some people go from thinking they don't like the score only to have its riches unfold for them on repeated listens. It is an ambitious work of art, and it seems like some people hold ambition against a show. It definitely is a piece that rewards close attention and repeat listens and/or viewings. It's accessible but it is not facile. It's rewarding, but it's not a light entertainment.

"too rarely done in mainstream theatre"

This is the first time in history that there has been an out lesbian protagonist in a Broadway musical. I always wonder if that's in play when people say something vague about not being interested in the show.

The Visit.

The Visit

But in all seriousness I am gonna be very upset if Fun Home doesn't win Best Musical. Not because I am an admittedly biased fan, but because this year the Tony voters have the chance to recognize something truly groundbreaking and different. It would be a shame to pass up the opportunity and go with AAIP, which although is a perfectly decent show, has been done before and will be done again. I think Christopher Wheeldon would be perfectly worthy to walk away with a Tony for direction. His direction/staging, in my eyes, was the most inventive aspect of the show. But I don't see any real reason why it should beat Fun Home for the big prize.