Three years ago my partner and I were sitting at home watching The Tonys. We were both half paying attention to the television, each tweeting and facebooking at the same time. Then Sydney Lucas came out onto the stage. As soon as she started Ring of Keys, we were mesmerized. The song, and her performance, took my breath away; in seconds my partner and I were both in tears. We sat like that until she was done, then we couldn’t stop talking about this show we hadn’t heard of until that moment. I’ve been wanting to see Fun Home ever since that Tonys broadcast (where Fun Home walked away with five Tonys, including Best Musical).
I was ecstatic when Mirvish announced Fun Home would be coming to Toronto. I’ve listened to the cast album countless times and read the original graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. My expectations were high and this show did not disappoint. It exceeded every hope I had. Hannah Levinson as Small Alison absolutely smashes Ring of Keys. I was crying from the first note and didn’t stop. She’s mesmerizing.
The entire cast is fabulous. They knock every single song and scene out of the park. The woman ahead of me clapped so hard and so long after Days and Days I thought she might break her hands.
Even thought we knew the show going in from listening to the album, there were still emotional surprises. My partner and I both needed the tissue we’d brought. There are so many stories in this compact show, there’s bound to be something that will reach deep into your heart and soul, and touch everyone who sees it. It is much more than a coming out story, so much more. This is a show I’d see again and again. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure I get to experience this Toronto production again – and take my daughter with me.
Fun Home has a secure spot in my top five musicals of all-time.
Mirvish Productions has just announced Fun Home’s run is being extended by two weeks. From the press release:
David Mirvish’s presentation of The Musical Stage Company’s production of Fun Home has had its run extended by two weeks. The show will now play until Sunday, May 20, 2018 at the CAA Theatre.
After playing to ecstatic responses from audiences at five sold-out performances and opening to equally enthusiastic reviews from the critics, it is clear Fun Home has found its home in Toronto.
The production has also broken the box-office record for Off-Mirvish presentations, having already sold over $800,000 in tickets.
Says David Mirvish: “In the theatre business, you have to listen to your audience, and our audience is telling us loud and clear that Fun Home is an extraordinary musical.”
Have a look at the Fun Home trailer and then get your tickets before they’re gone!
