By Jason Crawford Samios-Uy
Running Time: Approx. 90 minutes with no intermission
If you ask anyone about their family, it’s rare someone will come back with, “Oh, my family’s just your everyday, normal family.” If they do, they’re probably lying. Every family has its quirkiness. Sometimes it’s what makes us love them, other times it makes us hate them, but there’s no changing it and we learn to deal with it, or we don’t. It’s all up to us. When it comes to homosexuality, it can get tricky for some, depending on the family. Speaking from experience, it was a breeze for me, but I know there are others who have had a more difficult time. In Baltimore Center Stage’s latest production, Fun Home, with Music by Jeanine Tesori and Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron, we get a glimpse into one family’s story of a lesbian daughter and her closeted gay father with the background of a funeral home in an ordinary town in Pennsylvania. This production is Directed by Hana S. Sharif, with Music Direction by Evan Rees, and Choreography by Jaclyn Miller.
(l-r) Jeffry Denman, Liam Hamilton, Michelle Dawson, Molly Lyons, Andrea Prestinario, and Jon Martens. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage
Briefly, Fun Home is based on an autobiographical graphic novel of the same name by Alison Bechdel concerning her complex relationship with her closeted father in the mid to late 70s in a small town in Pennsylvania. Through flashbacks, of childhood and college years, the present day 40-something Alison tells the story of her own coming out and coming to terms and of her own father’s coming to terms, as well as her own realization that her beginning was his end.
Scenic Design by Scott Bradley & Projection Design by Hana S. Kim is simple, but stellar. Bradley has managed to use a sparse stage and set pieces to represent various locations in the old Victorian house and their use of the trap doors to bring in different pieces such as a representation of an old car and living room is quite clever. It keeps the stage clean and the transitions smooth as not to hinder the action of the piece. The carefully selected projections and animations add great value to the piece and, running in tandem with the action and dialogue, adds variety to the setting and immerses the audience in each scene. Bradley and Kim are to be commended for their efforts.
Andrea Prestinario, Molly Lyons, and Jeffry Denman. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage
Karen Perry’s Costume Design manages to take the audience from the past to the present and back again, flawlessly. The 70s (much like every other decade) had a certain style and Perry has captured this look in a way that isn’t campy (except in one number, “Raincoat of Love” in which it is required – gold platforms and all) but authentic and it’s kind of a cross between modern and vintage which works beautifully for this piece. Her instincts are spot on and kudos to her for her design.
Though a production like Fun Home doesn’t require much choreography, Choreographer Jaclyn Miller has taken those bits that do require it right back to the era in which they take place. Reminiscent of The Brady Bunch or Partridge Family (though more of the former), or even the Jackson 5, Miller has created engaging and upbeat moves for the ensemble in numbers such as “Welcome to the Fun Home” and “Raincoat of Love” and the results are delightful. “Welcome to the Fun Home” consists of only children but they managed the choreography beautifully which tells me Miller knows her cast and fashions dances that will enhance their performances, and it does indeed. The fun, fluffy, bubble gum pop “Raincoat of Love” is no different and looks as if it were snatched off a music special of the 1970s. Again, there’s not much choreography to speak of, but what Miller has put on the stage is splendid and adds that extra “oomph” to an already engaging show.
(l-r) Molly Lyons, Andrea Prestinario, and Laura Darrell. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage
Evan Rees takes the reigns as Music Director and his work on this production is terrific. Musically Directing a Tony award winning piece is no small feat but Rees has stepped up to the challenge and has accomplished the goal. It doesn’t hurt that his cast is musically apt, and Rees has guided them to beautiful and emotional performances making for an very entertaining evening of theatre. Shout out to the exceptional orchestra of this production including Alex Aucoin (Percussion), Andy Axelrad (Reeds), Zack Branch (Basses), Amelia Giles (Violin/Viola), Gerry Kunkel (Guitars), MaryAnn Perkel (Cello), and Even Rees, himself, on Keyboards and serving as conductor.
Taking the helm of this production is Hana S. Sharif and her Direction makes it clear she has a hearty comprehension of this material and her presentation is impeccable. The pacing is upbeat when it needs to be and slows down when required but always engaging. Sharif understands telling a story in flashbacks and jumping back in forth in time and presents it in a way that is easy to follow making for smooth transitions and story-telling.
(l-r) Molly Lyons, John Martens, and Liam Hamilton. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage
Moving on to the performance aspect of this piece, the younger members of this ensemble consist of Jon Martens as John Bechdel and Liam Hamilton as Christian Bechdel and these young gentlemen are already setting themselves up for successful careers. Both boys portray their supporting characters with confidence and ease making them a joy to watch during their scenes and especially their fun performances in numbers like “Welcome to the Fun Home.” They hold their own throughout and give strong performances.
Two other supporting roles are taken on by Shannon Tyo as Joan and Justin Gregory Lopez as various characters. Tyo is clearly comfortable in her role as she delivers her dialogue naturally and she puts the audience at ease with her portrayal of this friendly, but straight forward character of Joan, the love interest of Alison. In the same vein of authentic portrayals, Lopez shines in his various roles, showing his ability to play different characters exiting and entering only moments apart. He’s believable in his portrayals and, vocally, Lopez is a powerhouse as he exhibits in his featured number, the nostalgic, upbeat “Raincoat of Love.” Kudos to both Tyo and Lopez for jobs very well done.
(l-r) Laura Darrell and Jeffry Denman. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage
Through flashbacks, Laura Darrell as Medium Alison and Molly Lyons as Small Alison give exquisite performances. Darrell, though looking a little older than the oldest Alison, gleams as the college aged Alison and completely embodies her role. Her rendition of the poignant and humorous “Changing My Major” is a memorable one and shows off her beautiful, strong vocals. She has a deep understanding of her character’s conflicts and portrays them effortlessly. Also, the young Lyons is brilliant as the youngest version of Alison and gives a confident performance well beyond her years. Vocally, Lyons stands her ground and belts out a near flawless “Ring of Keys” making for an impressive and charming performance, overall.
Molly Lyons. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage
A definite highlight of this production is Michelle Dawson as Helen Bechdel, the matriarch of the Bechdel family and a woman who is just trying to keep her family together, in spite of her husband. Dawson’s performance is superb as she emotes the emotion and strife this character is feeling throughout. Her gentleness with the character is in beautiful contrast of the obvious turmoil she is feeling inside. Her strong and confident performance of “Days and Days” in the second act is show-stopping and makes the audience take notice. Dawson is to be commended and applauded for her efforts in this role.
(l-r) Jeffry Denam, Molly Lyons, and Andrea Prestinario. Credit: Baltimore Center Stage
Standouts in this production are Jeffry Denman as Bruce Bechdel and Andrea Prestinario as Alison, the two pivotal characters around which this story revolves. This being the first time I’m experiencing Fun Home live, I’d done some light research before attending this performance, but I wanted everything to be fresh, so I limited my research. I had no idea how shady the character of Bruce Bechdel and it’s a little unnerving to know he’s based on a real person. That being said, Jeffry Denman is spot on in his portrayal of Bruce Bechdel. His authenticity in playing a man who is caught between two worlds is believable and, vocally, Denman is a wonder with a smooth timbre that resonates throughout the theatre. His performance of the emotional and heavy “Edges of the World” brings his character together and gives a better understanding of this person and his inner-conflict. In tandem with Dennam’s portrayal, Andrea Prestinario is an absolute joy to watch. Her portrayal of the present day Alison is so splendid, it’s easy to connect with this character instantly. She is confident and comfortable in this role, which puts the audience at ease, as well. Working as the narrator of this story, Prestinario skillfully walks us through each scene and her slight interactions within the scenes are subtle and she certainly makes this character the heart of the story. Vocally, she is a powerhouse as seen in her performance of the tense but thoughtful “Telephone Wire.” Prestinario should be applauded for her work and I can’t wait to see more from this able actress.
Final thought… Fun Home deserved every accolade it received and continues to receive. Not only is the text well though-out and put together, the music is modern and catchy, but heartfelt. The production at Baltimore Center Stage is top notch with exquisite talent and should not be missed this season. There is not one weak link in this chain of performers and everything from Set Design to staging to Music Direction is on point. The story in Fun Home been around for ages and will probably continue on for ages and this particular presentation of a family in crisis, learning about each other, and how to deal with each other has everything – poignancy, humor, sadness, and hope. Get your tickets now, before it’s too late. Come on down to the Fun Home! You won’t regret it!
This is what I thought of Baltimore Center Stage’s Fun Home… What did you think? Please feel free to leave a comment!
Fun Home will play through Feburary 24 at Baltimore Center Stage, 700 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD. For tickets, call the box office at 410-332-0033 or you can purchase them online.
Email us at backstagebaltimore@gmail.com
Like Backstage Baltimore on Facebook
Twitter @BackstageBmore
Instagram @backstagebaltimore
Religion can be a tricky thing to write an entire show about. Religion is a very personal concept and people have very strong feelings about it which makes it even more risky. However, to find a good balance and write a show about religion that isn’t over-saturated with said religion is a rare and beautiful thing and 
As with any mega-church, or any service in general, music is an important aspect and Music Director Jaret Landon knocks it out of the ballpark with this production. Wisely, this piece starts off with the choir (credited as the Community Choir of Baltimore Center Stage) with an upbeat, gospel piece that has the audience tapping their feet and clapping their hands. Some even sing along, which is actually encouraged. I’d like to note I am a HUGE fan of gospel music and I found myself tapping, clapping, and singing! Landon has the choir singing in beautiful harmony and the soloists were on point. The band, consisting of Jaret Landon on Keyboards, Todd Harrison on Drums, Max Murray on Bass, and Michael Raitzyk on Guitar are tight and well-rehearsed making for a phenomenal performance along with the Community Choir of Baltimore Center Stage. The music aspect of this production really put the audience in the mindset of the piece. The only stumble that comes along in the musical styling of this production is the last choir performance which is kind of like an audience-interactive piece, like in a church, and though the choir is just as strong as they are in the beginning, the male soloist is a curious choice as he doesn’t seem to have the gospel style down as well as he should for a finale, a little stiff and a little more subdued and technical than called for, the soloists performance just seems to fall flat. Otherwise, major kudos to a job well done in the music department.
Lighting Design by Jen Schriever is precise and fits well with this production. With isolation lighting and splashes of color, where needed, it blends nicely and moves the piece along without jarring the aesthetics or being a hindrance to the piece itself. A true sign of a good lighting design is when one doesn’t notice the lighting, but does when needed and that’s exactly what happens with Schriever’s design.
Moving on to the performance aspect of The Christians, every single actor in this ensemble made his or her character his or her own and worked with and off of their cast mates beautifully.
Adam Gerber tackles the role of Associate Pastor Joshua, the staunch, zealous, yet faithful Associate Pastor who wants what’s best for the church, just like the rest of the characters, but also wants to be certain everyone believes in a certain doctrine or dogma. Gerber plays the role intensely and confidently, making his character not so likable, but not despicable. His emotion and gestures give an authenticity to this character that Gerber completely embodies. The thing about his character is, we all, in one way or another, directly or indirectly, know a person like this character and he’s hard to figure out. He has an objective, that Gerber works for brilliantly, but it’s still hard to reconcile our respect for this character and our own beliefs, making for a stimulating and exasperating character that Gerber pulls off effortlessly.
Taking on the role of Elizabeth, the preachers wife, is Nikkole Salter who has an air of elegance and dignity that is required for this role. She fits perfectly with this character and gives a poignant, truthful performance. Salter works especially well with and has great chemistry with her counter-part, Howard W. Overshow, who takes on the complex role of Pastor Paul, who’s belief is changing and trying to deal with it and the opinions of his congregation. Overshow is an absolute standout in this production giving a superb performance. From the moment he steps onstage, one feels they are in a service watching a strong, confident preacher do his thing. His booming, yet comforting voice and gestures make for an extremely realistic performance and the emotion he emotes throughout his more intense scenes is outstanding. His anguish and confusion is clear in his performance and he handles the balance beautifully.
Final thought… The Christians is a poignant, though-provoking look at beliefs and how they can shape or even re-shape a person’s outlook on life. The performances were top-notch and the book by Lucas Hnath is cleverly written as he doesn’t dwell so much on religion but on individual views on the afterlife and gives a good balance of those views. From set design, lighting, and the amazing choir supporting this piece; you don’t want to miss it! It may have you asking questions or confirming what you already believe but either way, it will make you think and that’s always what good theatre does. Get your tickets now!
