Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home on Broadway [SIV396] 

4/17/15: Vermont cartoonist Alison Bechdel published her graphic novel Fun Home in 2006. The best-selling book told the tale of the author’s tumultuous childhood in rural Pennsylvania and the complex events that lead to the tragic death of her closeted father.

In 2013, a musical adaptation of Fun Home was mounted at The Public Theater in New York with book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and music by Jeanine Tesori. In March, Fun Home moved to Circle in the Square Theatre and opened to rave reviews on April 19th.

The musical depicts three versions of Alison (small, middle and 43-years-old) and jumps frenetically through time, slowly unfolding her emotionally charged tale. Playing the role of Alison’s little brother is 11-year-old Vermonter Oscar Williams. Oscar got Stuck in Vermont in November of 2014 when he shared his dream of performing on Broadway - which has now come true.

Eva and Seven Days’ cofounder Pamela Polston got temporarily unstuck from Vermont to see the show and meet up with Alison and Oscar on Broadway.

Music: Al Jolson, “I’m Sitting on Top of the World,” Fun Home, Music by Jeanine Tesori, Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron

Note: Alison’s childhood home in Beech Creek, PA which plays such a large role in the book and the musical is now for rent by new owners. Alison and some of the cast stayed there and you can too!

This episode of Stuck in Vermont was made possible by

Hotel Vermont and Vermont Tourism

And in case you don't have time to watch the 12 minute video, here is the shorter 4 minute version that aired on WCAX: