Displaying items by tag: Judy Kuhn
Review: Porchlight Music Theatre's 'Fun Home' at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
Before Alison Bechdel became famously associated with her “Bechdel Test” for evaluating fiction by how women are portrayed, she published the now classic graphic novel ‘Fun Home’. Through meticulously created panels, Bechdel explores her splintered relationship with her father who died shortly after she came out to him.
Renowned composer Jeanine Tesori collaborated with Lisa Kron to adapt Bechdel’s graphic novel into a stage musical. Following significant rewrites, the 2013 off-Broadway production transferred to Broadway in 2015. The production went on to garner several Tony nominations as well as a nomination for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize.
Porchlight Music Theatre brings ‘Fun Home’ back to Chicago in an all-new revival directed by Stephen Shellhardt. There’s a freshness to this production that strives less for technical perfection but instead for a full-throated sense of emotion. Alanna Chavez leads the cast as the full-grown narrator Allison reflecting back on her childhood, While Patrick Byrnes plays her father Bruce with whom she has a complex relationship. In a series of non-linear memories and heartbreaking songs, ‘Fun Home’ combs through Bechdel’s memories for explanations for her father’s apparent suicide.
This revival isn’t trying to be the Broadway tour and it’s all the better for it. As evidenced by the part of Allison’s mother originated by Judy Kuhn played here by Neala Barron with a wildly different take. Gone is the passive mid-century housewife this part is typically played as. Barron takes Helen in a darker direction that perhaps more accurately captures the suppressed rage flowing through Tesori’s music.
In many ways, ‘Fun Home’ is a story about how emotional abuse as a child impacts the adults we become. Shellhardt’s interpretation doesn’t gloss over the more unsettling details of Bechdel’s relationship with her father. Byrnes gives a cool, but certainly not reserved performance that thrillingly straddles the line between scary and vulnerable.
Small but cleverly dressed staging helps the beautiful harmonies soar. One thing Porchlight can always be counted on for is the music. Even the arrangements seem slightly reinterpreted for this production. As the 100-minute show narrows its focus onto the exact moment Bechdel’s father’s life reached a crisis point, Tesori and Kron’s score goes for the jugular in duets like ‘Telephone Wire’ between Barron and Byrnes.
Though ‘Fun Home’ deals with heavy issues around suicide, closeted homosexuality and dysfunctional family relationships, it’s also a story of queer celebration. Bechdel’s father may not have been comfortable with who he really was, but Bechdel’s life and success is a living testament to shifting generational mores. Thanks to a more tolerant world, Allison Bechdel was able to live her life in a way her father never could.
‘Fun Home’ continues to shine as one of Broadway’s most original queer musicals, specifically because of its female protagonist. The sumptuous music by Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron brings out the bittersweetness of Bechdel’s graphic novel. Porchlight’s version feels as relevant today as ever and in the hands of this well-curated cast, ‘Fun Home’ soares off the stage.
Through March 2 at Porchlight Music Theatre at Ruth Page Center for the Arts. 1016 N Dearborn. (773) 777-9884
Review: Porchlight Music Theatre's 'Fun Home' at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
21 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewBefore Alison Bechdel became famously associated with her “Bechdel Test” for evaluating fiction by how women are portrayed, she published…
Dual Delights: A Spellbinding Journey with Jekyll And Hyde In Concert
20 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewBrightside Theatre's latest production, Jekyll And Hyde In Concert is a truly mesmerizing experience. And if you are a Chicago…
"Braids, Dreams, and Resilience: JaJa’s African Hair Braiding Shines at Chicago Shakespeare Theater"
20 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewJaJa’s African Hair Braiding, written by first-generation Ghanaian American playwright Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Obie Award-winning Whitney White, is…
XAVIER MORTIMER: MASTER OF MAGIC Now On Sale
20 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago and Starvox Touring are excited to announce individual tickets for XAVIER MORTIMER: MASTER OF MAGIC are now on sale. XAVIER MORTIMER: MASTER…
Drury Lane Theatre launches 2025/26 Season with the thrilling Chicago Regional Premiere of The Da Vinci Code
18 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreDrury Lane Theatre opens its 2025/26 with the thrilling Chicago Regional Premiere of The Da Vinci Code, based on the novel by Dan Brown,…
Joffrey Ballet presents two World Premieres in upcoming 'Golden Hour' mixed rep program
17 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThis winter, The Joffrey Ballet presents Golden Hour, a radiant mixed repertoire program of warmth and splendor. Featuring world premieres by Yuri Possokhov and Dani Rowe,…
Marriott Theatre Kicks off Spectacular 50th Anniversary Season with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
16 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicagoland's longest running musical theatre, Marriott Theatre, officially kicks off its spectacular 50th Anniversary Season with one of the most enduring and beloved musicals…
TOO HOT TO HANDEL: the Jazz-Gospel Messiah … SIZZLES!!
13 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewWe all have Christmas rituals; practices we incorporate into our personal experiences of the holidays. For me, it used to…
Broadway Tribute Introduces A New Generation of Musical Titans
13 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewCollaborations can produce tremendous results and the one between Nathan Gunn, his wife Julie Jordan Gunn and Jam Orchestra counts…
Drury Lane Theatre brings the music of Carole King to the stage with its stellar cast of Beautiful, beginning January 29
10 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreDrury Lane Theatre is thrilled to announce casting for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, a heartwarming journey through Carole King's inspirational life story, where…
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to The Auditorium March 7-9
10 January 2025 in Upcoming DanceAlvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world's most popular dance companies, returns to The Auditorium, Chicago's landmark stage at…
Announcing 42 BALLOONS, a soaring original musical inspired by an unbelievable true story
09 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today an exciting addition to the 2024/25 season: the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons.…
Broadway in Chicago’s production of Shucked Charms and Delights
09 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt’s the second act, and Beau (Jake Odmark) is in quite a state. The love of his life is about…
Court Theatre presents A Raisin in the Sun for the first time in company's history
08 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCourt Theatre – under the continuing leadership of Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, with interim artistic leadership from Senior Artistic Producer Gabrielle Randle-Bent and Senior Managing…
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents FOOL FOR LOVE - January 30 – March 16, 2025
07 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present a searing revival of Sam Shepard's dark and beautiful…
Writers Theatre to present Frida...A Self Portrait, opening January 31st
06 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues its 2024/25 Season with Frida...A Self Portrait, starring acclaimed…
Invictus Theatre Company announces its 2025 season
06 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreInvictus Theatre Company has announced programming for its 2025 season, its second in residence at the Windy City Playhouse. As…
Submissions Open for 2025 CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL - Returning April 3 – 6, 2025 at The Chopin Theatre
02 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreKokandy Productions is pleased to open submissions for the 2025 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival (CMTF), returning April 3 – 6, 2025 on The Chopin Theatre…
The Artistic Home to present HEDDA GABLER February 20 - March 23
02 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Artistic Home will present the Chicago premiere of Mark O'Rowe's adaptation of Ibsen's HEDDA GABLER. This pioneering work of…
Review: The Berlin Diaries by Andrea Stolowitz at Open Space Arts
24 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewMy companion was apprehensive about the press release’s statement that “… the two-person cast will play all characters and will…
Legally Blonde at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts: Blonde Ambition Takes Center Stage in Skokie!
24 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewUnlike many of the shows I review, which I’ve often seen in other productions elsewhere, I went into Music Theater…
Presenting AVAAZ, written and performed by Emmy Award nominee Michael Shayan
23 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater presents Olney Theatre Center's production of Avaaz, a "powerful, defiant, celebratory" (Washington Post) exploration of family and the immigrant…
Restaged OVO by Cirque du Soleil heads to Hoffman Estates for six performances only Feb. 13-16
19 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBetween a triumphant European tour and a highly anticipated return to North America, OVO by Cirque du Soleil has undergone a full ‘metamorphosis’ under…
Beetlejuice on sale December 20th
19 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBeetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice! You’ve summoned him once again, Chicago— BEETLEJUICE is back for another hauntingly hilarious run! Broadway In Chicago announced that tickets…
CLUE On Sale Now
18 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for CLUE, the hilarious murder mystery comedy inspired by the Hasbro board game…
Three-time Jeff Award winner Ron OJ Parson to direct Hymn
17 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces renowned Chicago director Ron OJ Parson will helm the North American premiere of Lolita Chakrabarti's Hymn, making his CST directorial debut.…
25 Years of Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer: A Warm and Sparkling Celebration of Individuality!
17 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI fondly recall watching the 1964 children’s television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer each year with great wonder! Its message…
Trap Door Theatre Presents: The Mannequins Ball, Opening January 23rd
16 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTrap Door Theatre is thrilled to continue its 31st season with a production of the renowned play, The Mannequins' Ball. Written by Bruno…
Teatro ZinZanni's Love, Chaos, and Dinner: A Spectacular Romantic Journey of Joy and Laughter
13 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewUpon entering the beautifully decorated lobby of Teatro Zinzanni theater on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, you are…
This Charles Dickens Gets to the Heart of 'Christmas Carol' In Spectacular Performance
11 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewJust as there are many Santa’s around town, this time of year we have a wide selection of Christmas and…
Latest Articles
-
Review: Porchlight Music Theatre's 'Fun Home' at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
Written by John AccroccoBefore Alison Bechdel became famously associated with her “Bechdel Test” for evaluating fiction by how women are portrayed, she published the now classic graphic novel ‘Fun Home’. Through meticulously created panels, Bechdel explores her splintered relationship with her father who… -
Drury Lane Theatre launches 2025/26 Season with the thrilling Chicago Regional Premiere of The Da Vinci Code
Written by Buzz Center StageDrury Lane Theatre opens its 2025/26 with the thrilling Chicago Regional Premiere of The Da Vinci Code, based on the novel by Dan Brown, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, and directed by Elizabeth Margolius. Witness the action-packed novel live on stage as Professor Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu race… -
Joffrey Ballet presents two World Premieres in upcoming 'Golden Hour' mixed rep program
Written by Buzz Center StageThis winter, The Joffrey Ballet presents Golden Hour, a radiant mixed repertoire program of warmth and splendor. Featuring world premieres by Yuri Possokhov and Dani Rowe, the return of Cathy Marston, and an audience favorite by Nicolas Blanc, the curated program welcomes audiences in from the cold to…
-
Marriott Theatre Kicks off Spectacular 50th Anniversary Season with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Written by Buzz Center StageChicagoland's longest running musical theatre, Marriott Theatre, officially kicks off its spectacular 50th Anniversary Season with one of the most enduring and beloved musicals of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, previewing on Wednesday, February 5, opening on Wednesday, February 12 at 7pm and running through March…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.