The Huntington Theatre’s newest production has opened its curtains to “Fun Home,” a deeply moving and beautifully staged interpretation of Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir of the same title.
Guided by a blend of powerful performances, thoughtful symbolism, and design choices that keep the act of rewriting memory at the center of the experience, this production is five-out-of-five star.
From the moment the lights come up, Alison’s desk remains onstage, a constant reminder of the older version of Alison’s struggle to make sense of her past. Along with this piece of furniture, older Alison never leaves the stage, thus becoming both a witness and participant to her memories. She laughs, cringes, and winces, at the action of her past self revealing just how much distance and growth time has allowed her.
One of the production’s uses of symbolism that really caught my eye was the wardrobe choices for Helen, Alison’s mother. Through the show she is seen in skirts, dresses, and other “ladylike” attire. It is not until after a conversation with Alison revealing how broken and imperfect their family is that she is seen in jeans. Portrayed by Jennifer Ellis, the story of Helen is one that will stick with me. Ellis’s performance of “Days and Days” is a standout moment, raw, breathtaking, and filled with the quiet devastation of a woman who has spent years and years holding everything together but is now finally breaking.
Nick Duckart delivers a layered and complex performance as Alison’s father, Bruce. The script paints him as both magnetic and deeply troubled, and Duckart leans into the contradictions well. Throughout the show you cannot help but hope that there will be some sort of real connection between Alison and her father. When young Alison leaps into the arms of her father to close the show it leaves the audience with a bittersweet moment of Alison finally getting the fatherly warmth she longed for even through the pain he has caused her.
The young actors in this production shine particularly bright. Lyla Randall, as small Alison, is nothing short of remarkable. She commands the stage with natural ease and emotional clarity far beyond her age. I have no doubt this is the beginning of a long career for a performer on the path to stardom.
The romantic subplot for medium Alison between herself and Joan is warm and refreshing. Unlike many modern narratives where romance dominates the central plots, here it simply supports Alison’s journey without overshadowing it.
Visually the show is triumphant. The set is constantly transforming, seamlessly shifting between the Bechdel family home, Alison’s art studio, the funeral home, and even a car. All of these set changes occur within the tight 1 hour and 45 minute runtime. “Fun Home” distinguishes itself through fluid, intentional movement that mirrors Alison’s shifting remembrance.
The Huntington’s “Fun Home” is an intimate, heartfelt, and skillfully crafted journey through memory, identity, and the complication in loving a complicated family. The production runs through Dec. 14 and it is absolutely worth experiencing.
–Nov. 25, 2025–
