Reviews of "Fun Home"
"Portland Center Stage’s production of Fun Home takes an ingeniously constructed story and finds its emotional depth. The show packs a satisfying emotional punch without tying everything up with a bow. It’s beautiful and messy and complex. Just like our families." -The Oregonian
"If you’re looking for a musical for people who don’t like musicals, you probably can’t do better than Fun Home, the stage adaptation of Alison Bechdel’s wonderful graphic memoir currently playing at Portland Center Stage." -The Portland Mercury
"PCS' production is so intimate and charming, it's hard to imagine Fun Home on a giant Broadway stage. ... Fun Home's yearning for understanding imbues even the most uncertain and difficult moments with tenderness." -Willamette Week
"Fun Home will make you laugh and it will make you cry, and you'll love every minute of it. Go see it. Also, dads, call your daughters." -BroadwayWorld
"The Armory's production of Fun Home brings together this work of recreated memories and song with some gorgeous performances and deft and elegant staging. Director Chris Coleman leads the cast through this difficult unpacking with his characteristic dignity and respect for the story." -EDGEMedia
"PCS’s production of Fun Home resonates: It sticks with you and makes you pick through all the thematic layers. I wanted an audience discussion afterward to give myself time to breathe and think through the multi-faceted performance I had just gladly been subjected to." -The Vanguard
"Fun Home was transformed by Lisa Kron (book and lyrics) and Jeanine Tesori (music) into an exquisitely tender, funny, and probing look at a young woman’s evolution from small child to best-selling author and cartoonist ... This is a beautifully written play, directed with just the right touch by PCS Artistic Director Chris Coleman." -JudyNedry.com
Here's what audiences had to say on Facebook:
"Today's matinee was heartbreaking and enthralling. I have wanted to see this musical for so long, I love the graphic novel that is its source, and have great respect for Alison Bechdel, and all those who adapted this for the stage, wow, and thank you to the very fine cast."
"Wonderful production! So deeply moving, poignant and uplifting"
"Saw it tonight. Deeply moving. Thank you for a powerful evening of theater. The show deserves a sell-out run."
"I knew it was going to be good but far exceeded my expectations."
“A must see. Take Kleenex!!”
More about Fun Home:
"Fun Home" Inspired Art
Inspired by cartoonist Alison Bechdel, we partnered with Helioscope and invited local cartoonists and illustrators to watch Fun Home.
Chris Coleman on "Fun Home"
"The music is gorgeous." Director Chris Coleman talks casting, an elegant scenic design and why he loves Fun Home so much.
"Fun Home" Cast and Creative Team
Learn about the dynamite cast and creative team we've assembled for Fun Home.
Introducing the cast of "Fun Home"
Artistic Director Chris Coleman introduces you to the cast of Fun Home!
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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