Tony Clements directs “Fun Home” at SUU
By Ashley H Pollock
SUU’s theater and dance department will present Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Fun Home” Nov. 2, 3, 5, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. in the Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre at the Beverley Center for the Arts in Cedar City. This production delves into memories of Alison Bechdel’s dysfunctional family and the lessons that come from growing up and discovering who you are. It contains mature content and strong language.
For this production, the department was able to bring in a guest director of international caliber. Tony Clements, director of “Fun Home,” is a New York-based theater director and actor. He has directed productions at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, First Stage Milwaukee, and Marquette University and in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.
“I’m thrilled to be working with the actors, staff, crew and design team at SUU,” Clements said. “These talented actors have been a joy to work with, and we are really relishing digging into this rich material, which I think is incredibly relevant to both the students at SUU and the community in Cedar City. While the story is specific to author Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel, the issues it deals with are especially important today. Alison is struggling to understand her complicated relationship with her father and how it affects her now as an adult. It’s a story of growth, personal exploration, forgiveness, and ultimately healing and coming to terms with a tragic event. It deals with these things using one of the most beautiful and moving Broadway scores in years, and more than its fair share of humor. Similarly, we all have families, hurdles, and obstacles left over from youth to overcome in adulthood. It’s my hope that our audience goes away with a sense of release, clarity, and understanding. Perhaps we can all find new ways to reflect on our own personal struggles.”
Spencer Smith, a senior theater major, plays Bruce, Alison’s father, in the production.
“The most rewarding part of preparing for this production has been diving into the script,” Smith said. “The writers, Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori, have added so many subtleties to the book and music that interact with each other the more you learn about the story so that every time I read it or sing it I am learning something new. Bruce is such a complex character with so many dimensions and knowing how each facet of his personality builds upon the other really adds to the difficulty of putting him on stage. Our director, Tony Clements, is such an amazing director it has been an absolute pleasure to work with him. His passion is palpable and his respect for the material, as well as his cast, is unparalleled. This production has taught me how to accept myself for who I am. Though my problems don’t nearly compare to those faced by Bruce or Alison, I know through their examples that I can overcome anything. I am learning who I am and how I fit in the world just like Bruce, and although I make mistakes I can still learn to become better.”
Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for alumni with card, and $7 for youth. SUU faculty, staff, and students can get in free with a valid ID card. Tickets can be purchased at the America’s First Event Center Box Office, at the door the night of the performance, or online at suu.edu/pva.
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