Chambersburg Community Theatre kicked off its 70th season this weekend at the Capitol Theatre with "Fun Home," a Tony Award-winning musical that delves into themes of self-discovery, family, and coming of age.

“Fun Home,” which is based on the graphic novel “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel, focuses on memories from Alison’s childhood and early adulthood mainly about her father, Bruce Bechdel. It is revealed that Bruce, despite leading a seemingly perfect life, is a closeted gay man. Throughout the course of the show, Alison explores memories of her father and her journey to realizing her own sexuality.

AimeeBeth Davis, director of the show and the president of CCT’s board of directors, told The Chambersburger, “The show is about an artist who is working through grief and her childhood and coming to terms with the fact that she and her father are probably more similar than they thought.”

Bechdel’s character is depicted by three actors to depict the various stages of her life. Allison, played by Amoretta Shultz, explores her childhood by rewatching the experiences of Small Allison, played by Brenna Hollingsworth, and Medium Allison, played by Jocelyn Merriman.

The show follows Alison as she reflects on her childhood while drafting her graphic novel. Small Allison, her brothers Bruce Jr. and John, her mother Helen, and Bruce perform “Welcome to our House on Maple Avenue,” showing the audience the destructive behaviors of Bruce and his need to impress others. In “Helen’s Etude,” Bruce seduces a past student of his named Ron while Helen plays piano in the other room, trying her best to ignore her husband’s behavior. 

Medium Alison realizes that she is a lesbian, but second guesses herself until Joan, a fellow lesbian, kisses her. In “Changing My Major,” Alison is delirious after having sex with Joan. She writes a letter to her parents coming out.

After receiving a noncommittal response from Bruce, Medium Alison and Joan visit their family home. Helen reflects on her turbulent marriage with Bruce in “Days and Days.” Months after Alison comes out to her parents, Bruce tries and fails to find a way to hold his life together in “Edges of the World” and commits suicide. 

After exploring her memories, Alison makes peace with her past and draws a moment of perfect balance: playing airplane with Bruce with the other Alisons in “Flying Away.”

CCT’s performance of “Fun Home” was beautifully performed in the Capitol Theatre’s Wood Center, which has a non-traditional stage. Audience members sat around the center of the room, with one side saved for the pit. The smaller space allowed for an intimate environment for the audience. 

The musical was captivating for the audience, who gave the performers a standing ovation during curtain call. The sensitive story was performed and directed with much talent, proving why these stories are so important to tell in the first place. 

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