"Knock, Knock," A Common Thread Theatre Company Presents "Fun Home"

Do you feel my heart saying ‘hi?’

A Common Thread Theatre Company opens the doors to its production of “Fun Home,” a Tony Award-winning musical based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir. The story centers on Alison, a lesbian woman, recalling memories of the past to help her understand her complicated relationship with her closeted gay father, Bruce.

“Fun Home” is directed by Cambridge resident Jacob Lavoie, a movement artist, director, and choreographer. He recently directed “Tick, Tick... Boom!” with ACTTC in 2023. Lavoie said he likes the show’s balance of humor, memory, and honesty.

While excited for the chance to direct, Lavoie admits that presenting “Fun Home” has also felt daunting. Authenticity is the most important part, and Lavoie said he is committed to bringing this multilayered theatre piece justice.

“(The show) centers on queer identity, family, and the things people struggle with privately, even within their own homes,” Lavoie said. “(Stories like this) remind us that simply telling someone’s truths can be powerful and necessary.”

Rehearsals started in November with eleven actors involved. From the beginning, Lavoie said that it has been an ensemble-driven piece with actors making decisions together. They have focused on character relationships, emotional truths, and creative staging.

Starring in “Fun Home” has been a dream come true for Lincoln resident Alyse Jessica Clinton (Middle Alison). Clinton has been acting her whole life and has a BA in theatre from Northeastern University. As a queer actor, she said the story’s themes resonated strongly with her when she first saw a production of the show.

In the show’s unique structure, the story focuses on three different versions of Alison: present 43-year-old Alison, college freshman Alison, and Alison at age 10. Clinton has spent time researching and collaborating with the other Alison actors on how the character recalls certain childhood experiences.

“(Alison) is thinking a lot about where she is in her life and career as she revisits these pivotal memories,” said Roslindale resident Kristen Aldrich, who plays another Alison. Aldrich is the education director at The Rozzie Square Theater.

Arlington resident Paul Murphy said playing Bruce, Alison’s father, has been the most challenging role for him in his three decades as an actor. He has looked beneath the layers of Bruce’s selfish nature and created a character whom audiences can relate to.

“‘Fun Home’ is a layered story. I feel like I learn something new every time I read it or we run a scene,” Murphy said.

The cast has been working with music director Kathryn Denney on music. She is a frequent music director of school shows and community theater groups. Recently, she directed “Connected: The Musical” at Nashoba Players in October. Denney said she has always been drawn to queer theater and believes that “Fun Home” empowers LGBTQ stories.

In rehearsals, Denney said she’s had several conversations with the cast about the context of song lyrics. They have overcome challenges along the way with rhythm. Songs include ‘Days and Days,’ ‘Edges of the World,’ and ‘Ring of Keys.’

One of Denney’s favorite moments is the final song, ‘Flying Away,’ featuring all three versions of Alison. “(This song) reflects on all the themes throughout the show and how (Alison) is defined by what she has experienced throughout life,” Denney said.

“Fun Home” highlights themes about coming-of-age, identity, and family relationships. Clinton recognizes that the show is still as relevant today as when it first premiered in 2013.

“This is a show about understanding your past and understanding your parents and reckoning with both the bad and the good. That is something that we can all relate to,” said Clinton. She added that she hopes the show shapes conversations between families to help heal silent wounds.

Audiences are invited to attend Common Thread Theatre Company’s “Fun Home” Feb. 13-22 in Framingham, Ma. Tickets are available online.