Mischa: I certainly love to see a story revolving around a garden.

Kitty: This story created my expectations for what a garden should be: an enchanted place unlocked by a hidden key with a kind local who does most of the work for me and charms bushels of roses into magically growing while I hold a small spade and talk to birds.

M: It was an unmitigated pleasure to watch Sydney Richardson portray this part. She exuded the perfect mix of Midwestern charm and knowing experience to make it really come to life.

Kitty: Oh, absolutely. This show’s brisk run time of just over an hour could easily feel much longer if the script slipped into a singsong lull. But Richardson handles the verse like a pro.

Kitty: Full disclosure: We once dressed as Mary Poppins and Bert for Halloween. We’re very serious about our Poppins lore.

Mischa: But we promise to be absolutely objective in our reactions to this show.

M: The comedy relies a lot on broad stereotypes, if you know what I mean.

K: (rolls eyes)

Kitty: I just want to start by saying that Harmoni Eiland is such a strong lead.

Mischa: Absolutely!

M: With its familiar storyline, a lot of talent on and off stage, and a full helping of over-the-top silliness, it really hits most of the right notes.

K: You know who was hitting all the right notes?

M: Could you possibly mean Lauren VanSpeybroeck and Casey Scott?

K: I could!

Kitty: For me, Fun Home is what would happen if Tennessee Williams made a musical.

Mischa: Okay, intriguing … could you spell that out more specifically?

K: Taking pleasure in the ridiculous is key to making this show work, and Zach Ulmer was clearly having a great time. The audience couldn’t help but follow suit!

M: Absolutely. I’d agree that Ulmer was the highlight of the show’s comedy, including some fun ad-libbed asides – and he has a strong singing voice, to boot.

M: No one's here for the story, are they?

K: No, we’re in it for the escapism! And fortunately, that’s exactly what this show is all about.

M: Corey McKinney inhabited the lead role very effectively throughout, but was especially convincing in portraying Elvis’ halting yet ever-more-confident steps developing his breakthrough sound and achieving popularity.

K: I agree! McKinney did a great job of showing the progression of Elvis’ style.

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