Character guide
Small Alison
from Fun Home
Small Alison is the youngest version of Alison Bechdel in Fun Home, Jeanine Tesori's 2015 musical adaptation of Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir.
- Show
- Fun Home
- Broadway premiere
- 2015
- Role
- Supporting
- Music by
- Jeanine Tesori
Who is Small Alison?
Small Alison represents Alison Bechdel as a child growing up in the Bechdel family's funeral home, curious and observant even as she does not yet fully understand the tensions surrounding her father Bruce. She appears throughout the show as the adult Alison's memories surface, often watched by her older self as she narrates.
One of the show's most memorable moments belongs to Small Alison, when she encounters a butch delivery woman and experiences an early, formative flicker of recognition about her own identity, well before she has the words to describe it.
Small Alison's role in Fun Home
Small Alison is a supporting role in Fun Home, played by a child actor who must carry some of the show's most emotionally pivotal moments, including the song Ring of Keys. Sydney Lucas originated the role on Broadway in 2015 and received a Tony nomination for the performance.
Audiences remember Small Alison for that single song of quiet self-recognition, often cited as one of the most powerful moments in the show and in modern musical theatre generally.
Small Alison: frequently asked questions
What show is Small Alison from?
Small Alison is a supporting character in Fun Home, which opened on Broadway in 2015.
Is Small Alison a lead or supporting role?
Small Alison is a supporting role, originated on Broadway by Sydney Lucas.
Who wrote the music for Fun Home?
Jeanine Tesori composed the music, with a book and lyrics by Lisa Kron.
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