Interview: Broadway's Robert Petkoff Discusses the Meaningful Magic of FUN HOME

For two weeks only, the biggest musical of 2015 takes up residence in the Windy City. Fun Home, based on Alison Bechdel's acclaimed graphic novel, brings a woman's memories to life as she looks back on her relationship with her father. Joining Broadway World for an exclusive interview is stage and screen actor, Robert Petkoff, who tackles the dynamic role of Bruce Bechdel.

As last year's Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Fun Home developed a huge following on Broadway. What would you tell Chicago audiences who are experiencing this unique show for the very first time?
Fun Home's popularity stems from its heart. It's a story about family, specifically a daughter and her father, and the daughter's journey to figure out what all of these memories mean. This show really fits in a place like New York City but what I'm most excited for is taking this to new audiences. It truly will resonate with anyone. Someone once said, "This show will only be meaningful if you're a mom, dad, son, or daughter."

Describe Fun Home in three words.
Intimate, human, and it's a toss up between heartbreaking and joyful.

Bruce is an incredibly dynamic character. I know there's a lot you can't say without giving away spoilers, but what can you tell us about this role?
He's a conflicted man. He's a man that the world sees one way, his family sees another way, and who sees himself in a completely different light. I love the humanness of this character and the emotional journey that we watch him take. Bruce is well-written, well-rounded and layered.

Do you have a favorite song?
Susan Moniz sings "Days and Days", an absolutely gut-wrenching and gorgeous song sung by a wife and mother. I always enjoy listening to her perform.

You have an amazing background in this industry. You've done a little Broadway, some television, film, and you record audiobooks. What has this journey been like?
In high school, I decided to try out for school plays to impress a girl. It just so happened to become my passion! One of my teachers really showed me that acting can be more than just making people laugh; it can tell stories that change people.

I started to pursue it in college and I was lucky to have things go from there. Some highlights have been playing Hamlet and George from Sunday in the Park with George, both at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Those are two roles I've really loved...but Bruce Bechdel is quickly becoming a favorite.

When you aren't at the theater, where can we find you? Any eclectic hobbies?
I'm big into photography. In fact, with almost every show I do, I contribute to this personal project of mine. I photograph actors as their characters. For Fun Home, I'm going to make the pictures polaroids since the show takes place in the 70's and 80's. Some actors are very camera shy when it comes to taking pictures, but everything changes when you ask them to be their character. You get something really special.

With this tour just beginning, are there any places you're extra excited to visit?
Bringing Fun Home to big cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles is going to be really fun, but I'm also very excited to see how smaller cities react to it. I'm really looking forward to hearing each audience's feedback. This is a show our society needs right now: It's adapted for the stage by a woman, based off of a book written by a woman, and put together by a creative team of women. I think this is so important.

Of course, I'm excited to visit Chicago as well! I love this city because it has the energy of NYC without being so overwhelming. I used to live in Wrigleyville and that was a blast---if only we could see a Cubs game!

Last but not least, any projects on the horizon?
I'm enjoying that blissful moment in time where I don't have to look for work. It's every actor's dream. I am, however, also recording some audiobooks along the way. Just today, I recorded a Star Trek book and got to do the voice of Captain Kirk and Spock. Life is good!

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The Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home moves into Chicago's Oriental Theatre from November 2-13, 2016. For ticket information and to learn more, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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