Ever wondered what it’s like to be a child understudy on Broadway? Today is your lucky day! I spoke to my client, Maya Fischbein, who was only nine years old when she made her debut in “Fun Home.” She offers an inside scoop on what it’s really like.
You understudied three different roles in “Fun Home.” Which was your favorite?Well, I loved all of them but Small Alison was my favorite! She is a fun and complicated character to play and gets to sing beautiful songs. My favorite song of hers is “Ring of Keys.” It is an important part of the show and the song is very emotional and moving.
Did you get to go on stage for all three characters?Yes! I was the first and only understudy at “Fun Home” to play all three Bechdel children (Christian, John, and Alison). Playing a boy was a fun challenge for me. I had to learn how to walk and stand like a young boy…. That is what I love about acting: you get to be someone else for a short time, live in someone else’s shoes. It is very cool! Each character was so different and I loved playing all of them.
Was it hard to learn three different parts with the different songs and lines?I wouldn’t say it was hard
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