Mrs. R and I had a busy weekend ; we went out to see two new musicals.
The first was an adaptation of “Persuasion”, a novel by some Regency lady writer. 
I’ve seen a couple film adaptations of the novel, and it was interesting how much had to be pruned out to allow room for some songs and still have an acceptable running time. Mrs. Clay was gone, for one, and Mrs. Smith nearly so.
The songs were nice but not outstanding; the lead actress (Cayman Ilika) has a lovely voice. Lady Dalrymple was played by a man in drag, which I have to feel was a misstep. Altogether, we had a pleasant time.
The second musical was “Fun Home”, which deals with Alison Bechdel’s coming-out, and her father’s repressed gayitude. Frankly, I was expecting a morose and grueling ordeal, but it was very involving and quite charming. The actress who plays teenage Alison (Abby Corrigan) does a wonderful job of being gawky and eager and unsure.
The songs, although I didn’t end up humming any as I left, were powerful and evocative.