Interview: Chatting with FUN HOME's Smallest Alison, Gabriella Pizzolo!

When I first saw Fun Home in previews on Broadway, I instantly realized how important this musical is and will continue to be for years to come. Equally uplifting and heartbreaking, for many people Fun Home is easily the most significant musical of 2015 and of this era of American musical theatre. Recently, Gabriella Pizzolo, who made her Broadway debut in MATILDA, THE MUSICAL, took over the role of Small Alison in Fun Home. I caught up with the young star to talk about the show and this now iconic role.

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What it was like transitioning from MATILDA, THE MUSICAL to Fun Home.

I really had tons of fun in MATILDA, and then I heard about this new show, Fun Home. I went in to audition for it, and I didn't know much about the story. But, I auditioned anyway, and I thought it was a brilliant, brilliant, brilliant show with amazing music with Jeanine Tesori. And, the book was so heartbreaking. I fell in love with it as soon as I heard it, and I am so excited to get to be a part of it.

When Sydney Lucas left the show, did she give you any advice?

Um, no. She just said to have tons of fun!

Awesome. So, what's your favorite part of playing Small Alison?

Whoa! That's really hard. I'd have to say getting to work with all of the incredible, talented people and getting to do what I love to do the most. I'm just so honored.

The role of Alison is really complicated emotionally. How do you prepare for that each night?

I'm not quite sure. I just... (Pauses) I really get into it once I see everybody else's faces. When they look at me, I just sort of feel like I am Alison, Michael [Ceveris] is Bruce, and it all just kind of falls together.

What about "Ring of Keys?" That's such an important song for a lot of reasons. What is it like getting to sing that every night for an audience?

Oh my gosh! I feel like I've had some "Ring of Keys" moments myself in my life. So, I thought it was very meaningful, and it went straight to my heart. The music really touched me. And every single time that I hear that song, it makes so happy.

That's great! I know you will be in Fun Home for a while, but is there anything else that you are working on, or a role that you are hoping to do one day?

Well, I've been working on the Make A Wish production of THE SECRET GARDEN, and that's been incredible. I really love it. Other than that? No.

Looking into the future, because you have a long career ahead of you, are there any dream roles that you would like to play?

I don't think so. Not really. I think that I have been so lucky to get to be a part of everything that I have done that I don't really have any dream roles.

What advice would you give to other kids out there wanting to make their break into theatre?

I would just say, try to get involved in whatever your craft is. Get involved in want to get involved in. And, if you really love it, then never stop doing it.

FUN HOME is currently running on Broadway at Circle in the Square Theatre (235 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019). For tickets and more information, please visit http://funhomebroadway.com.