Hold on to your heartstrings! Love is the driving force in “The Addams Family, A New Musical,” a delightfully dark and comedic tale of two families: the straight-laced midwestern Beinekes and the graveyard-dwelling Addams, who despite stark differences in demeanor, personal style and preferences, have more in common than meets the eye.
Based on characters created by Charles Addams, and the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, “The Addams Family, A New Musical” – as embodied onstage by the Mount Madonna School (MMS) high school cast – dazzles with memorable characters, great physical energy, witty humor and poignant, lyric ballads.
Performances are January 25 and 26 at 2:00pm at Mount Madonna School’s Hawks’ Nest Theater. Tickets on sale December 4 at mms-theaddamsfamily.brownpapertickets.com. Adult tickets are $20; seniors are $15 and $10 for 18 and under; all seats are reserved.
In this delightfully dark celebration of the bonds that connect us, change-resistant parents Gomez and Morticia grapple with their daughter Wednesday’s emerging independence and revelation that she loves Lucas, a young man from a “normal family.” Uncle Fester “moons” in unrequited passion for the “unreachable” moon, and every family member – whether living, dead or undecided – is embraced!
When Wednesday invites Lucas and his parents over to get better acquainted, Gomez, Morticia and the rest of the family are asked to act “normal.” That’s impossible, of course, as the evening quickly erupts into amusing chaos with unexpected confessions, relationships tested and the Addams family facing up to the one thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations: change.
The story abounds with opportunities to examine questions that high school students face daily: how to be ‘themselves’? How much to conform? How to be open to other perspectives and identities? How to take risks and be vulnerable? Whom to trust?
“I’m learning to be patient with myself as I step into a lead role for the first time,” said twelfth grader Emilia Lord, cast in the role of Wednesday Addams. “I’m figuring out how to make the character real for me and build from there. I used to be more down and reserved like Wednesday, but, like her in this story, I’ve changed, too. Freedom is a key part of it; the freedom to act however you want and give yourself permission to reveal another side of yourself.”
Director Chelsea Otterness said choosing this play for the high school’s winter musical is a great fit.
“Eccentric, terrifically talented, fun-loving family; we’re basically the Addams family already,” said Otterness. “Now we get to dress up, be extra dramatic and, in many ways, extra spooky and Victorian. Not only is the MMS cast a perfect match for the characters in this play, but the theme is one we can all get behind. Our show will feature a powerhouse of vocal talent and unique personalities that will light up the stage and leave you happily spellbound!”
Filled with sharp one-liners, spirited songs and tight dance numbers, this Broadway musical also features beautiful music.
“The Addams Family’s Tony Award-winning score is as memorable as that of the great traditional musicals such as ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ or ‘Into the Woods’,” said Music Director Holly Ota “The song ‘Happy Sad’ brings me tears every single time and ‘Move Toward the Darkness’ carries epic inspirational power.”
Twelfth grade student Mordecai Coleman is cast as devoted husband and father Gomez Addams.
“I relate to many of the feelings Gomez experiences in the play,” said Coleman. “It’s interesting to consider things from the perspective of the father, a viewpoint I hadn’t fully explored before. Having parents who are divorced, it’s made me think about what it must have been like for my dad. Reflecting on that perspective has helped me develop more empathy for his situation. Stepping into roles that are far from your own personality can really open the door to becoming a more empathetic person, offering a more open-minded view of others.”
Twelfth grader Manumailagi Hunnicutt will portray matriarch Morticia Addams.
“It’s important to remember that a lot of people struggle to accept others or look beyond their own perspectives,” said Hunnicutt. “Embracing others as they are is such a powerful message to share. There are a lot of quirky characters in this story, and each one represents an archetype taken to an extreme. All the couples in the story help one another rediscover love and openness.”
“The Addams Family, A New Musical” is presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized performance materials are supplied by, Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
Mount Madonna School has a longstanding tradition of performing arts for students preschool through high school; and beyond outstanding performances, engaging in performing arts prepares students for life well beyond the stage.
“Stretching ourselves to portray these characters is important for our generation,” commented Lord. “While we may be scared to act as people who are considered odd, doing so is a crucial way to grow. Our generation is often quick to judge, but by normalizing the ‘odd,’ we help create a space where authenticity can be embraced without fear.”