The Addams Family

This musical comedy was taken from the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.  Following the cartoon, the films and the television series, it wasn’t until 2010 when this musical opened in Broadway.  Some seven years later, it received a UK premiere tour and has since gone on to be performed by many amateur societies around the country. 

The story is every father’s nightmare.  Wednesday Addams, the ultimate Princess of Darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met.  And if that wasn’t upsetting enough Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother.  Now, Gomez Addams must do something he has never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.  Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.   

Ben Smart as Gomez led this cast with great aplomb.  Ably supported by Kaite Wison as Morticia, who grew into the role more and more as the evening went on.  They were complimented by a talented cast around them.  Wednesday (Poppy George) and Lucas (Owen Hawes) were well matched and their performance of ‘Pulled’ and ‘Crazier Than You’ drew well deserved applause from the opening night audience.  Uncle Fester (Lewis Philpott) held the story together with wonderful energy and comedy.  The ever-crazy Grandma (Emily-Rose Mould), Alice Beineke (Amelia Cox), Malcolm Beineke (Simon Humphris) all delivered assured performances.  Laughs were plentiful as Lurch (Oliver Mitchel) was at the centre of much audience laughter as he grunted his way through all bar the final five minutes when his voice rounds off this excellent opening performance.  The role of Pugsley Addams, Wednesday’s annoying brother, was ably played by Paige Ottaway.  However, the stand-out performance this evening goes to the ensemble.  Each and every member portrayed their individual character with precision and great attention to detail.  This was ensemble work at its finest.

The choreography (Faye Anteney) was just right for this production.  From the opening number (When You’re An Addams) through to the final Tango in the Addams Grave Yard, every move complimented the excellent direction of Kevin Warne.  His attention detail throughout, particularly with the ancestors, made this performance stand out from many others seen recently.

The 9-piece orchestra under the Musical Direction of Ed Walter ably supported the cast throughout this performance.  On the whole, the balance was just right.  A little ‘drum heavy’ at times but overall this did not detract from the performances onstage. 

The set design was simple but effective throughout and with lots of action going on, this was definitely a case of less bejng more.  The costumes provided by the cast themselves, followed a simple but effective colour theme, with The Addams family in black, the Beinekes in colour and the Ancestors in white.  Lighting (Craig Cotton) was atmospheric and complimented each scene.  I particularly liked the use of side lighting in a number of scenes to accentuate colour.

A few sound issues detracted from the action at times, but these were significantly better in the second half and I am sure will be ironed out as the run continues. 

Congratulations PAC on a superb opening night.  It was a pleasure to attend and I wish you every success for the rest of your run. 

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