The Addams Family

A relatively new musical, and a departure to something a little different for HMTC, a brave decision, a good production, and I know that everyone who has seen the show really enjoyed it.

Jason Lane is a new Director for HMTC, and I liked his approach to the production, involving as many people as possible, and keeping the ensemble busy too. Jason’s choreography was interesting, and very much in keeping with the music and genre, effective, but suitable for everyone.  Good dance breaks in Secrets, and Just Around the Corner.

Graham Thomson a well-established MD for HMTC, pulled it out of the bag again, with well-drilled singers, both principals and ensemble, and a really good sounding band.  I love the music for this show, it is quirky but tuneful, and quite difficult too, so well done to everyone.

Sound was mostly good, although sound balance between stage and pit was marginally suspect at times, but I appreciate the difficulty in getting it right at the Halls!

The set was well designed and worked well for the cast, although (being a fan of seamless scene changes), I felt there were a few too many blackouts!

Lighting was good, Fred Rayment has some nice ideas that worked well.  I am not always a fan of forward light projection as it sometimes masks the onstage action, but there only appeared to be one instance of this during the production, and I enjoy the nuances that can be attained through this form of lighting.

The costumes were good, each member of the cast and ensemble had their own character, with very effective makeup, making this a good-looking show.

I appreciate the work put into marketing the production too.

Graham Breeze created a full-on Gomez, I loved his performance and his relationship with Morticia and Wednesday particularly.  I have seen Graham in many roles, and thought this suited his flamboyant side really well, allowing him full rein to a multitude of expressions.  I particularly liked the ‘Trapped’ number.

Morticia was played with great elegance and allure by Charlotte Gregory.  Charlotte always gives such a well-studied performance, supported by a rich singing voice, and she certainly got all the gruesome nuances of her character, whilst also creating a certain motherly, if wicked, concern for her offspring.  She also did well in the dance numbers.

Silvia Colucci created a very good Wednesday, charming and evil at the same time.  I enjoyed her performance, especially Pulled, which showed her voice off and was very well sung, also good relationships with the family and Lucas, nicely done.

Gideon Metcalfe had his work cut out as Pugsley, dealing with his various family members.  He sang beautifully, and his Pugsley was very believable in the scope of such a strange family!

Lucas Beineke was well-played by Ben Molloy, he delivered humour and understanding, whilst trying to get to grips with the Addams Family, and also the changing relationship of his parents.  Ben also sang extremely well and I enjoyed his performance very much.

Issy Wiggins and Martin Scott created a good couple as Alice and Mal Beineke, just the right amount of guarded acceptance of each other, and astonishment at the changes wrought by their visit to the Addams Family!  Issy was a hoot, lovely characterisation.

Roger Monson gave Lurch all the poker-faced portrayal expected, with the lovely surprise of his song, which was well-performed.

Emma Orr was the sly, crafty Grandma – with her relationship to either side of the family left open – her portrayal worked well as a contrast to the rest of the family.

The revelation for me was Nigel Harvey as Fester – he played it with just the right amount of disbelief and belief, a great character, beautiful voice, and just enough in the tongue-in-cheek asides to make it funny but believable. Loved the Moon and Me, funny but delightful!

The ensemble all got into the characters they were dressed as, and I enjoyed their contribution to the production.

A really nice show, well-directed, sung and performed – a thoroughly enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

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