The Addams Family

After their Covid-19 hiatus, Acton Amateur Operatic Society are back on stage this week with their production of the Andrew Lippa classic, The Addams Family, The Musical. Let me start by saying that this production was very entertaining from start to finish and it was great to see cast members, young and old coming together to create a piece of theatre. The production values were very good throughout both from a visual and audial point of view. Directed by Caroline Coles (Assisted by Benjamin Stubbs), this production was great. The costumes, set, pros and lighting etc all came together to create a visual treat. I particularly loved this lighting design, which was different to what I’ve seen before for this show. Other societies tend to go with dark lighting due to the dark themes throughout, however, this production was bright, garish and the use of uplighters, candle effects and gobo’s on the stage floor helped layer the piece and was thoroughly appreciated by me. For the most part, the scene changes were slick and incorporated within the action. There were a few blackouts to incorporate the bigger scene changes, including the flying in of flats etc. The storytelling was clear throughout from all cast members and a great time was had by audience members.

Rachel Capper was the choreographer for this production. I loved the choreography!! I loved the contemporary style that was infused within dances, such as ‘Secrets’ and the ‘Tango De Amor’ actually had a really good tango dance routine (something which is brushed over from time to time). I really thought the choreography was very strong in this production and it certainly stood out for all the right reasons!

Treona Holden took the helm as Musical Director, and despite using tracks for this production I found that actors were still allowed a certain amount of individuality with tempo and musicality, which was great. The whole cast sounded fab in the company numbers, and it was pleasing to see Treona conducting the show from the pit. I’m being very picky but, some of the individuals/soloists needed a little more work in tuning in places but generally, the tracks and singing really helped layer the production, incorporating style and musicality.

A special mention must go to the costume team (Jo Stubbs) who have worked tirelessly on producing top quality costumes that not only added layers to characterisation but added to the overall piece too. They really were that great! The set, although too cumbersome to move and was static in all scenes, didn’t get in the way too much and really looked brilliant! I loved the added lighting effects of the candles and festoon candles etc.

Rob Earl played the role of protagonist Gomez Addams. Rob had a great amount of gravitas to play the suave Gomez. He quickly connected with the audience and build a rapport form the start, which is very important in this show. Rob commanded the stage, and his energy was infectious. A lovely performance!  

Debbie Cornock was excellent as Morticia. I adored Debbie’s physicality and the way in which she inhabited the character – I totally believed her performance throughout! Her singing voice was very strong also – a brilliant version of this iconic character!

Chloe Parr was fab as Wednesday Addams. Whilst, for me, there were some slight tuning issues at times, Chloe’s singing voice was great to listen to. I liked her storytelling and her rapport with others too.

Cory Levick-Jones was entertaining as Pugsley Addams. Again, despite some slight tuning issues and a little more comic timing, Cory was fab at the beatboxing, and I really enjoyed his stage presence, especially all the little added extras of drinking from everyone’s cup at the dinner party etc. Well done!

One of the standout performances for me was Rob Nixon as Lurch. Rob was SO good in this role and it’s a prime example that no role is too small! I loved all the little intricacies and nuances that Lurch had and the way in which he was used throughout! A brilliantly understated performance!

Paul Birchall as Fester was entertaining and brought some nice energy. I would’ve loved to have seen more pathos with his love for the moon but I’m being very picky here! Mary Bolide had an abundance of energy and passion as Grandma Addams. Her energy and comment to this role was brilliant and I loved the way in which she used both her physicality and vocality to convey character.

Kevin Whitfield (Mal) was a little too understated for me, I would’ve preferred either a soppier version of Mal, or a little sterner straight-laced version. Saying that, Kevin’s diction and storytelling was great, and I liked his rapport with Emma Johnson’s Alice. Emma was fab in this role, and another stand out for me. I loved her interpretation and way in which she used both her physicality and vocality to convey this ever-changing character.

Whilst Sean Clark-Wilkinson looked a little slightly too old for this role, this had no impact on his ability to play Lucas – Wednesday’s love interest. Having an older Wednesday meant that this wasn’t really an issue. Sean was able to showcase some beautiful vocals with Chloe Parr. Their version of ‘Crazier Than You’ was brilliant!

I have to say that all others were great throughout and really added layers to scenes and songs. The group of dancers were particularly strong and each one was excellently drilled in both choreography and style. I really enjoyed the small group of young ensemble kids that were used really well throughout and were added wonderfully to scenes etc. Their facial expressions etc were fab!

One tiny thing worthy of a mention is the supporting adult ensemble. As I was sitting in the circle, I could see when the actors entered the box for scenes. I felt that they entered and exited the box as actors and not in character – I know I’m being ridiculously picky here! Maybe this is something that could be looked at for subsequent productions?

Overall, this was a thoroughly entertaining night at the theatre! The audience laughed in all of the right places and gave an ovation at the end. A sure-fire way of showing their support to this lovely society!

I thank Acton AOS for their hospitality and with them all the very best for their next production.

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