The Addams Family

Barely one musical bar into the overture, and the audience (of a certain age!) were responding with the double finger-snaps, so well-known from the TV comedy.  Favourable audience reaction continued throughout this modern take on the well-loved TV/film creation. If I may be so bold as to suggest however, one thing the show lacks is chorus work. Knowing the quality of the KAOS chorus, it would have been nice to hear more from them, nevertheless, Iain Rowbotham’s inventive direction found the chorus throughout, in various nooks and crannies of John Urquhart’s superb set, as ghostly ancestors viewing the action from above, behind and to the side of a scene.

On to the principals, and really all I can say is hearty congratulations to all, for excellent eccentricity and maintaining a high vocal and acting standard throughout. Kay Dickson’s “Morticia” was a lesson in stagecraft as she glided back and forth across the stage. This, combined with vocals which suited the character down to the ground, left a hard act to follow. She, in addition to other principals, were a definite aid to Nigel Orkney’s “Gomez”. The part of Gomez is sizeable in the stage show, but, accepting a few little blips in the spoken word, I really enjoyed Nigel’s performance as the patriarch of the family. Wednesday and Pugsley Addams (Ann-Marie Miller and Grant Duffus) made the most of their unconventional behaviour – their torture scene being a case in point – and well executed (pun intended!). Fester Addams (Andrew Lowrie)  emulated the much loved character from the television just as I would have envisaged. His “Moon and Me” with the female ancestors was touching and amusing at the same time. Well Fiona Brodie, Grandma Addams was certainly a change for you, but just showed how versatile an actress you really are, with lovely characterisations and expressions throughout. The Bieneke Family of Mal (Clark Graham), Alice (Deirdre McFarlane) and Lucas (Adam Campbell), excelled as a family, bringing a (slight!) sense of normality to the show. Last, but definitely not least, was “Urgh” Lurch! Barry Corkey demonstrated to fine effect, just how to make the most of a part using only a few guttural sounds – this, combined with his height, was a first class piece of casting. Then, to crown all, we get a verse sung by Lurch in the Finale of the show. Excellent!

All this praise to the cast must be echoed to the Production team! As mentioned already, Iain Rowbotham’s thoughtful direction used a wonderful set to it’s maximum, while Alan Gibson’s musical direction brought out fine vocals from principals and chorus alike. Finally Liam Nardone’s choreography was the icing on the cake of a first class show!

Well done KAOS, and roll on next year, hopefully back in your home theatre!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.