The Addams Family

Ian and myself are always delighted to be invited to Llangollen Operatic performances. The Young Uns yet again put on a wonderful performance of “The Addams Family”. I know several of the older ones have moved on to university or the adult shows but, wow, the talent on this stage seemed to be endless. The principals were excellent. All performed really well  and, of course, the chorus of Ancestors were the icing on the cake.

It never ceases to amaze me that you can do so much on your small stage, and even smaller wings. All of the cast fitted on by using stairs and full-length balcony throughout. I did think the disclosure scenery was set like the last supper table – very apt. Again making full use of the stage.

The talent does not stop with the performers. as you have a very talented production team. The costumes for everyone, especially the Ancestors, the music, the scenery. The use of the stage was excellent.

We sat in a full house and as the music started the audience immediately joined in with clicking fingers to the sound from the orchestra

Gomez (Ethan Le Cheminant) was a very strong lead. He held the show together with his character and mature singing. Many of his songs were difficult to sing. Morticia (Heledd Edwards) was a really good foil for him. They complimented one another and were very much in charge of their family.

Wednesday (Katie Clark) was another excellent character. Her facial expressions said it all and she never lost it, even during the comedy moments, the rebel of the family. Grandma (Gracie Broadbent) had a nice cameo moment singing “What If”. She enjoyed stirring the situations. Pugsley (Dylan Harrison) the youngest member of the family worked very hard at portraying the annoying young brother.

And then there was Uncle Fester (Ethan Roberts), the comedy role – compliments on the “The Moon and Me” song and dance. He is obviously a natural comedian and played the role wonderfully. Well done. Lurch (Sam Gonzalez Jones) says very little but has a great deal of presence on the stage.

The Ancestors costumes and involvement was handled very well. They were well rehearsed and confident in all they did.

In contrast, the characters of the Beineke family were portrayed well with outfits and overcoming their family problems. Alice (Leri Roberts) managed well to change her character after drinking from the chalice. Nice song “Waiting” on her disclosure. She did a brilliant faint to the floor. Lucas (Freya Mortimer) gave a very strong performance. Mal (Will Robinson) was able to portray his stuffy side but was happy to become close to Alice again.

Morticia’s strictly dance with Gomez was a brilliant end to a brilliant show.

Congratulations to everyone.

 

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