The Addams Family

In the kooky, upside-down world of The Addams Family, where sadness brings joy and pain is a source of happiness, this amateur production brought the peculiar charm of the Addams to life while tackling the everyday challenges the family faces. Director Nicholas Gillott reflected on the various issues faced during rehearsals, highlighting the professionalism of the cast, particularly Amy-Lewise Spurgeon-Hill, who stepped into the role of Alice Beineke on the day of the performance. Her seamless integration into the cast showcased the true spirit of amateur theatre.
Anthony Sargeant embodied Gomez Addams with his distinct Spanish accent, which he maintained impressively throughout the show. His powerful singing voice and commanding stage presence made him a standout performer. I look forward to seeing more of his work in future productions.
Victoria Lawford delivered a performance filled with darkness, grief, and unspeakable sorrow as Morticia. Her powerful singing voice and excellent rapport with Gomez were highlights of the show. While the Tango de Amor was performed as a freeze frame, which slightly diminished its impact, Lawford's overall portrayal was commendable.
Alex Caldwell adeptly captured the complexity of Wednesday Addams, balancing her relationships with her eccentric family and her new love interest. Caldwell's performance showcased compassion, stubbornness, and strong will, making Wednesday a relatable and dynamic character.
Joe Smith portrayed Lucas Beineke with an optimistic yet hopeless romantic charm. His frustration with his own family added depth to his character. Although some dialogue exchanges were a bit quick, Smith's portrayal was engaging and heartfelt.
Chris Harrison managed the change in his on-stage partner with professionalism and grace. His portrayal of Mal Beineke was strong, adding stability to the family dynamic.
Amy-Lewise Spurgeon-Hill, stepping in on the night, delivered delightful comedic moments and a solid performance, showcasing her versatility and adaptability.
Nick Harvey-Wade was, for me, the best Lurch in an amateur production, with a commanding presence and excellent non-verbal storytelling abilities that brought the character to life.
John Hewitt brought a lovable, childish enthusiasm to Uncle Fester, enhancing the Vaudeville-style characterization with a unique voice and presence.
Sharon Fry was hilariously oddball as Grandma Addams, particularly during the "Full Disclosure" number. Her performance as a quirky family member added a layer of comedy to the show.
Ruby Gaynor stood out with her charming and funny portrayal of Pugsley. Her vocal performance had a lovely tone, and her chemistry with Grandma Addams was delightful.
The ensemble, portraying the Addams Family Ancestors, brought the story to life with distinct costumes and maintained their characters throughout the performance. Special mentions go to the Marilyn Monroe character and the "bookworm" for their standout quirks and traits.
Director Nicholas Gillott, Choreographer Jessica Sarah Fahey, Musical Director Jonathan Mitra, and Assistant Musical Director Millie Ramsden did a commendable job putting together a strong cast. The vocals were consistently good, the choreography was clean and tidy, and there were several touching moments, particularly during the "Happy Sad" song. However, the production could have benefited from more physical comedy to enhance the humor and a live band to enrich the overall atmosphere. Overall, this was a well-executed and enjoyable production of The Addams Family musical. Congratulations to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication. Well done!

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