The Addams Family

The Addams Family holds a special place in my heart. This iconic family has long been beloved in pop culture, and bringing them to life on stage is no easy feat. The musical itself is such fun to watch, with characters larger than life and a script filled with humour—though this humour needs sharp delivery to land. Unfortunately, some of the jokes were lost but Director Sarah Wray and the cast’s added comedic touches and adlibs did spark genuine laugh-out-loud moments from the audience, myself included.

Opening night is always a tricky balancing act, and unfortunately, this production encountered a few technical difficulties. Lighting, for instance, became a persistent issue, especially with stage left mostly being left in the dark, leaving actors unlit at times. The sound also suffered from imbalance; certain microphones were overpowering and we also encountered some popping mics, which distracted from the otherwise impressive vocal performances. The band, too, seemed to struggle with timing on cues, causing uncomfortable pauses before songs. Yet, the cast handled these mishaps professionally, showcasing their resilience and dedication, never missing a beat to keep the performance moving.

Despite these hiccups, the score was beautifully handled under the musical direction of David Charles-Howell, with the cast nailing complex harmonies and delivering powerful vocals that brought out the charm in this complicated musical score. It’s always rewarding to see a challenging piece of music met with such enthusiasm, and the Brentwood cast certainly delivered.

Choreographically, the show fell a bit short for me. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the Tango choreographed by Ayesha Shergill, and “The Moon and Me” was a standout, capturing a magical, twinkling moment that quickly became one of my favourite parts of the show.

The Ancestors brought such vibrancy to the stage. Their roles are relatively minimal in the script, yet they were used brilliantly by Sarah Wray to enhance the production. Their silent interactions—like trying to avoid touch during “Trapped” and engaging in Gomez’s jokes in "Full Disclosure"—added a comical touch that brought the scenes alive.

The casting of the Beinekies was spot-on, with Martin Harris as Mal, Marielle Jarvis as Alice, and Callan Dobson as Lucas. Marielle’s Alice was a scene-stealer and one of the best portrayals I've seen. Callan brought a refreshing take on Lucas, steering clear of the traditional “jock” portrayal and leaning into a more “nerdy” vibe, which worked wonderfully. His comedic timing and ability to fully embrace this unique interpretation made him a standout, showcasing his strength as a comedy actor.

As for the Addams family themselves, David Everest-Ring as Gomez led with a natural comedic presence, his ad libs showing that he was born for the role. Hannah Brent was a captivating Morticia, bringing an understated elegance and sensuous charm to the character. Morticia is often played overly aggressively in amateur theatre and Hannah’s approach felt true to Morticia’s original allure. Her vocals were a show highlight.

Ella Markey’s Wednesday was a pleasant surprise. Despite her small stature, she projected a powerhouse voice and added an unexpected vulnerability to the character. Tobias Barton also shone as Pugsley, earning well-deserved applause for his touching solo, “What If.”

Allister Fudge-Smith made for a remarkably fitting Uncle Fester, visually and in spirit, nailing Fester’s quirky, lovable nature. Sarah Woehrle’s Grandma was a refreshing take—sweet, endearing, and strangely comforting despite the character's quirks, while Michael Toft’s Lurch delivered the final “love” note, hitting a vocal range that many would struggle with.

The costumes in this production were fantastic, especially those for the Ancestors, who looked hauntingly beautiful and distinct. The set, purchased from another society that also performed at the Brentwood Theatre, was creatively repurposed in a fresh way to what I had previously seen. However, the stage often appeared quite bare, which felt at odds with the usually prop-heavy nature of The Addams Family Musical. Incorporating additional props or set details could have enhanced the visual storytelling, adding layers of richness to each scene and helping transport the audience even deeper into the macabre world of the Addams family.

In short, while there were technical issues that need addressing, this production of The Addams Family Musical captured the essence of the beloved characters and delivered a night full of humour, charm, and undeniable heart. The cast's ability to adapt and shine through these challenges shows that they truly embody the spirit of the Addams Family—a little twisted, a little chaotic, and incredibly entertaining.

 

Natalie Hills

District 10

NODA East

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.