The Addams Family

On the first performance of this show by HAODS, the theatre was full of an extremely appreciative audience who applauded and cheered throughout at these wonderful, weird and unique members of the Addams family. I have never watched the program on which this musical was based but I can understand how it became so popular and in time gained musical status over the last few years.

The twelve strong band magnificently led the soloists and ensemble through much lively, tuneful and some interesting, deliciously discordant melodies. All of the Addams family had solos/duets confidently sung. The parents, Gomez and Morticia  (Cameron Rowell & Alicia Marson), the children, Wednesday & Pugsley  (Chelsea Love & George Long) all performed their characters and songs with much feeling. The other two living members of the family were  Uncle Fester and Grandma (Chris Dale & Hazel Wellcome).  Uncle Fester is the narrator part of the show through whom it was able to easily follow the storyline and Grandma adding that even more craziness about the situation. Also, with plenty of ensemble numbers to perform were the twenty-four Addams ancestors. Not only were the voices good and well harmonised but they coped with the busy choreography with great precision.   

The Beineke family were the intended in-laws of Wednesday, her intended husband being Lucas (James Gardner) and his parents Mal (Matt Hinton) and Alice (Becky Munden). The final named cast member was Lurch, the butler (Luke Moulange), These were mainly acting parts and convincingly enacted throughout the evening.

The scenery was most impressive with its sweeping staircase and balcony and very cleverly changed with ease from  indoor scenes to the woodland area. Also, two other sections of this company need an important mention here. That is  the wardrobe  department for their innovative and many varied costumes for the departed and zombies. Again, the make-up department had a massive task with the brilliant and fitting colours, hair styles, scars and disfigurements.

I think the part of the popularity of this musical is that whilst it is absolutely different in that it deals with crazy people, oddballs, the living, the dead and zombies it also has the everyday scenario of boy meets girl, families get together, people fall out with one another,things  go a little wrong and lo and behold, it all ends happily ever after.  An excellent choice of show.

Congratulations to all on and off stage for this amazing production.

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