The Addams Family

It was a pleasure to once again visit the Savoy Theatre Monmouth, where the Monmouth Music Theatre society had taken full advantage of the beautiful old setting, to present their latest production, The Addams Family. This Gothic musical comedy being based on the well-known characters created by Charles Addams.

From the opening number the character of the show was clearly shown and recognised by an appreciative audience ,as they joined in with the timing of every iconic click of the fingers.

As each principal character appeared it was clear that every effort had been made by the production team to create the characteristic images so well known to the audience. The overall presentation was successful and gave a good representation of the family Addams, although Pugsley from personal recollection could have been improved by a little padding.

Matthew Bryant as Gomez Addams, gave a good performance, showing us the suave Latin sophistication of the character, with good comic timing in the musical numbers and control of movement, his stage experience was very evident throughout the whole  performance.

Very much looking the epitome of the graceful Morticia Addams, Mia Rees gave a lovely characterisation, that gained in strength throughout the performance. An excellent choice of wig enhanced the look considerably.

In true character T J Friend as Wednesday Addams gave us the surly and unimpressed attitude of the love struck Wednesday, from the opening song to the final bows. In a situation where it is sometimes impossible not to laugh, her character never faltered.

Joined by her willingly tortured brother, Pugsley Addams played by Laurence Regan. Who maintained the mischievous if a little malicious but loveable character with ease. 

David Harris as Uncle Fester very quickly established himself as an audience favourite and with Grandma played by Lyn Tanner provided the prominent comedy moments of the production. Well done to both .Lurch played by Chris Seabury had little to say, as was required but certainly looked the part and maintained perfect movements. Well played.

The all-American  Beineke Family played by Kerri Russell as Alice, Scott Hazeldine as Mal and Meriwether Maturin as son, Lucas. Meriwether looking so young it was difficult to imagine a marriage proposal between the characters of Lucas and Wednesday, but he used the stage well with excellent dialogue. The shooting of the apple from Wednesday’s head lost the impetus when the apple was dropped offstage prior to the action, although the scene did carry on to its conclusion. Well done to all.

Kerri Russell gave her all in her rendition of “Full Disclosure”. Lots of energy and very funny. I must suggest that the chosen wigs for both Alice and Lucas did not have the effective style required and did not enhance the overall image of the characters. Scott Hazeldine as Mal Beineke gave a solid performance as the all-round American dad.

The production was very much lifted by the effective lighting and the stage setting, that allowed for maximum movement of the chorus of Ancestors as the scenes changed.

My congratulations to you all on your production and my best wishes for your next production.

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