The Addams Family

I was delighted to be able to attend a production of The Addams Family by the Garforth Musical Society. This show stands on its own as an entertaining story but in the hands of joint directors/musical directors, Erin Ocsko and Joanne Jackson it was transformed into something rather special. The production team along with stage manager Andrew Oxtoby, properties team Tess Cowles and Sasha Marshall, set builders Jemma Bennett, Mark Jackson and crew Ian Barber, Tess Cowles, Sasha Marshall Andrew Oxtoby and the GMS cast are all to be complimented for the clever way they worked together to move the production along so smoothly. Staging a show like this on such a small stage must be incredibly challenging but together they managed to create a good illusion for the audience. The minimalist set worked extremely well with the side areas and staircases adding flexibility of space. Clever direction and planned movement of some well-made props ensured that the space was fully exploited. The set whilst remaining the same throughout worked very well and along with the torture chair, the dining room table chairs and props all seamlessly and easily moved by crew and cast.

Technically the show from a sound and lighting perspective was equally well done. With the lighting in the capable hands of Adam Holmes and sound by Keith Fearnly it enhanced the show providing light and dark to the scenes with a sprinkling of flashes in strategic places The sound system was excellent utilising floor, drop down and radio mics and the sound balance maintained throughout.

The vocals were consistently good. I must congratulate the Musical Directors and all the cast as their hard work with a tricky score certainly paid off. Careful control of the singing and music was superb with timed cues accurate throughout which is not easy with recorded tracks and so much dialogue. The volumes were balanced so that both the music and the cast members could be clearly heard.

The choreography by Lynne Hill was nicely integrated within the action of the show. This was all carefully thought out and performed confidently by the ancestors and characters. Well done to Elaine McAleese, Erin Ockso and Sasha Marshall for their work on costume which had been well planned to give each performer an individual identity. The rather macabre appearance of so many characters was a credit to Erin Ocsko who didn’t shy away from full face make up for the ancestors, Lurch and Fester which helped with the deathly look of the show.

When performing a musical with well-known TV and film characters it can be important to attempt to recreate what we as the audience have in our memory. This company did just that and more giving truly believable characterisations.

Richard Sharp and Emma Morton were a great pair as Gomez and Morticia the head of the strange family. These two talented actors had a lovely rapport and made a great pairing and shone in The Tango De Amor. The tango was particularly well done, and it was good to see the couple take on the full dance alone. They nailed it!

Playing Gomez Addams Richard was the suave – sophisticated patriarch of the family. It was clear that he had put in a considerable amount of work perfecting the character and he handled all the songs with ease. Whilst not having a strong accent his lovely singing tone and clearly audible voice meant that the audience could understand every word and went along with his emotional portrayal. Gomez is a man torn between loyalty to his wife and loyalty to his daughter and Richard demonstrated a natural rapport with both ladies playing these roles and truly embodied Gomez Addams.

Playing Morticia, his Mi Amor was Emma Morton who gave a fabulous performance keeping to the delightfully strong persona of Morticia as the power behind the family. Her powerful singing voice and expressive eyes along with a secure American accent which she maintained throughout resulted in an outstanding performance. This was a performance filled with darkness, grief and unspeakable sorrow.

Lynne Hill was hilarious as the oddball Grandma Addams. Her performance as a quirky family member added a layer of comedy to the show as she truly captured the woman’s strange and mischievous ways. This was a fabulous characterisation which the audience loved.

Uncle Fester was played superbly by Richard Escolme who brought a lovable, childish enthusiasm to the role enhancing the Vaudeville-style with a unique voice and presence. This was a comedic triumph as he found all the pathos needed for the role and really made the most of every opportunity this character offered.

Isabelle Roe captured perfectly the essence of the crossbow-wielding stroppy adolescent in the role of Wednesday Addams. This portrayal was exceptional showcasing a stunning voice and in depth understanding of the characters complexities. Her powerful performance of Pulled was indeed a standout moment.

Rebbeca Haigh was equally memorable as Pugsley Addams balancing mischievous humour with just the right touch of vulnerability especially in the song What If. This was a strong performance.

Chris White’s portrayal of Lurch relied on subtle mannerisms and physical comedy rather than a tall monstrous appearance. As the ever-faithful servant Lurch, Chris grunted and groaned his way through the show perfectly. His excellent non-verbal story telling abilities brought the character to life. He effortlessly pulled off the slow pace and stoic attitude necessary for such a famous character.

The Beineke family were good believable characters and had good pace and strong delivery of some very funny lines as they were surrounded by the total madness of it all.

Sam Dorsman had a lovely rapport with Wednesday and contrasted nicely giving a strong performance as the “normal” love interest Lucas Beineke with some strong vocals.

Jonny Fallas as the judgemental and boring husband Mal Beineke realistically portrayed the long-suffering subdued husband and father figure. I would have loved to have seen an even wilder rocker emerge as he found the old Mal.  Congratulations on a great scene with Gomez and the torture chair with facial expressions which conveyed utter disbelief of what was occurring.

Val Johnston as Alice Beineke shone in bright yellow and handled the poetry side of the character with ease. Good vocals in Full Disclosure. Val certainly gave it her all.

Finally, a big shout out for House manager Phyllis Jackson and her house staff Jo Fallas, Lisa Haigh, Carol Holmes, Elaine McAleese and Sue Sharp and not forgetting the bar staff. Usually these are the unsung heroes but can be essential to the smooth running of a successful evening all playing a vital part in making sure everybody had a good evening.

The dedication of everyone in the society, the cast, backstage team, front of house team, production team and hard-working committee shone through. Congratulations Garforth Musical Society on an excellent show which is certainly one to be proud of.

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