The Addams family

“The Addams family” is a new musical with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa from a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice.  I was really looking forward to seeing this musical as I have never seen it before and I did not know what to expect and I am very glad to say I really enjoyed this very entertaining enjoyable production. There were some very talented performers in the cast who gave us some outstanding performances they include Simon Foster who not only directed the show but was superb as Gomez Addams, he was the glue that held the show together. Diane Glover as Morticia Addams was a fitting consort for Gomez, they made a very believable couple and her mannerisms and acting were spot on for the character, Bryan Dargie as Uncle Fester was a joy to watch his rendition of “The Moon and Me” produced a few moist eyes in the audience, he made you smile every time he came onto the stage. Daisy Shuttleworth as Wednesday had a good understanding of her role and was able to portray the two sides of her character the good and the bad, Daisy also had a very good singing voice and Setfan Davies as Pugsley is someone to look out for in the future. Watching Ann Connolly as Grandmother was just like seeing the character from the television series and Harry Moore as Lurch had the audience laughing just by walking across the stage he maintained the same walk all the way through the show which I should imagine is hard work and when he sang at the end it was a revelation.    The Beineke family included Associate Director James Kirby as Mal Beineke, Hattie Rainford as Alice Beineke and Michael John Griesen as Wednesday’s love interest Lucas, they were very believable as a family and produced worthy characterisations acting very well; Hattie also has a very good singing voice. Overall American accents were very good and were maintained throughout the production, diction was clear  so dialogue could be heard and was taken at  just the right pace meaning the action could be followed  easily.  The chorus of ancestors performed with enthusiasm and energy however there appeared to be the occasional tuning problem in some of the musical numbers but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the show.  Choreography by Anna Wilkinson suited the production nicely and was performed very well by the cast.  The orchestra conducted by Musical Director Wayne Oakes played very well supporting the cast expertly and produced the unique sound needed for this show.
 The set was minimalistic and the spider’s webs placed over the side and front of the stage were a nice eerie touch adding to the atmosphere so well done to Stage Manager Edward Kirby and his crew, including sound and lighting although the microphones were a bit loud during a few of the solo songs on occasions. Costumes were just right for the show well thought out and played a major role in the success of the show, congratulations to Ann Connelly, Gary Lamb and also the students of “Hugh Baird Collage” for their makeup which along with the costumes enhanced the production.

Congratulations’ to Director Simon Foster, Associate Director James Kirby and everyone involved in bringing this very enjoyable entertaining production to the stage. Thank you for inviting me I had a lovely evening and I hope to see you again for your next production.
 

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