A fantastic production, the Morgan-Wixson Theatre brings back the extraordinary Addams family in a marvelous and fun musical.
The Addams family lives a rather alternative lifestyle, they love despair, darkness and death. Wednesday loves torturing her brother and he enjoys it. The family lives in their estate in Central Park, New York. Usually, excluded from others, until one day Wednesday, now a young woman, falls in love with a guy, a very normal one for that matter. The two want to get married and therefore arrange a dinner at the Addams’ house in order for their families to meet for the first time and hopefully get a long, when the young couple breaks the news to them. Wednesday being scared, she confides to her father and swears him to secrecy. That night everything changes for the family.
Gomez played by Aric Martin was absolutely fabulous, he portrayed his character incredibly well and humorously. The company, playing the ancestors, exceptionally fulfil their purpose of enhancing the overall performance in a very subtle way. Wednesday played by Annie Claire Hudson is the star of the production in terms of singing, her voice is beautiful and she has great control over it. Amy Coles playing Morticia is the Queen of facial expressions in the show. She doesn’t need to say any words and yet the audience is able to see and understand how Morticia feels and what she has on her mind. Overall, a very talented cast, however, there is some overacting but this could be perceived as purposely making it funny.
The music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa were not only catchy and funny but also very fitting in each scene, making this show a great musical filled with the audience’s laughter and nodding heads.
Direction by Anne Gesling is fluent and very clear from the beginning with quick changes of scenes and good use of props. However, sometimes it is a bit slow and it seems like some scenes are unnecessary, making the first half very long. The second half on the other hand, picks up fast and is strong from start to finish.
The staging and use of props is excellent, setting the scenes perfectly and making it easier to get lost in the musical.
Overall, an enjoyable musical, perfect for the whole family.
The Addams Family plays at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until July 31st.