By Colton Silva
The Addams Family has been a staple in pop culture and media ever since its first comic run in 1938. For decades, the strange and unusual family has been almost everywhere in every type of media form, spanning from a classic TV show, multiple films, and even an 8-Bit video game. On April 8th, 2010, the mischievous group of characters made their way to Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Ever since then, the musical adaptation has been a sensation with national tours and especially community and high school productions. Starting on April 4th, The family (along with their ancestors) will come to life onstage at BHS’s Theater.
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa and based on characters created by Charles Addams, The Addams Family musical is a thrilling ride.
Stormy clouds are gathering over the Addams family’s mansion as Gomez faces every father’s nightmare: his daughter, Wednesday, the ultimate princess of darkness, has fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man. If that wasn’t upsetting enough, Gomez must keep the secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. One thing is certain: the Addams family will never be the same!
I first went to leading actor, Flynn Demapenden (senior), about his role in the show and his thought process when putting together this show. I first asked him what role he is playing and what makes him most excited to play that role. “I play Gomez Adams,” stated Demapenden. “Honestly, with Gomez, I’m really excited about the physicality aspect. He is very physical with sword fighting and tango-ing, and I’m really excited for that.” I then asked what audiences can expect from this adaptation of The Addams Family. “Expect a lot of physicality, a lot of ghosts and ancestors, a lot of sexuality between some characters, especially a funny bit with a character and the moon. Just get ready for a big and great show because it’s the last production in the PAB before they renovate it. It’s gonna be fun, grand, and it’s gonna be worth watching.”
I then moved onto another cast member, Parker Soughers (senior) about his part in the show and his point of view for the process of the show. I first asked what his role in the show. “In The Addams Family I play Lucas.” Soughers then added on, “Lucas is Wednesday [Addam’s] Boyfriend.” Next, I asked the same question I asked Demapenden on what he is most excited about when playing this role. “I’m excited to play Lucas because he has a very great dynamic of being one of only ‘normal’ people in the crazy absurdness that is The Adams Family and playing the contrast up in the show will be really fun.” I lastly asked about how he is feeling for his last production here at BHS. “I’ve been fortunate to have a role in all eight shows during my high school career. It is a really bitter-sweet experience looking forward to doing this show but at the same time, I’m going to miss these high school performances and being able to perform with all my friends.” The Addams Family will open its gates on April 4th and will be running for 2 weeks. We at The Paw give our best wishes to the cast and crew putting together this spectacle of a show and hope everyone attends the highly anticipated show when it opens this April.
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