The Addams Family

This musical adaptation delves deeper into the characters’ relationships than the television series when Wednesday Addams (Brooke Cherie) falls in love with Lucas, a young man (Josh Kable) from a “normal” family and decides to bring him home to meet her parents. The ensuing chaos and conflict showcase both families’ unique traits while encouraging the characters to change and grow.

The music is fun, catchy and energetic, led by Musical Directors Anthony Cutrupi and Thomas Odellwith. Standout numbers include Morticias's “Just Around the Corner”, Uncle Fester's “The Moon and Me”, and the cast's “When You’re an Addams”, with some serious strong ensemble vocals throughout the show. 

Notably, Roz Howell’s portrayal of matriarch Morticia Addams balances Morticia’s sultry and macabre qualities with genuine warmth and concern for her daughter. Nathan Farrow’s Gomez is both funny and conflicted, torn between keeping his wife and his daughter happy. His vocal range is perfect (plus his constant eyebrow work is hilarious). The duet in "Tango de Amor" is a particular highlight. Murray Baker’s portrayal of Uncle Fester adds plenty of comedy to the show, and Lurch (Mark Gardiner) often had the audience in stitches without saying a word. The younger Addams family members are wonderfully captured. Elijah Alkhair plays Pugsly, known for his mischievous nature as a lovable and charming character fiercely protective of his sister. In contrast, Cherie captures all of Wednesday's creepy nuances as she grows into womanhood. Both have beautiful solos.  

Jeff Mabey (Mal Beineke) and Bernice Keen (Alice Beineke) are the cookie-cutter characters who embody the exact opposite of what the Addams stand for. The contrast between the Addams and the Beinekes is starkly evident in Mandy and Keen’s performances, especially when poor Lucas begs them to act normal; nobody has a typical family. Their performances result in some great comedy with each other and when they are on stage with Howell and Farrow.  

Choreographer Steph Westbrooke has captured each character’s personality and situation with clever movement and dance numbers featuring dancestors Louise Mosley, Olivia Morris and Pamela Diaz. 

The production’s actors bring a rounded range to their roles while maintaining the show’s comedic tone. 

The set design and costumes are also notable aspects. Design elements create a darkly humorous and spooky atmosphere that is in keeping with the spirit of the Addams family. Col Peet’s set is mainly backed by projections and spooktacular set pieces that all work well to create an eerie world. The costumes are especially effective in making the individual looks for each character, with Karen Mosley and her team resisting the urge to clothe an ensemble as though they’d crawled out of their crypt but instead creating ancestors who are in an elegant grey and white palette and looking like they just stepped out of a black and white portrait with beautiful costumes. Morticia’s iconic black dress and Wednesday’s white-collared black dress perfectly capture nostalgia. 

At its core, The Addams Family - A New Musical is a heartwarming and entertaining show that will delight audiences of all ages. Kiddos will love it, although you may need a booster seat for little ones to see with seating all on one level. 

The production effectively blends the macabre humour of the Addams family with a message of acceptance and open-mindedness that is relevant today, bringing a unique and fresh take on a classic set of characters while still retaining the iconic elements that made the Addams family so beloved.

Director Tim Dennis has created a must-see for fans of the television series or comic strip and anyone looking for a fun and entertaining night out. The show’s catchy music, talented cast, and whimsical design elements make it a standout production that is sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Nicole Smith

Photographer: Grant Leslie

www.mirandamusicaltheatrecompany.com