GREENVILLE — “They’re creepy and they’re kooky; mysterious and spooky; they’re all together ooky;
The Addams family …”
“The Addams Family,” a musical comedy, is the latest theater production presented this weekend at the Greenville Area Community Center by the Hans Christian Andersen Theater.
“This show is something different for us,” said co-director Becky Tower. “We realized there was a gap for those interested in theater. We have a strong HCAT program for actors from kindergarten through age 18. But there weren’t a lot of options for productions for those college-age, or older. This production was open to those 16 and up, to give them more options.”
The cast of 30 is comprised of actors from Greenville, Belding, Ionia, Stanton, Rockford and other locations. Auditions were held the end of April.
“We liked this play because it talks about how to get along with your family and how other families might be different, but you can get along with them, too. Families aren’t all alike, and that’s OK,” Tower said.
“It is kind of a ’Wednesday grows up’ story,” she added.
The production does have some adult references and humor and would be appropriate for teens and older.
One unique feature about this production is a color theme for costumes. Borrowing costume pieces from other local theaters, Tower opted to go with a black, gray, cream and white scheme for costumes, giving a continuity to the cast, and also adding a sepia tone to the Ancestors.
The production opens with most of the cast on stage with a strong opening number of “When You’re An Addams.” This number shows the excellent choreography that will be seen throughout the entire play.
The simple set lends itself to quick scene changes, with many changes happening with the use of a scrim curtain to keep the action going during changes.
The storyline revolves around Wednesday, played talentedly by Mahlea Maresh, wanting to introduce her friend to her family.
Lucas, portrayed strongly by Steven Longfellow, declares his love for Wednesday, played by Mahlea Maresh in “The Addams Family” a comedic musical that runs this weekend at the Greenville Area Community Center. — DN Photo | Lori Hansen
“Lucas is a boy’s name,” says Dad Gomez, portrayed expertly by Chase Purdy. “Wednesday has a friend that is a boy?”
Wednesday explains that it is very important that they act normal.
“We are who we are, and they are from Ohio,” she says.
“But Ohio is a swing state?” replies Gomez.
“My Wednesday is growing up,” he adds. “She will be Thursday before you know it.”
Purdy, Maresh, and Izze Tower as Morticia all have strong, confident voices in their solos and duets. Supporting cast members include Erika Thomas as Pugsley, Erin Hoard as Grandma, Steven Longfellow as Lucas, Maddi Huntoon as Alice and Jaiden Mayle as Mal.
All of these actors show their confidence and talent as veteran actors, again with strong vocals, vibrato in solos, and beautiful choreography.
A sequel to the beloved television show, “The Addams Family” stage production is a fast-paced, two-hour performance with music, dancing and comedy.
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