The Addams Family: A New Musical

As a writer for ErieCulture.Guru I often have to remind myself that while, yes, “Erie” is in the title of the website, we also cover “surrounding areas,” too.

And while it’s easier for me to drive 25 minutes to Meadville or 40
minutes to get to Erie to see a theatrical production, art exhibit or other
event, I feel it’s the website’s responsibility to visit events or shows that
most people may not be aware of. For example, “Guru” recently traveled
to Franklin to see the Monty Pyton musical, “Spamalot.” It was worth
it, not only to see the show, but also to visit the town, a place which, after
several decades of living in this area, I’ve never been to.

Several weeks ago, while assembling the website’s “This Month’s
Event’s blog for June, I spied a Titusville production that I knew I had to
see—not only for the content, but for the fact that GURU hasn’t visited
any shows or concerts there yet. Sadly, admitted.

But it was certainly worth it. For me.

Maybe not for you. If you didn’t see it, that is. Since the show has
now concluded.

“The Addams Family: A New Musical” was recently mounted by
Titusville Summer Theater.

Based on the cartoon characters by Charles Addams that
eventually led to the 1960’s television program, “The Addams Family,”
the show has been adapted to the silver screen at least twice and was
transformed into the current musical based upon the book by Marshall
Brickman and Rick Elice with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.

Telling the story of the oddball Addams Family who embraces the
dark side of life, the musical revolves around dour daughter Wednesday
(Maeve Wakefield) who confides in her father, Gomez (James McGinnis)
that–horror of horrors!—she’s in love with a normal, ordinary boy,
Lucas (Adam Reagle). Knowing that his wife, Morticia (Noelle
Raszman) would vehemently disapprove of the union, Gomez
nonetheless okays a dinner at the Addams home with Lucas and his
uptight parents Alice and Mal (Deanna Wolfgang and Jeremiah
Shepherd), “normal” people.

Talk about culture clashes! As one expected, chaos ensues.

But will true love win out over their overwhelming differences for
this young couple?

Directed by Abby Preston with dance numbers choreographed
by Taylor Nelson and live music conducted by Ryan Carter, “The
Addams Family” was a fun, worth-the-drive experience that was no
doubt shared by the members of the final, sold-out performance I
attended.

Running for only three performances—June 26th , 27th & 28th
(What, they couldn’t do a final, fourth performance as a Sunday
matinee?)–the adults and, oddly, many children who saw the musical,
were thoroughly entertained with the acting as well as the music.

“Pulled” sung by Wednesday and her brother, Pugsley (Luke
Keebler) related how Wednesday was being pulled in two directions:
loyalty to her family and her love for Lucas. Sung by Gomez, “Happy
Sad” is a touching song about Wednesday, from being daddy’s little girl
to becoming a woman. Morticia and Alice perform “Secrets” and what
happens when you keep them from your beloveds. “The Moon and Me”
is a goofy-cute song sung by Gomez’s brother, Fester (Tyler Brown), who
professes his true love for the Moon.

Yeah, the Moon.

Sorry you missed “The Addams Family.” It was really a fun,
entertaining show with a talented cast.

In the future, I plan to keep a closer eye peeled regarding Titusville
theater, exhibits and other events as well as other locales such as
Franklin’s Barrow-Civic Theatre’s upcoming production of “Footloose”
based on the 1980’s movie.

Maybe you should, too.

I know I’ll be at “Footloose” in Franklin.

Will you?

G. Greenleaf

The Addams Family: A New Musical had its final performance June28. For more information about upcoming productions, please visit titusvillesummertheatercom.

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