What a fantastic and entertaining show!
We were graciously invited to the Benedum on July 31 to see the opening night of the Addams Family. From the opening announcements followed by the infectious theme song (complete with finger snaps), I was prepared for some laughs.
The opening number set the tone for the rest of the show.
The premise of this show is Wednesday Addams' (Cortney Wolfson) new love, Lucas (Brian Justin Crum)
and when their two worlds collide. Lucas's family is the stereotypical suburban family while Wednesday struggles with the realization that she is changing and straying from the darker, macabre life she has always enjoyed.
All goulish silliness aside, the Addams Family portrayed common scenarios; children growing up, discovering a first love, letting go as parents, and keeping the spark of marriage alive. Yes, it was jam packed with all of these themes!
The dancing was fantastic and the voices amazing. I was especially floored by Cortney Wolfson's powerful pipes. I could have listened to her and Brian Justin Crum sing their duets all night. Both are very gifted performers.
From the moment the curtain rose, I was immeidately drawn to Gomez Addams (Douglas Sills) with his amazing and vibrant performance. His ability to convey even the most subtle facial expressions and cause laugh out loud moments for the audience made him my favorite. Mr. Sills has the ability and comedic timing that not many posess in theatre.
Uncle Fester (Blake Hammond), Pugsley (Patrick D. Kennedy), and Grandma (Pippa Pearthree) were integral parts of this story too. Uncle Fester added some laughs and served as the narrator.
A surprising and unassuming scene stealer was Lurch (Tom Corbeil). I won't ruin it for you, but he adds that something extra to button up the entire performance.
I enjoyed the show so much that I was disappointed when it was time for intermission. The story line resonated with me even along with all the dark humor we've come to associate with that kooky Addams Family.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased HERE.
Shows run through August 12, 2012.
As a Mac Kid Subscriber, you are eligible for a $5 discount!! Just click HERE to purchase your tickets! (Discount will already be applied only by using the above link. For those tickets purchased directly off the site, use code word 'Macaroni').
Macaroni Kid was compensated with review tickets for this performance in exchange for an honest review.
