As the High School Theater Company starts the new year, they are eager to showcase The Addams Family as their fall production on November 1 and 2.
The Addams Family, created by cartoon artist Charles Addams, follows the bizarre, old-money family living in New York City in the 1930s. The clan consists of a married couple, Gomez and Morticia Addams; their wacky kids, Wednesday and Pugsley; their Uncle Fester; and their tall butler Lurch. The Addams Family production centers on Wednesday as she falls in love with a “normal” boy, Lucas Beineke, and what happens when the two families clash.
The show is a whimsical comedy featuring about 20 songs. Unlike recent musicals the company has produced, it emphasizes singing rather than dancing.
“The hardest part has been ensuring all students know the music for this show. When thinking about the material, the music in this show far surpasses the difficulty level of the dancing and blocking, which is why we have dedicated so much time to learning and perfecting it,” said Director and Choreographer Brian Pereira. “I chose this show because I believed it was the best show for our company at this point in time.”
While the comedy between Gomez and Morticia is lighthearted, Wednesday has a darker sense of humor.
“Wednesday is a moody teenager with a serious and threatening attitude towards the people around her,” said senior Caitlyn Sullivan, who plays Wednesday Addams.
Sullivan prepared for the role by watching the Netflix hit series “Wednesday” to understand the character further.
“The biggest challenge of playing Wednesday is staying serious and angry,” said Sullivan. “Wednesday’s personality is entirely the opposite of mine, however, it is fun to play her because she is different.”
In addition, Pereira is also in the process of acquiring adjudicators from the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG), to judge the performance.
“If they do come, they will write a critique for our show and talk about things we can improve on,” said Periera.
In the past, Masconomet productions, including Chicago and Mamma Mia, have been adjudicated and actors have been awarded METG All-Star Awards, and even nominated for best musical.
Seniors like Hailey Aitchison who have been with the company for all four years understand the preparation that goes into an award-winning show.
“The most challenging part of the rehearsal process so far has been keeping the energy up because of the late nights,” said Aitchison, the theater company’s vice president. “One improvement we are trying to make within our company is fundraising and gathering community support and involvement for our company.”
The set for this production is similar to other shows Pereira has directed at Masconomet.
“For this show, we are coming at it with a minimal lens. We have lots of moving pieces from walls to trees that will help us get into the world of the show,” said Pereira.
With three-to-five-hour rehearsals daily, theater is a large time commitment. However, this is usually seen as a way to bond and build a stronger community within the company.
“The people in the company, the dancers, singers, actors, and performers are all special to me. The long rehearsals and seeing everyone for many hours a day has created a second family for me,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan has been with Masco Theater for four years, and this is her last musical.
“I can’t wait to perform with our theater family in front of an audience. Masco Theater has been such a blessing to me, and even though I know I’ll sob during senior flowers, it will all be worth it and I am so thankful,” said Sullivan.
Ticket sales will be available soon and will be sold at the door on the day of the show, November 1 at 7 p.m. and November 2 at 1 p.m. or 7 p.m.