The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy takes its audience on a fun-filled ride into the oddness of the macabre and eccentric.
~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~
The Story of The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy
Wednesday is growing up, and her interests shift to boys, one boy in particular, Lucas Beineke. Wednesday and Lucas have plans for the future, but there is one thing to do first: dinner with both the families. But that may be more challenging; the families have nothing in common.
The other members of the Addams Family are distracted with their own drama. Gomez and Morticia are in the middle of an argument, Fester is in love, and Pugsley feels alone. These dramas intertwine as the cast sings and dances through this story of love and passion.
This story of family, love, and passion, with a hint of the macabre.
Here are some photos from The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy.
The Performances
The cast is superb, with spot-on performances.
A powerhouse of a cast punctuated by The Addams Family Orchestra is a recipe for pure entertainment. Having live music is always a plus, but The Addams Family Orchestra is over the top great. Combine that with the powerful voices of the cast, and you have a musical that will stir your emotions.
We have seen Michael Davanzo in many roles where he plays the quiet, thoughtful man; as Gomez, he is most excellent. As we know, Gomez Addams is a man ruled by passion, passion for Morticia. Davanzo brings the intensity of Gomez to the stage for all to see.
Amy Ginder and her powerful voice bring Morticia to life, showing the audience why she is so irresistible to her husband, Gomez. Ginder oozes the class and confidence of Morticia as she glides across the stage as the matriarch of the Addams family.
Anuhea Azevedo is darkly fantastic in her portrayal of that goth icon, Wednesday Addams. This is the first time I have seen Azevedo in a major role, and it is my hope that there will be many more roles for her.
Jeremy Uithoven plays Lucas Beineke, Wednesday’s love interest. Uithoven is a wonderful actor showing the two sides of Lucas, the conformed teenager and the hint of demented that will fit into the Addams Family quite well.
Pugsley is played by Aubree Shulz. Shulz is a Junior in High School and has a powerful singing voice. I am excited to see what she does next in her theater career.
Luis Galvez plays Lurch. Galvez is a quiet presence on stage, but there is power in his performance.
It is a pleasure to see Bob Ives playing Uncle Fester. We have seen Ives in many roles, and the part of Uncle Fester is terrific for him.
Katie Hughes and Jared Lively play Alice and Mal Beineke, the parents of Lucas. Alice and Mal find that their marriage is in a bit of a slump, but they will soon find out that help is on the way from a most unlikely place. Hughes and Lively are just terrific bringing this couple to life.
Let’s not forget the rest of the cast; this is an ensemble cast, after all. And the Ancestors, I love the ancestors. I guess what I am saying is that a lot is going on onstage in The Addams Family: A New Musical. The performances are fun, and you will go away happy with a song in your heart.
All of these actors are wonderful in their roles, and a big part of that is due to the direction of Deb Leamy and her assistant director, Evan Gadda. You should be proud of your actors and the show you created together.
The Setting
The Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater is the perfect spot for an evening play in the summer. As the show starts, the sun is slowly going down, and the day’s heat gives way to the cool of the evening. This is the perfect venue to treat yourself to an evening of musical theater.
With the park-like setting and a family atmosphere, you will have a theater experience to remember. But bring a jacket, as the sun goes down so does the temperature.
The Bottom line
The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy will have you laughing and rooting for love to prevail the entire show. You may even find yourself shedding a tear or two as the characters struggle to overcome the many obstacles in the path of love.
See The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy and enjoy an experience you won’t forget.
And if that was not enough
There will be Food Trucks at most performances, from tacos to shaved ice and a large variety of snacks. If you are a food truck fan, as I am, this is a terrific bonus.
You can also bring your own picnic to snack on, just no glass.
The Addams Family: A New Musical
Cast
Michael Davanzo as Gomez
Amy Ginder as Morticia
Anuhea Azevedo as Wednesday
Aubree Shulz as Pugsley
Luis Galvez as Lurch
Jared Lively as Mal
Bob Ives as Fester
Katie Hughes as Alice
Kimberly Richman as Grandma
Jeremy Uithoven as Lucas
ANCESTORS
Brian Ault, Amy Nygren, Bryce Hurley, Elise Van Dyne,
Angela Galvez, Lincoln Rocchi, DylanTea Carpenter,
Alyssa Von Eberstein, Miela Offerle
Directed by Deb Leamy
Evan Gadda (Assistant Director)
Choreographer Amanda Flocchini
Music Director Branden McKinnon
Vocal Director Cindy Sabatini
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Orchestrations by Larry Hochman
Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams
The Addams Family Orchestra
Conductor and Bass (upright and electric): Branden McKinnon;
Piano/Keys: Aren Long; Guitar(acoustic & electric): Dylan Faulkner;
Percussion: Brandon Dodge; Drums: Steven Potter;
Woodwinds (Sax/Flute/Clarinet): Chelsea Lane;
Trumpet/Flugalhorn: Austin Zell; Violin: Megan Zingo Moore;
Cello: Mary Ellsworth; Trumpet/Flugalhorn (sub): Cassidy Robinson
The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy is presented by the Sierra School of Performing Arts.
Performance Dates
Friday & Saturday, August 11 & 12
Thursday – Sunday, August 17 – 20
Friday and Saturday, August 25 & 26
Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater,
Bartley Ranch Regional Park
6000 Bartley Ranch Road, Reno
For more information: www.sierraschoolofperformingarts.org
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