Audiences of all ages are invited to step into a frightfully delightful world of creepy charm and heartfelt humor as Hartland Drama Club presents “The Addams Family Musical,” April 17-19 and April 24-26, at Hartland High School, 10635 Dunham Road in Hartland. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
“The Addams Family Musical,” a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and a dilemma that’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family — a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and orchestrations by Larry Hochman, “The Addams Family Musical” is based on characters created by Charles Addams. Hartland Drama Club’s production of this magnificently morbid Broadway sensation features 82 talented cast and crew members, along with quirky characters, catchy songs, entertaining dance numbers, an impressive set, and ghoulishly fun costumes.
Artistic director Scott Usher shares that he is “beyond excited” to have the privilege of directing “The Addams Family Musical” with Hartland Drama Club.
“I used to watch the original ‘Addams Family’ television show, so having the opportunity to direct this modern musical is quite a nostalgic experience for me,” he said. “The story the writers came up with and the music are absolutely fantastic. Seeing my students bring these classic characters to life on stage fills my heart with joy. I truly believe it will also fill the hearts of those who never knew the original characters, as well as those who are as nostalgic about them as I am.”
Senior Grace Pantelas, who plays Morticia Addams, describes her final production with the drama club as an incredibly fun experience. “I absolutely adore everyone on the cast and have the best time acting alongside some of my favorite people ever,” she said. “The show is full of super fun songs and dances and has some really cool special effects in the making. Plus, the set is awesome!”
Come discover the hilarious musical that puts “family first and family last, and family by and by.”
Tickets are available online at www.hartlanddramaclub.org and at the door. Individual tickets purchased in advance are $16 for adults and $14 for students and seniors. Tickets purchased at the door are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors.
For more information, contact Scott Usher at (810) 626-2360 or scottusher@hartlandschools.us.
The Addams Family School Edition is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com.
Originally produced on Broadway by Stuart Oken, Roy Furman, Michael Leavitt, Five Cent Productions, Stephen Schuler, Decca Theatricals, Scott M. Delman, Stuart Ditsky, Terry Allen Kramer, Stephanie P. McClelland, James L. Nederlander, Eva Price, Jam Theatricals/Mary LuRoffe, Pittsburgh CLO/Gutterman-Swinsky, Vivek Tiwary/Gary Kaplan, The Weinstein Company/Clarence, LLC, Adam Zotovich/Tribe Theatricals; By Special Arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical.
“THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL” CAST INCLUDES: Jackson Albers (student producer) as Gomez Addams; Grace Pantelas as Morticia Addams; Logan Clark as Uncle Fester; Samantha Landacre as Wednesday Addams; Miles Vohwinkle as Pugsley Addams; Paige Reck (student director) as Grandma Addams; Ioan DeWinkle as Lurch; Dominic Najjar as Mal Beineke; Maya Griffon as Alice Beineke; Ethan Stang as Lucas Beineke; and many other members of Hartland Drama Club in the talented ensemble of Addams Ancestors.
We talked with some of the students involved in the production below:
Dominic Najjar as Mal Beineke
Parents: Aracelis and Martin Najjar
Grade: Senior
Activities: Theater, dance, choir, student government
Hobbies: Drawing, dancing, music
Future Plans: Attend Michigan State University for neuroscience
How would you describe “The Addams Family Musical” to someone who’s never seen it?
The show tells the story of a “grown” Wednesday Addams introducing her family to the boy she’s fallen in love with. She begs her father, Gomez, to keep a secret from her mother, Morticia, something he struggles to do. All the while the seemingly normal family of her love interest, The Beineke Family, turns out to be nearly as kooky as the Addams!
What themes in this musical feel especially relevant today?
I believe that “The Addams Family” really tells the story of acceptance and honesty, something we all need a bit more of. The Addams are known to be “weird” and “creepy” —generally people to avoid; however, this show exemplifies that most people are just as eclectic and unique as the Addams and their uncommon demeanor is no reason to judge.
Do you have a favorite pre-show ritual that helps to combat nervousness?
I never do it intentionally, but I somehow always end up on stage before curtain and I just walk around, take in the set and the props backstage, and try to place myself in that world to deliver the best performance I can.
What is your dream role and/or your dream job in the theater world?
Currently a dream role for me would be Mike Costafalone from “A Chorus Line.” At the moment, it’s one of my favorite shows, and I’ve always loved the dance aspect of musical theater. One solo song and a whole bunch of dance sounds like a dream to me.
How has participating in Hartland Drama Club affected your high school experience?
Being a part of Hartland Drama Club has been one of the best experiences of my life. I’ve only been a part of the club for two years and I consistently wish I’d known of it earlier. It’s given me some of my best friends and exposed me to some of my greatest passions.
What will you miss most about Hartland Drama Club after graduation, and what lessons will you take with you?
Overall, the people. My directors, friends, and castmates are who I will miss the most. They have all been some of the best people to be around; they’re fun, unique, hardworking, and all incredibly talented and I can’t imagine finding a group like it anywhere else. Hartland Drama Club has taught me so much about myself. I’ve learned that I adore performance arts, and I think that being a part of the arts has made me better in every aspect of my life. I believe that I’ve become much more well-rounded, confident, and outgoing.
Samantha Landacre as Wednesday Addams
Parents: Jennifer Landacre and Brett Landacre
Grade: Sophomore
Activities: Choir, dance, theater
Hobbies: Crafts, cooking
Future Plans: Attend a university to study musical theater or become a special education teacher
What has been the most challenging part of bringing this show to life?
The most challenging part of bringing this show together has consisted of, as my director likes to say, “Adding the layers of the onions.” Adding different layers to our production is one of the most exciting aspects of the process, but also one of the most challenging, as well as bringing the iconic Wednesday character to life. I find these challenges so rewarding. Even when they’re challenging at times, it’s the beauty of theater, and I love the challenge.
What are your backstage survival items?
Definitely my water to keep me hydrated during the show, my nebulizer, and Grether’s Pastilles.
What have you learned about your craft and yourself from doing this musical?
Wednesday Addams has been one of the hardest characters I have ever played, with challenging aspects revolving around characterization and finding what I want the audience to feel after watching my performance. The thing that I learned most about drama is that there is no wrong move or way of saying something. Trying new things and being big is highly encouraged, and I have learned a lot about what it means to be a character and the importance of conveying a message.
What’s one way you relate to your character, and one way you don’t?
One way I relate to Wednesday is how much she truly does care, even though she might not show it. Deep down she has a side of her that always cares for the people she loves and that’s where I really connected to her as a character. Her dark and spooky looks can sometimes hide how big her heart is, but she is still spooky Wednesday Addams at the end of the day. On the other hand, Wednesday can also be the complete opposite of me with how we dress, but she still has a very cool style that I really love!
Do you have a favorite pre-show ritual that helps to combat nervousness?
My favorite pre-show ritual has to be listening to pump-up music with my friends while getting ready. Then, after “circle,” (where the cast centers and comes together) I like to look over my notes and get into that character mindset by doing a prop check and making sure everything is ready.
Answer this question as your character: Why should people come see this show?
Come see “The Addams Family” if you dare to know the truth. If you want to be “normal,” buy the ticket. I hope you just loathe this show.
Logan Clark as Uncle Fester
Parents: Elizabeth and Steven Clark
Grade: Junior
Activities: Choir, band, drama
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, playing a bunch of games, building Legos
Future plans: Go to college for law and criminal justice and continue acting
How would you describe “The Addams Family Musical” to someone who’s never seen it?
To someone who has never heard about “The Addams Family,” I would have to say it is a classic love-filled story turned upside down and nothing like you ever think it would be.
What’s one way you relate to your character, and one way you don’t?
Fester brings so much to this show, and really the only way I relate to him is by being funny and making sure all eyes are on me. One way I am not like Fester is being scary and being in love with the moon.
What have you learned about your craft and yourself from doing this musical?
If I’m given the option to cut my hair for a role and people do not believe me, I have to prove to them that I wasn’t lying and that I’m very committed to the show.
Do you have a favorite pre-show ritual that helps to combat nervousness?
What I do right before a show is sit down in the makeup room with my good friend Jackson and talk about our past shows and how far “The Addams Family” has come from auditions back in January.
What is your dream role and/or your dream job in the theater world?
Two of my dream roles to play on the stage would have to be Shrek from “Shrek” and Patrick Star from “The SpongeBob Musical.” (Yes, I am well aware that those are silly roles to play.)
How has participating in Hartland Drama Club affected your high school experience?
Being a part of the Hartland Drama Club has really brought me closer with a group of people I never thought I would have met, and if it wasn’t for theater, I wouldn’t have any of my best friends that I have today.
Sophia Giorio as Flight Attendant Ancestor
Parents: Brian Giorio and Sarah Barrons
Grade: Senior
Activities: Theater, robotics, jazz band, choir
Hobbies: Painting, ceramics, gardening
Future Plans: Become a pediatric dentist
What do you hope audiences will take away from this production of “The Addams Family Musical?
I hope that our audience takes away the importance of family, but also the importance and individual uniqueness. “The Addams Family” really helps showcase how, even if people are not socially conformed, they are still worthwhile and amazing.
Do you have a favorite pre-show ritual that helps to combat nervousness?
My favorite pre-show ritual is the dance I do with my friends before the curtain rises. For the past few shows now, my friend and I always meet to dance to the opening overture to get out our jitters!
How is this show different from other productions you’ve been in?
This show has been very dark and gothic compared to my previous ones. I love leaning towards the haunted, mysterious tone this musical has. Playing a ghost has also been a huge change in comparison to playing living people. Having to act in slow motion, playing “invisible,” and directly helping the narrator move the story has all been both challenging and incredibly entertaining.
How has participating in Hartland Drama Club affected your high school experience?
Being a part of this drama club has definitely changed me for the better. I have grown many important skills that I get to take with me throughout life: confidence, leadership, and self-discipline. With the intense commitment of shows, I have learned how to better organize my time in all aspects of my life.
What have you learned about your craft and yourself from doing this musical?
I have discovered I play a dead person very well. Acting in rigor mortis and steadily growing to move more hauntingly and slowly was very fun and came easily to me once I got the feel for it. I have also come to learn that I portray sadness the best out of any emotion because of this show.
What will you miss most about Hartland Drama Club after graduation, and what lessons will you take with you?
I really am going to miss the people I’ve met within this club. I have met my best friends here, and it is going to be heartbreaking to have to leave them.
Danielle Renaud as Ballerina Ancestor and Dance Captain
Parents: Cheryl and Richard Renaud
Grade: Junior
Activities: Theater, drumline, competitive dance
Hobbies: Skiing, reading, painting
Future Plans: Attend college and study psychology and neuroscience
How is this show different from other productions you’ve been in?
Practically every production I have been involved in has been familiar to me. Whether I’ve listened to the music, seen the show, or just heard people talking about it, I’ve known about it in some way. “The Addams Family Musical” is quite different. I didn’t know anything about it before auditioning. Despite this, throughout the rehearsal process and preparing for an audience, I’ve grown to love the story and all the details of this crazy family!
What’s one way you relate to your character, and one way you don’t?
My character and I are similar because we both love performing. The Ballerina Ancestor, Rose Addams, spent her whole life on stage and before an audience. That is what made her happy and gave her purpose. I am similar to her because I, too, spend most of my time performing in some way. I love being on stage, just like Rose. There is really only one way that we are different, since I had the unique opportunity to create my character, and that is that I am so, so alive, and she is dead!
Do you have a favorite pre-show ritual that helps to combat nervousness?
In order to chase the nerves away before every show, I take a minute to stand right behind the curtain in full costume while the audience bustles around in the auditorium. During this small time to myself I think about all the work I and my fellow actors and crew members have done. I also think about how excited I am to perform for so many people who love these shows almost as much as I do. I take a couple deep breaths, leave the stage, and go find my friends to wish them luck.
What are your backstage survival items?
There are a few things that are always necessary for each member of the cast to keep on them during a production. These include deodorant, cough drops or mints, hair ties and hair spray, and their makeup essentials. I carry all these things to each performance with me, but I also have one thing that comes with me even in the wings for this show. As a person in pointe shoes on a non-dance floor, the chances of me slipping are much higher than usual. So, for this production, my main essential is my spray rosin to help the satin on my shoes stick to the floor!
What is your dream role and/or your dream job in the theater world?
Out of the huge variety of possible roles and jobs in the theater world, there has been one very close to my heart for the past few years. I would love to perform as LeFou from “Beauty and the Beast.” The lighthearted comedy and (at times) blind loyalty that LeFou presents is so fun to me and I would love to act in his role. Also, as a girl who has a lower vocal range, I feel that I could sing and would enjoy singing his song. Not to mention, the song “Gaston” is traditionally a dance number, and dance is kind of my thing.
How has participating in Hartland Drama Club affected your high school experience?
The Hartland Drama Club has truly made my high school experience complete. I’ve been involved in theater for practically my whole life, which made it a no-brainer to join the club. Being in the drama club is so fantastic. It really is the most welcoming and accepting thing I have participated in. I cannot sing enough praises to the leadership and members of this group. Hartland Drama Club has become a place for me to escape the stresses of daily school life and really connect with my peers.
Tiffany Casto, props crew head
Parent: Christina Casto
Grade: Junior
Activities: Drama and choir
Hobbies: Art, graphic design, crafts, sewing, drawing, acting, and writing
Future Plans: To continue participating in plays and musicals and to attend college
What has your experience been like leading a crew for this show?
My experience leading a crew has always been very fun. I enjoy being a leader and doing what I can with my crew to help bring the show to life. The props crew always has a great atmosphere — we’re not just a crew: we’re a family working together. It’s amazing to see what we can create and to know that the props being used on stage are things we all worked on together.
What’s something people might not realize about the work your crew does?
Sometimes people don’t realize how important props are to a show. Even the smallest prop can mean so much in a scene.
Is there a moment or achievement you’re most proud of when reflecting on your crew’s hard work?
I’m most proud of the family we’ve created and the hard work everyone has put into this show. I’m so proud of my crew and their dedication—staying after to get things done as quickly as possible. We’ve been especially fast and efficient this time around.
What are your backstage survival items?
Some important backstage items are a flashlight, a list of props and where they go, water, a hot glue gun with extra glue sticks (just in case something breaks), scissors, and tape.
How has participating in Hartland Drama Club affected your high school experience?
Hartland Drama Club has truly changed me. It’s created a safe space where I feel confident being myself. It’s also given me a wonderful family and an amazing community. I’ve grown from being a shy person into someone who is confident in themselves, and that carries over into my school life. I feel much more comfortable talking to people and being myself because of drama club.
What will you miss most about Hartland Drama Club after graduation, and what lessons will you take with you?
Of course, I will miss the people and the family the most. I will also dearly miss the memories I’ve made — those that have taught me so much and changed my life. I’ll never forget the people, the lessons, and the beautiful memories this experience has given me.
