By Kristen Weyer.
“They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ooky, The Addams Family!” Come and have a creeptastic good time with The Addams Family, now playing at Theatre Three, under the direction of Jeffrey Sanzel. The Addams Family is based on the characters created by Charles Addams, with a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Amusingly updated, you’ll enjoy these classic characters with a modern twist.
There’s trouble in the Addams’ morbid paradise. Gomez (Matt Senese) and Morticia Addams’ (TracyLynn Conner) beloved daughter Wednesday (Jessica Murphy) is in love; in love with, gasp, a ‘normal’ boy, from horror-of-horrors, Ohio. Unbeknownst to her mother, Wednesday has become engaged to Lucas Beineke (Matt Paredi) and sworn her father to secrecy on the subject. With the two families set to meet over a dinner, Gomez torn between his wife and daughter, meddling family members, and emotionally repressed dinner guests, what could go wrong? Add to that the fact that Uncle Fester (Rick Grossman) won’t let the ghosts of the family ancestors back into the crypt until the young lovers triumph, and you’re in for one heck of an evening.
This cast does a wonderful job with the creepy, crazy and wacky characters. Matt Senese is very convincing as the charming and debonair Gomez. His pleasant voice and excellent comedic timing entertain from start to finish. TracyLynn Conner was completely enjoyable as Morticia. Her stunning vocals impress along with her talent for complete rigidity of posture. Jessica Murphy and Matt Paredi make an adorable couple as Wednesday and Lucas. Her serial killer looks and his charming grin are incredible foils, and extremely diverting. Uncle Fester was engagingly played by Rick Grossman. His hysterical antics and impersonations make his every scene one to enjoy. Grandma was expertly portrayed by Ginger Dalton, and Max Venezia was great as Pugsley. Steve Ayle and Linda May portray Mal and Alice Beineke, Lucas’ parents, with impeccable characterization and comedic timing. May’s facial expressions and her number “Waiting” are brilliant. Yes, not to worry, Lurch is also here flawlessly played by James Taffurelli; as well as appearances by Thing and Cousin It, both played by Cameron Turner.
The fantastic opening number of “When You’re an Addams” introduces you to the ensemble of ghostly ancestors whose incredible costumes and make-up complete a fabulous picture. Clever set design by Randall Parsons with rotating triangular columns worked perfectly. Excellent costumes by Chakira Doherty adorned all the characters, and Lindsay Defranco’s stunning make-up was practically flawless, the only exception being the lack of make-up on Lurch’s neck; with extended views of his profile in multiple scenes this was quite noticeable. Great lighting effects by Robert W. Henderson Jr. were used superbly, and the music was exquisitely played by the orchestra under direction from Jeffrey Hoffman.
The Addams Family is a fun and entertaining show with plenty of updated jokes for modern-day. So, if you’re in the mood for a strange and morbid, yet absolutely hilarious evening then The Addams Family is not to be missed.
Four of us saw The Addams Family on opening night and were incredulous that our quiet little town of Port Jefferson could be hosting such a professional, delightful and Broadway quality musical. All the actors were fabulous, especially Gomez and Morticia. Where did such great actors–and singers–come from?? The music and the orchestra were wonderful. No need to go to the City anymore; we have it all right here–and at a fraction of the cost! Go see it!!!