The Addams Family Musical opens Thursday 29th October at Springwood High School, King’s Lynn, just in time for the perfect Halloween family treat. The musical follows the strange and peculiar Addams Family as they prepare for a dinner party to meet Wednesday Addams’ new boyfriend and his family. We were able to find out some more about this wonderful productions by KLODs with the cast and creatives.
Creatives:
1: What inspired you to develop The Addams Family?
At KLODS Theatre Company, we have developed a bit of a passion for producing Halloween-themed shows for this time of year. In the past we have produced 2 very successful plays, Dracula: The Bloody Truth and Hotel Frankenstein. We were incredibly excited when we got the chance to add another string to that bow, this time in musical form!
2: What is your favourite musical number from the show?
While I adore the fantastic chaos of numbers like One Normal Night and Full Disclosure, I have to say that Gomez’s Happy Sad is a real highlight for me. It’s such a tender moment in an otherwise manic show and the change in pace and tone is just gorgeous – I think the audience are really going to respond to it.
3: What has been the most enjoyable part so far about making the production?
Definitely working with our fantastic cast. In the past few years, we’ve seen a fantastic influx of performers into our casts from across the local area and it’s so lovely to have so many people come to spend some time with us from other local groups, including King’s Lynn Players, Watlington Players, The Angles, Wisbech and beyond. Our cast are absolute troopers and, even on challenging days of choreography and singing and setting the more complex aspects of the show, they’ve remained so positive and open to trying so many things – we really couldn’t have wished for a better group to work with!
4: What has been the best part about playing Gomez?
Definitely for me, the best part of playing Gomez has been just the overall intensity of the character. Gomez wears his heart on his sleeve almost constantly, and being trapped between the conflicts of his wife and daughter just gives so much emotion for me to express through the character. I watched a lot of productions of ‘The Addams Family’ through preparing for the role and saw ways I could bring my own interpretation into Gomez’s character by really driving that emotional intensity at parts of the show, and I’m really excited for audiences to see my take on him and hear what they think!
Harry Bird plays Gomez Addams
5: How did you prepare to bring Morticia’s personality and humour to life?
I prepared by watching lots of different versions of how Morticia has previously been portrayed and then added my own sarcasm to it. I wanted her to not try to be funny but have her darkness come naturally it times you wouldn’t expect it.
I also wanted her warmth towards her family to come through as although she loves in an unconventional way her fierce protective nature just shows how much they mean to her.
Ellen Petterson-Brister plays Morticia Addams
6: Pulled is a fantastic song from the musical. What is your favourite musical number?
All the music in the show is so brilliant, but I have to say that my favourite is When You’re an Addams. It’s such a showstopping opening number with the whole family and the ancestors, and it’s such a joy to be a part of! It’s been my favourite song ever since I first listened to the soundtrack years ago so when we first set the number it felt like a dream come true!
Izzy Lanchester plays Wednesday Addams
7: What do you enjoy about playing such a quirky character?
The best part of playing Fester is without a doubt his ability to play the fool. I’ve always enjoyed physical comedy, and this role has it in abundance. But don’t let his comedic role trick you into thinking he is one dimensional; his soft and loving side has also been a fun challenge to portray amongst his chaos.
Benjamin Parr plays Uncle Fester
8: How do you relate to Mal, if at all?
I think he’s like a boring accountant. I guess you might says it’s a bit like real life!!!
Phil Melia plays Mal Beineke
9: What has been the most exciting part of playing Alice?
The most exciting part of getting to play Alice would be the duality of the character and the journey she takes throughout the musical. Alice goes from someone who is so focused on being “normal” that it’s almost stifling, to the complete opposite of full-on-crazy, and it has been wonderful to explore as a performer. It keeps both the audience and myself on their toes, and I’m getting to do things on stage I’ve never done before.
We are all crazy deep down, in our own ways, and the character and musical emphasis the need for that to be celebrated because that’s what makes us unique.
Amanda Mason plays Alice Beineke
10: Do you think Wednesday and Lucas will last?
I definitely think Lucas and Wednesday will last. This show proves they can take anything that’s thrown their way. Plus I think Lucas is definitely too scared to leave now….
Harrison Southgate plays Lucas Beineke
11: What is your favourite moment in the musical?
My favourite part in the musical is the Beinekie normality falling apart during full disclosure, heightening the drama between the two very different families
Evie Crowson plays Pugsley Addams
12: How do you get into character to play Grandma Addams?
Playing an old lady appears to have become my niche so I find it easier now. It’s all about the stance – legs wider apart than normal, bent over slightly etc. A stick or something helps or it really hurts my back. As soon as I assume the grandma stance, I’m in character and the croaky voice follows from there.
Sarah Melia plays Grandma Addams
13: How do you make this quiet character so entertaining to watch?
Less is more! Whenever there is a big reaction, my stillness hopefully should stand out. And when Lurch does react, it should be minimal and more impactful!
James Jakeman plays Lurch
The Addams Family Musical opens Thursday 29th October at Springwood High School in King’s Lynn. Many thanks to the creative team and cast for answering our questions. Book your tickets here!
Max
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