The Addams Family Musical: The World’s Kookiest Musical – Review

Arts Theatre, Fri Jul 4 Based on the script by Andrew Lippa, The Addams Family musical is a ghoulishly fun tale about a most unexpected tale of young love complete with all your favourite characters. The usually devilishly morbid Wednesday Addams (Sophie Lee Hamilton) has fallen in love with cheerful Lucas Beineke (Jonathon Shilling) and has seemingly great plans for the future. Wednesday confides in her father Gomez (Michael Coumi) about her and Lucas’ plans to wed, begging him not to tell her mother Morticia (Emma Bargery) before she has her approval of their union. All Wednesday wants is one “normal” night when the two families have dinner together at the Addams estate, however with Uncle Fester (Jamie Hornsby), Lurch (Frank Cwiertniak), Grandma (Chris Bussey) and the mischievous Pugsley (Dylan Richardson) the night doesn’t quite go to plan. Set designer Anthony Del Santo pays homage to the original series, bringing the stage alive with his simple yet effective set designs, complemented by musical director Gordon Combes well-oiled orchestra and lighting duo, Ian Barge and Mike Phillips. Director Matt Byrne has added a light-hearted and local touch to the somewhat macabre show. While the original story line is somewhat intriguing, the length of the play leaves little to be desired. Repetition seems to be the downfall of this production, adding unnecessary length to the show. Coumi and Bargery set the stage alight with their undying passion for one another. Coumi’s light-hearted rendition of Gomez is charming while Bargery oozes a morbid kind of sex appeal as Morticia. It is however Hornsby’s performance as Uncle Fester that really keeps the crowd engaged with his mischievous prancing around the stage and brings the enthusiastic ensemble together. While The Addams Family musical may be a somewhat extended version of its better self it is an unexpectedly fun and light-hearted production that will have you clicking your fingers. by Sarah Mena The Addams Family Musical continues at Arts Theatre at various times until Sat Jul 12 and Elizabeth’s Shedley Theatre at various times from Thu Jul 17 until Sat Jul 26. Book at www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au or BASS on 131 246 and www.bass.net.au.