By KEN KLINGENMEIER
A Seat on the Aisle
Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre’s latest offering of The Addams Family, last produced here in October/November 2015, seems an upgrade of the former – with very few cast changes. The original show came to Broadway in April of 2010 and was hailed as a critic-proof hit, selling nearly $16 million in advance tickets. Everyone wants to see the ghoulish cartoon family come to life it seems (a sold-out Saturday night crowd proves that) and B&B does its usual top-notch job with the material.
Director Eddie Curry, who also takes the role of Gomez Addams, pairs with choreographer Ron Morgan in putting the show together. Their combined skills are evident in the smooth, seemingly effortless work their players accomplish to provide a very entertaining evening for the audience.
I cannot think of many other American shows with the wonderfully bizarre set of characters these talented performers get to sink their teeth into. There’s Curry’s Gomez – the hot-blooded Spaniard who is the head of the clan – or so he thinks. His wife Morticia, played in lithe, flowing and sultry terms by Jill Kelly Howe, is more likely to hold the keys to Gomez’s happiness. Daughter Wednesday, played by full-voiced marvel Shelbi Berry, wants to marry a “normal” person, greatly upsetting the family milieu.
Uncle Fester (Kurt Perry in a delightfully sweet-hearted interpretation) is a softy and supports her choice, while little brother Pugsley, offered by eighth-grade stage veteran Eli Neal, fears that his sister’s vows may spoil the terrifying fun they have together, and he attempts to derail the situation. Grandmama (imagined by the perfectly wrought Amanda Butterbaugh) just wants everyone to “stay out of my s**t!” Jeff Stockberger’s Lurch (a role for which he has to spend far more time doing his makeup than he did learning his lines) rounds out the household.
The “normal” family (the Beinekes from Ohio!) is played by John Vessels as Mal (as in mal-adjusted, I suppose), Sarah Hund – still the most talented person I know – as his poetic wife Alice, and B&B newcomer, the vocally polished Ray Gleaves as their son (and Wednesday’s beloved) Lucas. Vessels and Ms. Hund team up and provide a good deal of laughs as the Beinekes’ visit to the Addams mansion results in a much-needed catharsis and a happier marriage than they started with.
Add in the unparalleled corps of dancing/singing (silver-toned) Addams ancestors (Joey Boos, David Buergler, Phillip Crawshaw, Logan Hill, Hallie Quinn, and Amy Owens) and the cast is a complete marvel.
Kristy Templet leads the B&B orchestra through the diverse and spooky score, Michael Layton provides the nifty set design, lights are by Ryan Koharchik and sound is designed by B&B’s veteran soundman (19 years!) Daniel Hesselbrock.
The amazing costumes are by Travis Grant, the many wigs are by Andrew Elliott, and the extensive makeup is designed by the master – Daniel Klingler.
Bottom line: The Addams Family really is one of my favorite shows that B&B puts on. It’s silly, imaginative fun, with great characters and a wonderful score. The plotline is out of everyday life and juxtaposed with the bizarre characters, the show provides an easily enjoyed evening.
The Addams Family continues at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre through Nov. 20. Find show times and reservation info at beefandboards.com or call the box office at (317) 872-9664.
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