New theater company presents neat and sweet Addams Family Musical

By Chelene Nightingale

Jobe Publishing, Inc.

 

Kookiness and spookiness have carried on in a neighboring county for five performances of “The Addams Family Musical” sponsored by Span Tech in Glasgow. The newly-formed Harold Chambers Theater Troupe delighted receptive audiences with big voices, humorous one-liners, and bewitching choreography.

The musical debuted on Broadway back in April 2010 with Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth in lead roles. The book (script) was written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (Jersey Boys). The songs were composed by Andrew Lippa (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown). The production earned several award nominations including the Tony, the Drama Desk, and the Outer Critics Circle.

The show is based on Charles Addams’ famous comic strip, The Addams Family, which debuted in The New Yorker back in 1938. His creation of a ghoulish, odd but wealthy family grew in popularity after the success of a television series that began in the 1960s. The television adaption possesses one of the most iconic theme songs, which can be heard regularly every year during the Halloween season.

Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW) describes the musical as “a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family.” The play focuses on the daughter, Wednesday, who has grown up and fallen in love with a “normal boy”. Unfortunately, the relationship causes issues within the family including Wednesday’s father, Gomez, who keeps his very first secret from his wife, Morticia.

Families gathered in the Metcalfe Middle School Auditorium to watch local talent perform the award-winning musical. Before the show began, Jessica Tucker’s charming little Showstoppers performed on stage in front of the curtain. The young girls were sweet, and their families and friends enjoyed every move regardless of any missteps. Kudos to Jessica for creating family-friendly, age-appropriate choreography.

The Harold Chambers Theater Troupe’s production of “The Addams Family Musical” began cleverly with a hand appearing from the closed curtain snapping and clapping to the famous television theme music. Once the curtain opened, a cloud of fog filled the stage, but once it dispersed, the creepy, mysterious, and spooky cast were visible.

At first glance, some of the actors and actresses seemed miscast. For example, Morticia is known for her pale skin but the actress, Tristan Phelps, was tanned, and she looked the same age as the actress portraying her daughter. However, the moment Tristan belted out her first note, her youth and tanned skin no longer mattered. Tristan embodied the sensuality and strength of her character, and she was complimented by actor Ben Hubbard as Gomez.

Ben’s charisma shined through his portrayal as the Addam’s family patriarch. One of his most memorable scenes was in the first act with his daughter Wednesday. Although at times, the heartfelt depth of a father and daughter relationship did not come across, Ben’s vocal ability and natural comedic instincts overcame this aspect.

Kelly Jones was well cast as Wednesday. At times, her character appeared a bit too angry, but her vocal range was solid. Kelly showcased her solid skills with the song, “Pulled” during the first act of the play.

The entire cast was capable and it was clear that most were really enjoying their time on stage, like Faye Belcher as Grandma. However, as with any theatrical production, some stand out, like Hailee Coffey, Jenna Gardner, Lauren Coffee, and Laura Brown who were part of the Ancestors (ghosts) who sang and danced throughout the two-hour performance. Laura Brown also served as the assistant director of the production.

Although the character Lurch doesn’t speak in the play, actor Jordan Pritchard stole the scene when Wednesday’s “normal boyfriend” and his “normal parents” arrive at the Addams’ mansion.

Another standout in the cast was Richard Burchett as Fester. Burchett displayed impeccable timing. Every time he entered the stage, he made you laugh. His confidence and talent added layers to a silly character that many other actors may have played one-dimensional.

Director Emily Coffey took on an ambitious production and made it work. Emily named the theater troupe after her Dad, Harold Chambers. Emily grew up in theater and taught drama at the Metcalfe School. She founded the acting troupe with her own daughters.  “The Addams Family Musical” is the performing group’s second production.

Although the acting troupe is grateful for the support of the community, including the Metcalfe County Public Library and the Metcalfe County Schools, they are hoping to establish roots in Barren County, too. (Nearly half the cast of this musical reside in Barren County.) Meanwhile, the talented troupe will continue performing in Edmonton. Their next production is the Christmas play, “Dashing Through the Snow.”

Emily and her daughters have the passion, faith, and creativity to entertain both Edmonton and Glasgow for many years to come. An added bonus is the concessions with homemade treats. Laura Brown is not only talented on stage, she is talented in the kitchen, too. Try her no-bake chocolate cookies!

For more information about the Harold Chambers Theater Troupe, contact Emily Coffey at 270-670-4758.