WE REVIEW “THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL” NOW PLAYING AT THEATRE 29

The musical comedy “The Addams Family” opened last weekend to sold-out crowds at Theatre 29. The familiar family from TV and film came to life on stage at Theatre 29 with a new story line set to music. Wednesday wants to get married to a “normal” guy from Ohio. When the two families meet, the comedy ensues. Reporter Rebecca Havely attended and offers this review of the musical…
Director Kathryn Ferguson has staged a huge hit. Gomez and Morticia Addams, played by Leonard Webber and Virginia Sulick, are perfectly paired. Webber’s strong voice and Spanish flair compliments Sulick’s sexy, dry wit. The duo shines in a fabulous tango, choreographed by Derik Shopinski. Shopinski joins the show’s creepy chorus of Addams ancestors who are well cast and beautifully costumed in pieces from several eras. Cindy Daigneault is unrecognizable in her get-up as the crazy Grandma Addams. The stoic Lurch is perfectly played by newcomer Edward Pierce. Charles Harvey is fabulous as Fester. His serenade “The Moon and Me” shows off his vocal ability. Wednesday, played by Jasmine Shaffer, has a killer pop belt that shines as she sings of being, “Pulled in a new direction.” Pulled towards her love interest, Lucas; played by Scott Clinkscales who assisted Ferguson with musical direction on the well-written score. Lucas’s parents, Mal and Alice, are played by Gary Daigneault and Amanda Winters. Alice is accidentally given a truth serum by Pugsley portrayed by Amanda Mohn. Alice transforms from sweet-as-pie to brash and bawdy in one of the best numbers in the show. Winters’ is wonderfully funny as Alice, her best role yet. This show is my favorite of the Theatre 29 season thus far. A must-see and a perfect evening out for the entire family this Halloween season.
Tickets are selling fast so book your seats now. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings now through October 31 with 2:30 Sunday matinees on October 18 and 25. Tickets are $8 for students with I.D., $10 for seniors and military and $12 for adults. Reserve your seats online at theatre29.org or by calling the theater box office at 760-361-4151.