EMA Review: THE ADDAMS FAMILY Scrumptious ★★★★

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic, EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: ErikReviewsVegas

RATING: Scrumptious ★★★★

It’s been almost ninety years since Charles “Chaz” Addams first published his single-panel cartoon in The New Yorker, depicting a nameless, gruesome family. And it’s been over sixty years since we were introduced to The Addams Family by name in a delightfully ghastly and ghoulish sitcom. Since then, we’ve had numerous movies, television shows, video games, and, in 2010, a musical! Just in time for Halloween, Signature Productions brings us The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy, book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The result is a mixed bag: an amazing production of a mediocre script.

The script has two problems: first, it’s a traditional love story that doesn’t suit our characters, and second, these aren't exactly the characters Nat Perrin created for the 1964 series. Wednesday wants to marry a “normal” boy, but is embarrassed by her family. Meanwhile, Gomez must keep the secret of their impending nuptials from his wife Morticia, which causes a divide in their marriage. See the problem? Gomez isn’t confident. Morticia doubts her family. And Wednesday isn’t the wonderful pig-tailed girl with the deadpan delivery. It feels like the writers wanted to write a traditional musical but crammed it into the Addams Family world.

But… if you can get past that, then you’re in for a fantastic night of theater. Taking the show for what it is, a different interpretation of the characters, I very much enjoyed this production. Alec TerBerg brings to life a wonderfully macabre, gothic experience that overcomes the script’s shortfalls. The singing is spectacular, the dancing is top-notch, the acting is stupendous, and yes - the dark humor is there in bloody bucketfuls. Together with Musical Director Shauna Oblad and Choreographer Emma Phillips, we get some of the best musical theater in the Vegas Valley.

The cast was to die for! Joel Ruud easily carried the show as the enigmatic and uncertain Gomez. He is a joyous whirlwind of energy as he romances his wife and swashbuckles with his sword. Chloe Jaramillo gives an electric performance as Morticia with her powerful singing and perfect physicalization. Kyleigh Keith brings a delightful dark charm to Wednesday, managing to give madness to a woefully watered-down role. Blake Boles saves the show as the unapologetically weird Uncle Fester, who was a welcome sight whenever he popped up. Jaxon Humphrey was excellent as the mischievous Pugsley, obviously having so much fun. Sherri Brewer was hilarious as the wacky, disturbing Grandma. The biggest laughs came from Ryan Petersen as Lurch. His well-timed groans stole the show. As for the “normal” folks, Lucas Beineke, played by Dane Rexton, was solid as the boyfriend, easily bridging the gap between the two worlds.  Daniel Hunter was a perfect contrast to the weirdness as the stodgy, straight-laced father, Mal. But for me, the standout of the show was Abigail Brock as Alice. She was wonderful as the ordinary wife, and her comic timing was impeccable. Lastly, the Addams Ancestors were spot on with their dancing, singing, and spooking everything in their path.

I was greatly impressed by the costumes and makeup throughout, thanks to Costume Designer Teri Gerring and Wig Designer Claire Hilscher. They captured the main characters perfectly and really impressed me with the Ancestors. The set (no one was credited) was wonderfully gothic and set the tone, while the lighting, designed by Michael Jarett, and sound, designed by Bill Fegley, saturated the stage with the foreboding, creepy atmosphere that transported us into this world.

Overall, it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s a fun, magical night of spooky, dark humor and Broadway-level singing and dancing. I wish there was more with Cousin Itt and especially Thing, who were limited to extremely brief cameos, and I wish it was more like a traditional Addams Family story. But the production more than makes up for those purist quibbles. It’s a great family show for the Halloween season, though there is more innuendo than I expected, and, of course, there’s a lot of dark, morbid humor. Parents, you have been notified. So break out your pumpkin spice, dress to kill, and dig up an old relative or two to bring along. I guarantee you’ll have a dreadfully good time. 

What: The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy

When: August 20 through September 12. Thursday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m.; Mondays, August 24 and August 31 at 7:30 p.m..

Where: Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center, 1771 Inner Circle Drive

Tickets (including fees): Adult (Center Seats) $45.54, Senior/Student (Center Seats) $42.44, Adult (Side Sections) $40.37, Senior/Student $37.26. Visit https://signatureproductions.net/

RATING: Scrumptious ★★★★

Director: Alec TerBerg; Musical Director: Shauna Oblad; Choreographer: Emma Phillips; Lighting Designer: Michael Jarrett; Costume Designer: Teri Gerring; Wig Designer: Chaire Hilscher; Sound Designer: Bill Fegley; Stage Manager: Ace Daniels.