Review: THE ADDAMS FAMILY at CMPAC

You do not attend a performance of The Addams Family to be moved or inspired; you go for laughs and fun. And when you have a cast as talented as the one at CM Performing Arts Center's Noel S. Ruiz Theatre, you will exit the theatre thoroughly entertained.

This iconic brand has been around for quite some time and while the musical may not be the strongest of material per se, Andrew Lippa's score and the Marshall Brickman/Rick Elice book is uproarious and, to be honest, does have heart.

The story centers on the pale, melodic, brother-torturing Wednesday Addams portrayed strongly by Gina Morgigno. She falls in love (gasp!) with the preppy (double gasp!) Lucas Beineke portrayed charmingly by Chris Loeschner. Ms. Morgigno is excellent in the role with her performance of "Pulled" a favorite of the enthusiastic audience.

Superbly directed Artistic Director Patrick Grossman, the majority of the first act revolves around Wednesday inviting the Beineke family over for a "normal" evening so the families can bond. The second part of the show, after an unusual (to say the least) dinner, the Beineke's get stuck at the Addams' house due to "bad weather". As you can imagine, this makes for an interesting evening. It is truly sidesplitting to see these two worlds collide; the yuppie Beineke's trying to get along with the ethereal Addams.

Naturally, Mr. Grossman's ensemble company is absolutely top notch with seemingly everyone getting to be featured at some instance.

CM vets Jon Rivera and Denise Antonelle make a terrific team portraying Wednesday's parents Gomez and Morticia. Additionally, the hysterical Marc Slomowitz is a natural as crazy Uncle Fester. Fester interacts with the audience at points, to much laughter, moving the story along. Mr. Slomowitz even peppers in some very current events that are a hit.

The rest of the Addams clan is rounded out by Terry Brennan pricelessly portraying Grandma while Pugsley, Wednesday's younger brother, is portrayed by Daniel Belyansky. And Steve Cottonaro is fantastic as the Addams' zombie-like butler Lurch. The remainder of the talented cast make up the Addams' dead ancestors, including a jilted bride, gangster, and a pilgrim among others. And as for Lucas' parents, Mal and Alice are wonderfully portrayed by Ed Callaghan and Jodi Saladino.

Also a highlight is Mr. Grossman's innovative set that well reflects the Addams house and its many rooms. This is cleverly enhanced by Carl Tese's lighting and the stunning costumes by Ronnie Green III . The live orchestra, headed up by Music Director Matthew Surico, is also outstanding.

To end, you may have heard the bad reception this show received when it was on Broadway. Well, I say there is a reason this show was on Broadway for nearly two years. Don't let those miserable theatre snobs deter you from enjoying this hilarious production. In the interest of "full disclosure", simply see this show and have a great time.

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The Addams Family is presented at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center through November 8th.

Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa, Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Directed by Patrick Grossman, Musical Direction by Matthew Surico, Choreography by M.E. Junge, Stage Management by Karen Tese, Costume Design by Ronnie Green III, Set Design by Patrick Grossman, Lighting Design by Carl Tese, Sound Design by Jennifer Miller

Starring Jon Rivera as Gomez, Denise Antonelle as Morticia, Gina Morgigno as Wednesday, Daniel Belyansky as Pugsley, Marc Slomowitz as Uncle Fester, Terry Brennan as Grandma, Steve Cottonaro as Lurch, Ed Callaghan as Mal Beineke, Jodi Saladino as Alice Beineke, and Chris Loeschner as Lucas Beineke with M.E. Junge, Jessica Donlon, Samantha Rosario, Dana Abruzzo, Kevin Burns, Joseph Bebry, Matthew Kadam. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com.

Photo by Timothy Pappalardo

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