BWW Reviews: The Kooky ADDAMS FAMILY At The Gateway

You don't go to see the musical The Addams Family to be moved or inspired; you go for laughs and fun. This iconic brand has been around for quite some time and you will walk out of the theatre thoroughly entertained having seen this show.

Running through September 13th at Long Island's beautiful Gateway Theatre, this Keith Andrews directed cast is absolutely stellar. Some of them have even been part of the Broadway and touring productions. While the musical may not the strongest of material, Andrew Lippa's score and Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice's book is hilarious and does have heart in it.

The story centers on Wednesday Addams, portrayed strongly by Jen Fogarty, who begins to fall in love with preppy Lucas Beineke portrayed charmingly by Bryan Welnicki. They are a fantastic team and exude a great connection. Ms. Fogarty, the little firecracker she is, receives a rousing round of applause particularly with her performance of "Pulled".

The majority of the show revolves around Wednesday inviting the Beineke family over for dinner for a "normal" evening, but, of course, the Addams' are anything but normal. David Engel and Rachel De Benedet portray Wednesday's parents Gomez and Morticia while Shaun Rice is hysterical as crazy Uncle Fester. Portraying Grandma is Amanda Bruton and Pugsley, Wednesday's younger brother, is portrayed by Ethan Eisenberg. And last, but certainly not least, Matthew Quinn portrays the Addams' zombie-like butler Lurch. As for the Beineke's, Larry Cahn and Laurie Wells portray Lucas' parents, Mal and Alice. It is truly sidesplitting to see these two worlds collide; the yuppie Beineke's trying to get along with the ethereal Addams.

Another highlight is the superb set designed by Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch who also created the spot on costumes. This is enhanced with Doug Harry's lighting and Don Hanna's sound and you get a very spooky atmosphere; particularly when they are walking through the park where their lone house is. Additionally, the orchestra, led fantastically by Nolan Bonvouloir, was top notch.

As I always say... end on a high note and The Addams Family is a fun show with a wonderful cast to close out Gateway's 65th season. Don't let those miserable theatre snobs deter you from enjoying this hilarious production. In the interest of "full disclosure", simply see it to have a great time.

The Addams Family is presented at Bellport's Gateway Playhouse through September 13th. Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa, Based on the characters created by Charles Addams, Direction & Choreography by Keith Andrews, Set & Costumes by Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch, Puppetry by Basil Twist, Wigs & Makeup by Britt E. Griffith, Sound Design by Don Hanna, Musical Direction by Nolan Bonvouloir, Lighting Design by Doug Harry, Company Manager & Casting by Michael Baker, Stage Management by Nikki Lint, Production Management by Brian Loesch. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-286-1133 or visit www.GatewayPlayhouse.org.

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