BWW Reviews: Nashville Meets THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Looking for a fun fright this Halloween? The Circle Players production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY sure to give you all the giggles and screams you'll need. Directed by Brett Meyers, this show brings to life the beloved characters from the comic panels of Charles Addams and subsequent TV shows and movies. Yes, the family is all there: Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Fester, Lurch and even Cousin Itt. Filled with same campy dark humor the Addams are known for, but now with song and dance. For example, you may see Morticia leading a kick line of ghosts and Wednesday singing an explanation of how she is being "Pulled in a New Direction" while pulling her brother in shackles on a torture machine.

The Addams' darkness may make them a bit strange, however this family is like any other when it comes to giving one of their own away. Wednesday (Micah Lynn) announces she has fallen in love. She and her suitor Lucas (Tyler Adams) want nothing more than both their families' approvals, so they arrange for them to meet in an attempt to create "One Normal Night." Not only are the Addams a bit strange but Lucas' family, the Beinekes, are not much better. Mal (Josh Waldrep), a lackluster businessman, and Alice (Sydney Hooper), a perfectly positive housewife make an interesting match for Gomez (Brian Best) and Morticia (Katherine Morgan).

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, which could be viewed as a musical of contradictions was wonderfully turned by Myers and the cast into a musical of compliments. The optimism and energy exuded from Hooper balances the sultry, commanding presence of Morgan. Same goes for men of the households-Best's eccentric jokes, that push the envelope, are brought down to reality by the dry, sarcastic humor of Walrep.

The entire cast was performing at top standard, paying large attention to detail. Lynn's overdramatic facial expressions and reactions had me entertained throughout the show. Despite only being 10 years old, Gus O'Brien, playing Pugsley, was one of the strongest musically and delivered all of his jokes with impeccable timing. The chorus constantly kept a ghastly presence as the dead ancestors of the Addams family, each with their own personality from a flapper to a Pilgrim. Everyone in the cast's accents and character voices never faltered. Even the grunts of Jon Kopischke as Lurch were perfect.

By far, the largest treat in the show, however, did not involve one of the forefront relationships, but that of Fester (Andrew Hosale) and in the moon. In Act Two, Circle Players created one of the most over the top scenes I have ever witnessed in theater, but it had the audience in stitches the entire time. Hosale professes his love in song in "The Moon and Me, his voice commanding attention and filling the theater. Then, he is transported into the sky and taken to the moon. Filled with black light, white paint and dancing, the scene is so hysterical it's impossible to forget.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY teaches us about love and what it means to be a family. Despite their odd and dark ways, they let the love shine through way more than anyone considered "normal. " They support each other through everything and emphasize the values of community and trust. As they invite you in the final number, if you get the chance this Halloween season, I highly suggest you "...move toward the darkness, and smile."

More Info & Tickets at www.circleplayers.net

Runs from October 17, 2014 - October 26, 2014

PHOTO CREDIT: Cindy Blanchard, Ciann Photography

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