Review: THE ADDAMS FAMILY at Syrena Theatre

And this one is no exception. If I had to point out any weak spots, well, this review would end right here because, honestly, there aren’t any. Instead, let me take you into the sea of brilliance that director Jacek Mikolajczyk has pulled us into.

If you love a mix of chills and laughter, this show is made for you! But beyond that, it does something even more special—it shows us the beauty of differences, quirky personalities, and eccentric lifestyles. And, it’s pure entertainment from start to finish.

Each character is as distinct and well-crafted as a playlist of your favorite songs: the energetic Gomez (Przemysław Glapinski), the icy Morticia (Marta Wiejak), the wonderfully weird Wednesday (Aleksandra Gotowicka), the playful Pugsley (Mikolaj Wachowski), the charming Fester (Damian Aleksander), the sweet Alice (Katarzyna Walczak), the strict Mal (Michal Konarski), the endearing Lucas (Maciej Dybowski), the gloomy Lurch (Kamil Zieba), and the unpredictable Grandma (Beata Jankowska-Tzimas). Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite! Each actor made me believe they are one family—bound by their differences and unconditional love. Let’s face it, we all want to be part of this household… maybe only minus the creepy bits.

Ilona Binarsch also outfits the artists in fantastic costumes, including their eerie entourage of ghosts from various eras—a brilliant touch. Grzegorz Policiński’s set design adds even more excitement, with the Addams home looking both spooky and charming. There’s a perfect balance of dark humor, Gothic elegance, and a dash of macabre charm, capturing the weird and wonderful world of the Addams Family beautifully.

I also appreciate Jacek Mikolojczyk’s translation, which cleverly incorporates local references and witty jokes that resonate with adults and kids.

This musical offers more variety than a buffet—one moment you’re swept away by a tender ballad, and the next, you’re bouncing along to an upbeat number so fast you might sprain an ankle trying to keep up! And somehow, every dish is a hit.

As if Andrew Lippa’s fantastic music and the stunning set weren’t enough, there’s also an unforgettable tango scene brimming with emotion, skillful dancing, and passion—oh yes, plenty of passion! Ewelina Adamska-Porczyk outdid herself, no surprise there (it’s like saying water is wet), crafting choreography that perfectly captures the colorful, chaotic, and wonderfully unnerving world of these characters.

Under this layout of jokes, exaggeration, amazing music, and an original family, there is a great question about what ‘normal’ means. I like the answer, but you have to look for it on your own. Discovering it with this show is so much fun and should be recommended by every doctor on the planet.

Photo: Katarzyna Chmura, Tomasz Slupski