REVIEW: The Creepy and Kooky Addams Family Live on Stage!
Through 10/26 @ Conkling Hall, Rensselaerville
Photos by Rachel de Long
“What this community production does so well is make positive choices, nearly everyone is having an absolute ball playing macabre.“
It’s here, it’s here! That spooky time of year! What better way to celebrate it than a breathtaking scenic drive of beautiful rust colored trees to Rennselaerville to catch the giant of dress-up musicals, The Addams Family, at R’ville Stage Creations playing through 10/26?
The musical is enormously popular with performers and audiences alike who cherish its nostalgic nod to the tv show, its chance to safely turn convention on its head (this is no Rocky Horror) and its broad range of characters to have fun with. Thankfully, the show also has a wonderfully appealing score by Andrew Lippa.
Taradwyn McCormick-Hostash has taken on the unenviable dual task of directing and playing the female lead, Morticia. Her role in the founding of RSC 15 years ago and her marshaling of the wide range of talents enthusiastic to put on this community show is heroic and has made me a huge fan along with her consigliere, producer Rachel de Long. She is a commanding Morticia and can direct her stage family with an arched brow. Her dance late in the musical where she cuts loose was a liberating delight.
The story is Wednesday’s in love! The young Addams daughter has invited her boyfriend and family to dinner to meet the parents. It’s the classic You Can’t Take It With You clash between the norms (here named The Beinekes of Ohio) and the free spirits living the life they love. In this case, the Addams (inspired by Charles Addams’ mid-century cartoons for The New Yorker) are creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky and altogether ooky (according to their TV theme songs).
What this community production does so well is make positive choices; nearly everyone is having an absolute ball playing macabre. Everyone takes a bite out of societal strictures placed on them.
Gomez (delightful Koda Laverne) seems more like a Dagwood than the Spanish lothario but they are all the more appealing for it as they are pulled between their wife and daughter. I loved the fresh Pugsley of Aurora Hostash who broke out in a winning grin when being “pulled in a new direction.”
Gabby Smachetti has an exceptionally strong voice as Wednesday and makes a delicious match with Steve Key’s Lucas. One of my favorites of the night was Sean Alison’s Lurch who has a champion deadpan and was fantastically inventive using his verbal and physical limitations.
It’s a great fall evening of hilltown community with Cousin It on the front lawn to greet you, home baked goods, the Halloween joy and real musical talent led by Music Director Nick Graziade.
The Addams Family plays at Conkling Hall, 8 Methodist Hill Road, Rensselaerville through 10/26. Tickets: www.rville-stage-creations.square.site
