3-D Theatrical’s production of “The Addams Family: A New Musical” brings the timeless series’ dark humor and aesthetic to the Plummer Auditorium stage. Director T.J. Dawson and the show’s cast put on a fantastic production for the creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky just in time for the Halloween season.
The story revolves around TV’s favorite frightful family and their encounter with something strange even by their standards: their daughter Wednesday’s (Micaela Martinez) love for a “normal” boy, Lucas Beineke (Dino Nicandros). Parents Gomez (Bronson Pinchot) and Morticia (Rachel York) join their son Pugsley (Dante Marenco), Grandma (Candi Milo), Uncle Fester (Anthony Gruppuso), butler Lurch (Dustin Ceithamer), and the ensemble of Addams ancestors in a tale about growing up and family values.
The play follows the father-daughter archetype with patriarch Gomez coming to terms with the fact that his little girl is growing up. This archetype on its own does not have any issues; however, in this case, it involved making major changes to a timeless franchise.
From Charles Addams’ original comic to the contemporary TV and movie adaptations, Pugsley was depicted as the eldest child. However, the playwrights in this case decided to shift the roles and make Wednesday the oldest. While this change may seem insignificant to those who are not die-hard Addams Family fans, it seemed wrong to change this timeless and well-known set of characters for the sake of an archetype.
Coming-of-age stories are an archetype of their own, but there’s something about a father letting go of his eldest daughter that changes everything. Stage adaptations always have their discrepancies in comparison to the original work, but If the playwrights wanted to do a classic father-daughter story, they should have not tampered with this timeless series.
However, despite this discrepancy, the cast was phenomenal and succeeded in keeping the audience enthralled and entertained. Andrew Lippa’s music and lyrics perfectly captured the darkness and whimsy for which “The Addams Family” is known for. The production’s music was done by a live orchestra which added to the classic appeal and feel of the original series.
Though Pinchot and York were amazing stars that hit their marks every time, Martinez’s portrayal of Wednesday was truly noteworthy. Her number “Pulled” in Act I demonstrated her vocal power and range and left the audience asking for more.
Experience “The Addams Family: A New Musical” for yourself at the Plummer Auditorium until October 25 and at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center from October 31 to November 8.
For more information and tickets visit www.3dtshows.com
