The Addams Family
at Clarksburg High School

Reviewed on November 10, 2017

Jordan Hundley
Chantilly High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Every girl knows how difficult it is to get her parents' blessing for marriage -- let alone when her family is dark, twisted, and obsessed with all things macabre. Well, this was the case for Wednesday Addams in the humorous production of The Addams Family at Clarksburg High School.

In 1933, cartoonist Charles Addams created his first single-panel gag cartoon called The Addams Family. Since its publication in The New Yorker, many spinoffs of the original cartoon and story have been created, including this musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2010. The story follows young Wednesday Addams as she tries to gain her family's blessing to marry her smart and respectable boyfriend, Lucas. However, the Addamses are not your everyday "normal" family, as Lucas' family is. They have an infatuation with the torturous, the gory, and the maniacal. Both families' lives are turned upside down when the clans are introduced at a family dinner that is anything but normal.

The entire cast of Clarksburg High School's The Addams Family did a solid job of maintaining the consistency and high energy needed to pull off this show successfully. Additionally, most of the actors made great character choices that played well off each other and fabricated convincing chemistry. As Gomez, Saidou Sosseh excellently portrayed the goofy paternal character through his huge physicality and liveliness, but also did a great job of being able to tone it down for sincere moments with his daughter and wife. Likewise, Sofia Tobares skillfully brought sass and wit to her character, Morticia, and captivated the audience with her beautiful performance in songs such as "Just Around the Corner." Yet daughter Wednesday, played by Olivia Luzquinos, contributed some of the show's strongest vocals, as shown in her performances of "Pulled" and "Crazier Than You."

A clear audience favorite was Fester, portrayed exceptionally by Treshon Sherwood. The actor's over-the-top choices gave this narrator character a sense of childish exuberance, which enthralled audiences and had them laughing every time he appeared, especially with his signature song, "The Moon and Me." Not to mention, the consistency with Fester's animated, hunchback depiction was very impressive. Another character who created abundant humorous moments through consistency was Lurch, played by Dale Auen. His slow-moving, constantly expressionless face -- and the surprise of his very low, yet excellent, voice -- delighted the audience.

In addition to the strong performances, most of the technical aspects of the show were quite impressive as well. Several of the costumes, including Morticia's signature dress, were handmade by Anne Avendt. Also, the monster under Pugsley's bed was a well-executed and pleasant surprise for the audience. Additionally, the choice to use projections as a backdrop for some scenes was a unique and clever decision carried out by Noah Abrams.

Clarksburg High School's performance of The Addams Family was a solid show with exquisite acting, strong vocals, and appreciable technological elements. Put together, they effectively captivated the audience in the dark, spooky, and hilarious world of the Addams family.

Elizabeth Waldt
West Springfield High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

When you're an Addams, you need to have a taste for death. This spooky family has always had a knack for the dark side of life. Clarksburg High School's production of The Addams Family brings together the bunch for a performance that's mysterious, spooky, and altogether ooky.

The Addams Family began its long journey in 1938, when cartoonist Charles Addams began publishing his single-panel comics in The New Yorker. The fictitious family quickly gained popularity, inspiring portrayals on television, film, and stage. The musical adaption of the Addams Family debuted on Broadway in 2010, going on to win both Drama League and Drama Desk Awards. The successful musical follows a gothic family, the Addamses, as their daughter Wednesday falls in love with a normal boy from Ohio. Crisis unfolds as the two families meet, and the night only gets crazier from there.

As Wednesday's sword-wielding father, actor Saidou Sosseh commanded the stage with his comedic timing and melodramatic physicality. Although Gomez was a comedic character, Sosseh revealed his more serious, vocal side in numbers like "Happy/Sad." Portraying his loyal and passionate wife, Morticia, was junior Sofia Tobares, who demonstrated tremendous stage presence and confidence throughout the night.

Playing lovestruck Wednesday was Olivia Luzquinos, who captured the audience's attention in numbers such as "Pulled." Luzquinos showed off incredible vocal range, all while carrying out complicated dance numbers. Together with her boyfriend Lucas, played by Mateo Ferro, the couple effectively demonstrated the chemistry of a forbidden teenage love.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Clarksburg's production was the ensemble of undead ancestors. The group exploded onto the stage with energy, always ready for the next number. Even without dialogue, each ancestor had a distinct character that added something new to the production. Plus, the ensemble's beautiful harmonies blended with the rest of the cast's voices to provide well-rounded songs.

An interesting addition to the production was the inclusion of American Sign Language interpreters in every show. The interpreters carefully translated every scene and song, encouraging an inclusive atmosphere where everyone could enjoy the show. In addition, technical elements such as set and projections helped bring the Addams family to life. A carefully designed multi-level set allowed the actors to get creative with blocking. The crew's use of projections caught the audience's attention and added believability to sets throughout the show.

Every Addams hopes for darkness, grief, and unspeakable sorrow, but audiences did not tend toward those emotions at Clarksburg High School's production of The Addams Family. With talented actors and a dedicated crew, this show was far more likely to warm people's hearts.

Holly Ramia
Annandale High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

When you're an Addams, anything is possible at the family dinner table. Clarksburg High School's production of The Addams Family tells the story of how two families of completely different lifestyles attempt to have one normal night.

Based on a cartoon series by Charles Addams, The Addams Family was adapted as a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The musical comedy rendition, written by Andrew Lippa, debuted on Broadway in April 2010, closing on December 31, 2011. The Addams Family tells the story of a not-so-average American family, in love with all things gruesome. When Wednesday Addams, the eldest child, is engaged to a "normal" boy, Lucas Beineke, her family struggles to maintain normalcy when his family comes over for dinner.

Each member of The Addams Family cast brought excellent physicality, and the ensemble of Ancestors was engaging throughout the show. Even in intimate moments, the cast kept their energies up, always contributing more to the story. ASL interpreters added a pleasant touch to the show, making it accessible to everyone.

Gomez Addams, played by Saidou Sosseh, maintained outstanding physicality and comedic timing throughout the musical. His character development encapsulated an eccentric, ghoulish man, but also a father coming to grips with making sure both his daughter and his wife are content. His wife, Morticia Addams (Sofia Tobares), had a calm, yet powerful character voice, carrying herself in style and elegance. Olivia Luzquinos, who played the lovestruck Wednesday Addams, had exceptional articulation and clarity of vocals, along with close chemistry with her partner, Lucas Beineke (Mateo Ferro).

Excellent chemistry was also maintained between Wednesday and her younger brother Pugsley (Ricky Cardenas). Uncle Fester and Grandma, played by Treshon Sherwood and Abby Thomas, provided a nice comic flare to the overall production, as they attempted to keep their family composed. Lucas's mother, Alice (Maddi Bard), was full of life and energy, portraying it in the clarity of her vocals.

Sets by Emma McGrath, Min Jang, and Sarah Addo brought the audience into the kooky Addams Family household; the crew also used a slideaway projector to portray intimate moments outside. Properties by Samantha Pomerantz were outstanding, including a moving, green monster under Pugsley's bed. The stage crew (Emma Mcgrath, Min Jang, and Sarah Addo) maintained the pacing of the show by executing quick, subtle transitions. Cast and crew worked together to craft a lively, memorable show.

Melanie Staszewski
Poolesville High School
Submitted for publication to Maryland Theater Guide

In the world of The Addams Family, misery is wonderful, torture is enjoyed, and death and suffering are the epitome of excitement. This modern musical, inspired by Charles Addams' classic cartoons and written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, features the original story of grownup Wednesday Addams, who has fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family.

One fateful night, the gloomy family hosts a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents. However, the afternoon before the gathering, Wednesday confides in her father that she plans on marrying her love interest and begs him not to tell her mother. Her father must then accomplish something he has never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife. Deception and attempts at normalcy bring about an evening of trickery and chaos for the Addams family. Clarksburg High School's talented cast developed this challenging show's story with ease.

The dark nature of the Addams family seems difficult to depict, especially with the distinct personalities of each role. Wednesday Addams experiences many changes, transforming from a deadpan girl to a more lighthearted young woman. Olivia Luzquinos's impassive portrayal of Wednesday was nicely accented with choice inflection. With this selective conveyance of tone and mood, Wednesday's changes in character gradually became clear.

Wednesday's father, Gomez Addams, is a demanding role. There are many humorous moments in the script, and the actor playing Gomez must possess a sense for comedic timing. With several well-timed pauses and great characterization, Saidou Sosseh brought Gomez Addams to life throughout the entire production.

Additionally, Fester Addams, brother to Gomez, is a constant source of laughter. In the second act of the musical, Fester also serves in a narrator position to draw the audience back into the story. Treshon Sherwood's take on Fester's dual role as comic relief and narrator was brilliantly executed, with consistent energy and a unique quirkiness that quickly and subtly gained the audience's appreciation.

The elaborate set allowed the actors to make use of the entire stage and maintain the audience's interest. The costumes (designed by Anne Avendt) and the props (accumulated by Samantha Pomerantz) were unique and fitting to the production. Costumes were designed and made specifically for certain characters, such as Morticia's lovely black dress resembling that worn in the movie version. For a scene that called for a monster under a bed, the props team cleverly created large green hands and a tail that emerged suddenly to represent the creature, attracting many laughs. A decision to provide student American Sign Language interpreters (Catherine Hiles, Amaya Dennis, Adanna Kwapong, Maddison Dejewski, Christinna Le) was an incredible way to deepen the theater experience for people in the community.

Each actor played an important part in creating the complex atmosphere of the Addams household, leaving the audience impressed. The many secrets being kept by family members were revealed and resolved, and the cast concluded the show with a touching scene of each couple sharing a sweet moment before the lights faded to black.