The Addams Family - WAOS, May 2015 - NODA review

Advertised as a “New Musical Comedy” the title fitted the bill. Hilarious dialogue with many a double entendre, especially from Gomez Addams, and a very strong cast from principals through to every member on stage.

All the main principals gelled well together from the father figure Gomez to his rather superior wife Morticia, through to rebellious daughter Wednesday, crazy son Pugsley, brother Fester. Sweet Fester!! and of course not forgetting Grandma and the famous Lurch.

Constance Lawton as Morticia had it all, voice, attitude, style and together with Stewart Adkins as Gomez Addams it was a tour de force. Stewart’s singing was bang in the middle of his lower vocal range and very strong. Emotional too at times when faced with ultimatums from his wife, and at all times an important figure to all the family. Ashton Reed as Wednesday gave a super performance as this feisty teenager with great enthusiasm for the character which was very well played. Light relief came from Trevor Marks as Fester. Gentle and effective in “The Moon and Me” and a sensitively played character. Loved the make-up. The make up team also deserves a credit for all the characters. Young Fraser McLauchlan did well as Pugsley, and the character of Lurch was good with Richard Herring. I enjoyed Edward Groombridge as the crazy Grandma. Perhaps a walking stick might have added to the pose taken by Edward as a very elderly old lady, again great make-up.

Now to the Beineke family with all it’s hang ups! Corrina Wilson as Alice had a great feel for the comedy of this role, and the powerful range of her high soprano voice which came through especially in the ensemble numbers was superb. I must also compliment the top sops in the chorus who also were on great form, it sounded truly professional. Mal Beineke played by Niels Bradley was suitably correct in his understated character, and Ed Tunningley was convincing as Lucas.

Both musically and for high standard stagework this was one of the best WAOS shows with some thrilling sounds from the cast, backed so well by Geoff Osborne and the Orchestra. A large cast which Nikki had used to it’s full capacity, and such a range of interest happening on stage for the audience to observe. The choreography was superb and slick with amazing attention to detail with all the cast totally involved. WAOS are a group who just keeps pushing boundaries and achieving such a high standard. This was a brave choice and it paid off. I was totally absorbed in the show.

Many congratulations to Nikki, Geoff and everyone, whether on stage or backstage in so many important category’s giving the audiences a truly great production.