Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society presents
The Addams Family
The Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
6th May - 9th May
The Addams Family
The Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
6th May - 9th May
All together now, “Da da da da - click click” - Yes, it’s that catchy familiar theme tune of the American television series The Addams Family which is based on the characters in Charles Addams' New Yorker cartoons. However, Artistic Director, Sallie Warrington, tells me that this musical production is a completely different version to anything we have ever seen before from any Addams Family cartoon, tv show or film.
The Broadway musical premiered in April 2010 and depicts a ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things macabre. Numerous film and television adaptations of Addams' cartoons exist, but the musical, which is the first stage show based on the characters, is stemmed upon the cartoons rather than the television and film characters. The original cast featured Nathan Lane as Gomez and Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia.
A fabulous scoop for LODS, this will be the regional premiere of the show and, rather interestingly, the rights to this production are now no longer available for other groups to put on the show; sparking rumours that a West End production could be in the offing in 2016. So this will be an ideal opportunity to get a preview of what may come. All very exciting!
Sallie tells me that directing this show has been completely different compared to the last show LODS did. “Footloose was predominantly dance based whereas this one is more story based.” she tells me. “This show is much more stylised from a dancing perspective. It’s also a very funny show. We’ve been cracking up during rehearsals.”
The Addams Family musical runs with an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. I’m lucky enough to watch the Company rehearsing this very scene and it certainly is extremely funny and I cannot wait to see more of this darkly devilish show.
Neil Lands, who is playing Gomez, says, “This is probably the biggest part I’ve had to play since I’ve been in the group. It really is a challenge but a great part to play.”
Musical Director, Rachel Plunkett has had her work cut out as the score features some rather vocally challenging numbers, particularly for the part of Wednesday.
Rebecca Wallace, who plays Wednesday Addams, is looking forward to show week now. “The hardest part has been the songs - some of the notes are really high!” Matthew Giles who is playing Wednesday’s love interest, Lucas, tells me that he too is ready for show week and can’t wait to get on stage. “Rebecca is being modest,” he confides, “she sings all her songs brilliantly!”
The part of Pugsley will be played by two local lads on alternate performances. Reece Emery who is a pupil at Shoeburyness High School tells me that he has had lots of acting experience. He belongs to Expressions Theatre Arts and has even performed in the West End, playing the part of Benjy in Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Belfairs Academy pupil, Alex Reed, has also had his fair share of experience appearing with LODS in their production of A Christmas Carol and also as the young Tommy in last year’s production of The Who’s classic rock musical. Both boys are in year 7 and are really excited to be performing in May at The Palace Theatre.
So, say LODS, “Come meet the family. We’ll leave the lights off for you.”
For The Addams Family Review click here
£16.50 Concessions £1.00 off.*
Matinees £14.50*
A £1.50 per ticket booking fee applies, capped at four per order. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free.
www.southendtheatres.org.uk
The Broadway musical premiered in April 2010 and depicts a ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things macabre. Numerous film and television adaptations of Addams' cartoons exist, but the musical, which is the first stage show based on the characters, is stemmed upon the cartoons rather than the television and film characters. The original cast featured Nathan Lane as Gomez and Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia.
A fabulous scoop for LODS, this will be the regional premiere of the show and, rather interestingly, the rights to this production are now no longer available for other groups to put on the show; sparking rumours that a West End production could be in the offing in 2016. So this will be an ideal opportunity to get a preview of what may come. All very exciting!
Sallie tells me that directing this show has been completely different compared to the last show LODS did. “Footloose was predominantly dance based whereas this one is more story based.” she tells me. “This show is much more stylised from a dancing perspective. It’s also a very funny show. We’ve been cracking up during rehearsals.”
The Addams Family musical runs with an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. I’m lucky enough to watch the Company rehearsing this very scene and it certainly is extremely funny and I cannot wait to see more of this darkly devilish show.
Neil Lands, who is playing Gomez, says, “This is probably the biggest part I’ve had to play since I’ve been in the group. It really is a challenge but a great part to play.”
Musical Director, Rachel Plunkett has had her work cut out as the score features some rather vocally challenging numbers, particularly for the part of Wednesday.
Rebecca Wallace, who plays Wednesday Addams, is looking forward to show week now. “The hardest part has been the songs - some of the notes are really high!” Matthew Giles who is playing Wednesday’s love interest, Lucas, tells me that he too is ready for show week and can’t wait to get on stage. “Rebecca is being modest,” he confides, “she sings all her songs brilliantly!”
The part of Pugsley will be played by two local lads on alternate performances. Reece Emery who is a pupil at Shoeburyness High School tells me that he has had lots of acting experience. He belongs to Expressions Theatre Arts and has even performed in the West End, playing the part of Benjy in Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Belfairs Academy pupil, Alex Reed, has also had his fair share of experience appearing with LODS in their production of A Christmas Carol and also as the young Tommy in last year’s production of The Who’s classic rock musical. Both boys are in year 7 and are really excited to be performing in May at The Palace Theatre.
So, say LODS, “Come meet the family. We’ll leave the lights off for you.”
For The Addams Family Review click here
£16.50 Concessions £1.00 off.*
Matinees £14.50*
A £1.50 per ticket booking fee applies, capped at four per order. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free.
www.southendtheatres.org.uk
