Music/Lyrics: Andrew Lippa
Book: Rick Ellice & Marshall Brickman
Director: Matthew White
The much-loved gothic family, The Addams Family musical has hit the Regent theatre in Stoke this week. This is an exciting tour for fans of the creepy and gooky family who will be intrigued to see their favourite characters on the stage. The musical, which was devised in 2007, is based on the original newspaper comic series rather than the films or television show. Matthew White directs this adaptation of the infamous family who have been part of popular culture since 1938.
Wednesday Addams (Kingsley Morton) interests include torturing her brother and hunting with a crossbow, but she has hit a crisis, she has fallen in love. Fearing the beautiful but deadly, Morticia’s (Joanna Clifton) reaction to this sickeningly heart-warming news she plans a dinner so the families can meet and hopefully make friends. She entrusts Gomez (Cameron Blakely) into the secret that they plan to marry, throwing him into despair at the disloyalty of lying to his wife.
Although the story is different from the film, the stage show emulates a similar comic book style. It is a farcical-style comedy with a plot based around deception and misunderstandings. Although it is delightfully edgy in places, it is very family-friendly, and the scariest moments are the loud thunderclaps. The ambiance is enhanced by the creative use of the ensemble who are dressed as Addams family ancestors floating around the set in an enchanting and playful way.
The quality of original lyrics of stage adaptations for musicals can be hit or miss. In this case the songs are a definite hit. A live orchestra accompanies the original score, and the music is infectious permeating the brain. What If, Full disclosure and Crazier than you are all examples of this and highlights of the show.
Joanne Clifton is compelling as Morticia and is a perfect choice for this creepy goddess. Less can sometimes be more and Clifton is restraint until she engages in a passionate and show-stopping Tango with Gomez. Matt Slack is well cast as Uncle Fester, who narrates the show and is hilarious as he declares his love and devotion to the moon. Morton lights up the stage as Wednesday with ghoulish energy and a powerful voice.
One of the biggest messages Addams Family has ever given is that appearances are deceptive. The musical is no different and is a timely reminder not to let life and society’s expectations define you. This show has been crafted together with great precision. Songs have been taken and added over the years so what the audience sees is a seamless, entertaining, and hilarious production. A musical version of a popular series can raise eyebrows of seasoned theatre goers, but this is a show which has been worked on and redevised over many runs to create a respectable homage to this iconic family. The Addams Family is a fiendish feast of fun and is suitable for young and old alike.
Runs Until Saturday 2 April 2022.
The Reviews Hub Score
Fiendishly fantastic.
