They're creepy and they're kooky,
Mysterious and spooky,
They're altogether ooky,
And coming to Comox!
The Addams Family, and its reincarnation, The New Addams Family, have entertained at least two generations of television viewers with their crazy, quirky, off-the-wall antics and rituals – not to mention their relatives.
Now Highland Secondary brings the whole cast – Gomez, Morticia, Fester, et al. – to life on the local stage, as a spring musical.
The plot is a familiar one: Wednesday Addams, the teenaged daughter, has fallen in love, and has invited her courter’s family over for a meet-and-greet and dinner.
Clearly, this will be no ordinary dinner.
“The Addams Family was carefully picked as it is a good fit for the students in our drama department,” said director Lisa Williams, who is also a drama and dance teacher at Highland.
“They understand the absurd, and have impeccable comic timing.”
Comic timing is assured, as many of the lead roles are played by Highland’s award-winning improv team.
The Addams Family may seem like they are all about things that are odd, but really this is a musical about family.
“Family is family,” said Williams. “Normal can't be defined. The Addams end up teaching us that love and silliness are all we need, no matter who we are. That, and don't mess with grandma.”
The Addams Family is a show for all ages. There are some romantic themes in the play and a few edgy or suggestive jokes, so some families might decide to keep their young ones home, but Williams' own daughters, aged four and six, love the show and know all of the words and songs.
The Addams Family runs from March 17-21.
Tickets are available at The Laughing Oyster bookstore and can be purchased at the Highland Secondary office for just $15.