Get ready to embrace the kookiness and charm of the Addams family as UI presents “The Addams Family: A New Musical” from Oct. 24 to Nov. 3 at the Hartung Theatre. This comical feast, written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, promises to be a delightful experience for audiences of all ages.
Craig Miller, the director of the production, shared insights on his approach to this beloved story. “It is always a little tricky when you are approaching such a long-lasting franchise,” he explained. “There have been many interpretations of this spooky and kooky clan since the original… Our production strikes the right amount of iconography and new, so audiences will clearly recognize their favorite characters, but with a fun and creative flare.”
Unlike previous adaptations, this musical elevates the Addams Family’s quirky charm through song and dance.
“While there has always existed a sense of musicality in the Addams Family, this version takes that musicality and elevates it to being the vehicle for the story,” Miller said. “There are lots of songs, lots of songs, but there is also a tremendous amount of dance numbers, expertly choreographed by Professor of Musical Theatre, Jess Hirsch and brilliantly executed by the immensely talented cast.”
As rehearsals progressed, Miller witnessed memorable moments that highlighted the actors’ growth and creativity.
“There is always a special moment in each process when the actors are mostly memorized and they start to drop their scripts, and the room suddenly explodes with all this creative energy,” he recalled. “Once those lines are learned, the performers really get to connect with each other and there is this glorious sense of playing; making bold character choices and discoveries, which is extra important when playing such vibrant and larger-than-life characters.”
One of the production’s most significant themes is the concept of normalcy and belonging. “In this version, Wednesday has fallen in love with a ‘normal’ boy,” Miller noted. “What is so fun and so endearing about this version of the Addams Family for our campus and student community is that Wednesday and her love interest, Lucas, are of an age that is relatable to our student audience.” He says, “The magic of this piece is that it manages to touch on all these experiences and themes, while being delivered through song, dance, a hilarious script.”
Miller hopes the audience will walk away with a deeper understanding of family dynamics and the importance of embracing differences. “I truly believe that it is this family’s odd, macabre ways that amplify that for the audience,” he said. “We are all living in an extremely polarized world, and my hope is that audiences leave asking themselves, ‘Normal? What does that even mean?’”
The production will run at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24, 25, 31 and Nov. 1, 2, with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online. Admission is free for UI students, $26 for general admission, $6 for kids 18 and under, $16 for seniors and military, and $21 for UI employees.
For those attending the Halloween Night performance, there will be special pre-show activities. Audiences can participate in Trick-or-Treating in the lobby with fun characters, a costume contest on stage during intermission with amazing prizes, and the chance to meet and take photos with the cast in full costume after the show. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Presley Zimmerman can be reached at [email protected]