Whangarei musical offers fun on the dark side

GHOULISH: The cast of The Addams Family, showing at the Riverbank Centre.

Whangarei Theatre Company
The Riverbank Centre
November 10-25.

There is the lovely nostalgia that returns with the first few music beats and the clicking fingers of this musical, directed for Whangarei Theatre Company by Tane Davis.

The Addams family, with a predilection for celebrating spooky ancestors and notoriety for often bizarre and ghoulish joys and delights is as familiar as ... well, family.

The musical, a coming-of-age romantic comedy, was written by Andrew Lippa, based on the original characters created by Charles Addams.

Both Wednesday (Jessica Hamer) and Lucas (Llewelyn Yearbury-Murphy) want their families to be "normal" and not embarrass them at a meet-the-parents event.

When all the ghostly ancestors of the Addams Family also attend the event, it only serves to upscale the ab-normality of their respective families, and the hilarity of the comedy.

There were some very strong acts that stood out on opening night. Gomez (Pani Taukiri) and Uncle Fester (Dean Alsop) delivered in every area, including impressive singing, dancing and well-timed punch lines.

Their stage presence was commanding and powerful. Morticia (Debi Walters), with her folded arms and disdainful look, and the flighty Alice (Pru Martin) developed their voices as the show went on, and both gave rich performances.

The compelling performances of both Lurch (Shane Green)) and Grandma (Susan Alves) were outstanding support acts which added to the show's comedy and the audience's enjoyment.

The many dance scenes were slick, the live music, performed by an ensemble of eight members, and set design excellent.
The lighting and sound management complemented the show. - Review by Dee Jones