‘Addams Family’ musical coming to Austin High School
Published 10:35 am Monday, November 17, 2014
Max Deyo and Katlynn Schmick, playing Gomez and Morticia Adams, rehearse a scene from the upcoming AHS production of “The Addam’s Family.” — Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Addams Family has taken on several forms over the years: a cartoon, a TV show and a movie. But Austin High School is taking on the story in a different light, with a musical theater performance hitting the stage later this week.
“[The] kids are having fun; the show really hasn’t been done locally,” director Gordy Handeland said.
Handeland is excited for the show’s mix of comedy and music. He described it as a cross between “Hairspray” and “Rent.”
Ashley Harrington, playing Wednesday Addams, tortures Hugh Olson who plays Pugsley in the Austin production of “The Addams Family.”
The show tells the story of every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, grows up and falls in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family — a man her parents have never met. Wednesday 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.
The musical is Handeland’s first year directing at Austin High School, but he has worked about 10 years with Summer Set, Matchbox Theatre and the Mantorville Theatre Company. He said each rehearsal is exciting, because the play can be seen in a new light as actors realize different things about the play each night.
“They really, I think, like it,” Handeland said.
Yet rehearsals haven’t gone without challenge. Due to the size of the cast, along with the students in the band accompanying the performance, it hasn’t been easy getting everyone together at the same time.
“That’s my biggest challenge, is scheduling my actors,” Handeland said.
Yet with the challenges come lessons for the students on commitment and teamwork as they work to put on the show.
“I hope they have a good time; it’s something they’re really proud of,” Handeland said.
The play is for all ages, and Handeland said it is closer to the TV show and the cartoons than the movie.
The show opens at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and runs through Saturday. It will take place at Austin High School in Christgau Hall. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students, and will be available at the door.
