The Addams Family

The Addams Family
BDT Stage
Boulder, CO
November 21, 2015 - February 27, 2016

The Addams Family seems a strange subject matter for musical theater. However, since it’s run on Broadway productions of it have been produced all over the Denver metro area.

The cast at the BDT Stage was made up of actors who perform there regularly. And despite the unusual characters, they are perfectly suited for their roles.

The central character is Gomez Addams, whose Spanish accent is lovely to listen to and never falters.  His asides to the audience are humorous and endearing. His chemistry with Morticia is believable and the balance between these two strong personalities works. The relationship between Wednesday and Pugsley is also one all siblings can relate to.

The script is humorous and the cast’s timing is flawless. Uncle Fester, who could easily be annoying, is silly and likeable. The ensemble, dressed as ghostly ancestors, take on their own personalities throughout the show. Their constant presence blends in with each scene, never overpowering the action.

The story line is surprisingly compelling. Anyone familiar with the Addams Family knows they are an odd, macabre group. But with the addition of a “normal” family into their lives, the audience sees there is a bit of macabre in all of us.

The costumes were just what we expect for the characters and the set was created around an ingenious staircase which turned to reveal a new perspective. The starry sky was the perfect backdrop throughout the show. The moon set inside the stars became a character on its own.

While The Addams Family may seem like a story that would only appeal to fans of the TV show, the musical version has a broader appeal that will surprise many.