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14Apr

The Addams Family, Osbourn Park High School, Manassas, Virginia, April 12, 2019

Marieska Luzada

Dominion High School

 

"When You're an Addams," life is anything but normal.  As the orchestra's sound intensifies, ghouls and monsters scramble in the aisles towards the action of the stage, marking the beginning of the chaos in Osbourn Park's production of The Addams Family.

 

Based upon the single-panel gag cartoons created by Charles Addams, the musical adaptation of the famous family focuses on the tensions between normality and abnormality, specifically when Wednesday reveals her undying love for Lucas Beineke.  With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, The Addams Family keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with excitement, laughter, curiosity, and wonder.

 

With a larger-than-life cast and greatly detailed sets, Osbourn Park did an outstanding job carrying enthusiasm throughout the entire show.  Even though in most musicals, there can be a divide between the lead characters and the ensemble, Osbourn Park focused their attention on giving individuality to the ensemble members with costumes, makeup, and diverse characterization.  Chemistry between each of the characters was always evident, proving the amazement in the actors for disappearing into their roles effortlessly in order to display a top-notch performance.

 

Playing the iconic ghoulish power-couple Gomez and Morticia Addams, Derrian Brown and Providence Bonney balanced each other exceptionally well throughout the show.  Brown showcased his exuberance and confidence in Gomez heavily within "Tango De Amor," making it a show-stopping number. Bonney dove deep into her character by displaying elegance and grace, especially when she interacts with the ensemble in "Just Around the Corner."  Both Brown and Bonney had great comedic chemistry with each other that made this production unforgettable.

 

Without the exceptional talent of the supporting cast members, Osbourn Park's production of The Addams Family would not be what it was.  Luke Padilla, who played Fester, had great attention to developing his character in relation to the story, serving as a minstrel for the macabre show.  Eve Courtney, who played Pugsley, demonstrated a relatability to the audience in contributing to the familiarity of sibling rivalry.  Courtney stayed true to her character throughout the show and brought it out when she interacted with different characters.  Sarah Vaughan, who played the ever-so-innocent Alice, was fascinating to watch, especially with the twist in her character at the end of the first act that propelled the story forward.  The supporting cast members were a big part in making The Addams Family a phenomenal and heartwarming production.

 

The crew did an astonishing job making the production comparable to professional theatre.  The costumes were never distracting, yet they all blended well with the grungy and ghoulish setting.  Each ensemble member is seen as individual with distinctive costumes and makeup, which emphasizes their attention to detail on their own characters, despite having either no lines or few lines throughout the show.  The choreography was also top-notch for the show, especially within "The Moon and Me" when the cast members interacted with different set pieces and props to tell the story.  Overall, Osbourn Park's production of The Addams Family would not be as extraordinary as it was without the dedication and commitment of the crew.

 

Overall, Osbourn Park's production of The Addams Family can be deemed unforgettable and charming with a diverse group of actors within both the lead characters and the ensemble.  For a school that has made a comeback to the Cappies since their last participation fifteen years ago, Osbourn Park did not disappoint anybody in the audience.  Full Disclosure: This mystifying production of The Addams Family was deemed unforgettable for any living soul.


Alannah Rivera

McLean High School

 

When you're an Addams, you need to have a little moonlight, a lot of passion, and an affinity for all things creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky. The cast and crew of Osbourn Park Theatre Arts' haunting production of The Addams Family had all these things and more, making for a night that most definitely was not normal.

 

Based on a satirical comic series by Charles Addams, this frightening family first tangoed its way onto the Broadway stage in 2010, earning two Tony Award nominations. While horrible things are often a source of comfort for parents Gomez and Morticia Addams, their worst nightmares come to life when their daughter Wednesday — a charming, irrepressible bundle of malice — announces her engagement to the nice, sweet, and normal Lucas Beineke from Ohio. When the Beineke family comes over for dinner, drama, hilarity, and "full disclosures" ensue.

 

Leading the family as the flamboyant father, Derrian Brown was a constant source of eccentricity and energy. His consistent accent and powerful belt brought vocal comedy, while his exaggerated movements and facial expressions brought physical comedy to the role. Alongside Brown was Providence Bonney as the slinky and sadistic Morticia, whose crooning voice and cool confidence were felt with every line. Brown and Bonney worked seamlessly together to create a believable marriage, both in their love and their lies. Emma Brush adeptly balanced effervescence with emotionlessness to portray Wednesday, and her slight immaturity perfectly showed the stereotype of a character pulled in a new direction. Eve Courtney epitomized an obnoxious younger brother with her performance as Pugsley, her constant teasing and devious decisions bringing eternal chaos to the house.

 

Every family has a crazy uncle, and the Addams family is no exception. Luke Padilla as Uncle Fester was delightful from his sweet serenade of the moon to his speedy exit at the end of the show. Padilla's frenetic movements and line delivery provided a stark contrast to many of the more stoic characters in the show, one including the family's butler, Lurch (Connor Pang). The humor in Pang's grumbly and giggle-inducing groans were only furthered by his surprising sweet low baritone. Sarah Vaughan was a vocal standout as Alice Beineke, her ringing soprano rich with emotion. Bringing the show to life, err...death, was the ghastly ensemble of dancing ancestors, who stayed true to their individual characters while still working cohesively in large group numbers.

 

The work of the technical crews was hauntingly good, adding life to the gothic Addams family mansion. The sweeping set was littered with hilarious props and paintings, and revolving alcoves and window cutouts allowed for versatility and more dynamic scenes. The costumes captured the iconic looks of the film adaptations of the story, but the crew's creativity shown in the clever ensemble costuming. The makeup team created a wide variety of ghastly ancestor looks using airbrush makeup, allowing for acute details and enhanced realism.

 

The Addams Family may be "Crazier Than You," but after seeing Osbourn Park Theatre Arts' production of this creepy classic, you'll be crazy for them!

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