Review: 'The Addams Family' at Interlakes Theatre

Angelica Potter

The Addams Family, the highly anticipated musical comedy, opened last night at Interlakes Theatre in Meredith, NH. Upon entering the theatre the eerily designed set by Katy Monthei drew the audience’s attention as anticipation grew. The audience eagerly listened for the oh-so- familiar theme and as soon as the orchestra began, the audience joined in with the snapping of their fingers. 

This deliciously dark musical comedy, with book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, follows the famous characters created by Charles Addams in a brand new story that, for some in the audience, may hit a little too close to home. Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet young man, Lucas Beinekee, from a “normal family” and has planned a dinner for the two families to meet before she and Lucas tell them of their plans to get married. It has the makings for a very interesting evening that will change both families before the night is through.    

The opening number, “When You’re an Addams”, not only introduced us the living members of the Addams family, but also over two dozen of their dead or undecided ancestors. Uniquely designed costumes from the always amazing David Withrow made each character within the large cast stand apart from the others. For the next two hours the audience laughed, applauded and cheered for this extremely fun and funny musical. 

Photo Courtesy Interlakes Theatre/Dr. Robert Kozlow

While the entire cast put on a great show there were a few standout performances that certainly deserved the standing ovation they received. Firstly, the magnificent pair that perfectly portrayed Gomez and Morticia Addams: Mikey LoBalsamo and Ashley Walley. They were born to play these characters. These two Interlakes Theatre veterans and audience favorites with their top notch vocals and comedic timing were devilishly charming. Hannah Zieser, who fiercely belted it out as the princess of darkness, Wednesday Addams, was another standout performer last night. She was engaging and exquisitely edgy. The mischievous Pugsley, played by Graham Campbell, delivered as Wednesday’s tossed aside, no longer tortured little brother in his rendition of “What If”. Fred Frabotta delivered a superb portrayal of Uncle Fester while Elise Watson (Alice) stole the scene in her version of “Waiting”.     

Fantastically directed and choreographed by David Beris, this family friendly show is sure to make you laugh. The Addams Family plays until July 26th, 2015 at Interlakes Theatre in Meredith, NH. Tickets and additional information can be found at www.interlakestheatre.com 

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