Throughout the course of history, there have been millions of families that believe theirs is the most dysfunctional. There’s always a few screws loose that would make one feel embarrassed to share public space with them. In the realm of theater, The Addams Family takes on a special meaning. As a property that has existed in everything from comics to TV and cinema, they have pushed the boundaries of what macabre humor can look like when a sister takes delight in torturing her brother, or the mother discusses a terrible murder with the most blasé of expression. It’s safe to say that adding a few songs only heightens things, allowing dance numbers to revel in their twisted sensibilities. It’s a show that may sound like a comic take on dysfunctional families, but by the end, it may be one of the sweetest.
There was a lot to look forward to when buying a ticket to Millikan High School’s recent production of the show. As their annual musical, it was a chance to see what the students could bring to such fun and whimsical material. Given that you’re likely to snap your fingers to the timeless TV theme song before the opening notes of the overture end, it’s a communal experience that revels in the freedom to let your freak flag fly, celebrate dead family, and take part in some fatal traditions. As a story that centers around Wednesday Addams learning to fall in love with a normal kid, there’s this recognition that everyone is weird in different ways. It’s more about accepting people for their differences than jumping back in fear.
Credit should be given to the crew members that brought the visuals to life. The show’s exaggerated technique means that there’s a need for a lot of sets and costumes featuring the subtlest of personalities. The backdrop that represents The Addams Household is a marvelous two-story setting so delicately designed with trap doors and excellent painting to make it work with the even more impressive costuming. Along with every lead resembling their comic counterpart, there’s the achievement of making every extra unique. In a show that features a few dozen ghosts wandering around the show, one could get lost in just going down the line and admiring how despite the same white-colored pallet, they all have their own style. There’s characters symbolizing centuries of Addamses, and their outfits never repeat. Given the size of this cast, it’s admirable to think of how much preparation went into the small details of the show.
Credit should also be given to the actors, who know how to work the dark comedy material. Wednesday Addams especially is forced to take on a role where she looks through her sadomasochistic delights and wonders what emotional satisfaction lies at the center. There’s a beauty to scenes where she’s electrocuting her brother or having to stand up to her father. As the prominent figure, she’s able to navigate the plot and build pathos between what she perceives as an embarrassing family and the normal real world her boyfriend inhabits. Even then, the chemistry between Gomez and Morticia works to show other troubles in paradise and creates a fully rounded story that also includes Uncle Fester singing a love song to the moon. In one of the show’s most ingenious decisions, this is done while an extra carrying the moon wanders the stage on roller skates, allowing the fluid motion to ground the fantasy. There’s also excellent choreography in other numbers that really play well with ensembles.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching a high school production where it feels like everyone is talented and doing their best to put on a good show. From the production to the performances, this was a wonderful afternoon of theater and one that managed to handle the dark humor with grace. While there were a few sound issues, the show managed to achieve its grandeur so effortlessly that even the audience can tell they were having fun. This is a show that naturally encourages one to use their imagination and the results speak for themselves. As a show that’s all about over the top theatrics, it’s a great time that expands on the source material and allows for plenty of heartwarming fun. A show with this much electrocution and dismemberment shouldn’t be this beautiful, and yet it’s an excellent one at that. Kudos to the cast and crew at Millikan and here’s hoping they continue their winning streak in the year ahead.
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