THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Music and Lyrics by: Andrew LippaBook by: Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Based on characters created by: Charles Addams
Artisan Center Theater
Cast for reviewed performance:
Gomez Addams: Aaron Lett
Morticia Addams: Megan Liles
Uncle Fester: Luis Quezada
Wednesday Addams: Tiffany Marie Hyatt
Pugsley Addams: Braylen Nelson
Grandma: Alex Faught
Lurch: Jim Lemons
Mal Beinecke: Andrew Villa
Alice Beinecke: Kathy Lemons
Lucas Beinecke: Jack Gates
Cousin It: Mila Nelson
Ensemble: Ashtyn Campbell, Henry Cawood, Ciara Cimino, Lizzy Davis, Audrey Ellis, Tara Park, Keaton Patterson, Elias Roman, Morgan Taylor
Director: Aaron Lett
Assistant Director: Michelle Cawood
Music Director: Devon Harper
Choreographer: Elias Romas
Stage Manager: Eden Skaer
Set Design: Eric Luckie, Chris Speer
Lighting Design: Harrison Cawood
Sound Design: Aaron Lett, Harrison Cawood
Costume Design: Henry Cawood, Michelle Cawood
Prop Design: Aaron Lett, Michelle Cawood
Wig/Makeup Design: Michelle Cawood
Reviewed Performance: 10/19/2019
Reviewed by Jeri Tellez, Associate Critic for John Garcia's THE COLUMN
Devon Harper’s music direction was good. Outstanding vocal performances were turned in by both Braylen Nelson, as Pugsley, and the ensemble. Overall the cast was in sync with the tracks, but there were moments it was obvious the singers’ timing was off. Choreography by Elias Romas was well done.
Lighting design by Harrison Cawood was superb. There were no shadows, everyone was lit properly, and the lights enhanced the production without drawing attention away from it. Aaron Lett and Harrison Cawood did a fabulous job with sound design. The cast was easy to hear, and sound effects were spot on.
Costumes designed by Henry Cawood and Michelle Cawood were fabulous, especially the ancestor costumes. Wigs and makeup were masterfully done by Michelle Cawood.
Eric Luckie and Chris Speer’s set was well designed, and made the best possible use of the small stage. Props by Aaron Lett and Michelle Cawood were numerous and perfect for the setting.
As Gomez and Morticia Addams, Aaron Lett and Megan A. Liles were two peas in a pod. They worked well together, and were very believable as a married couple.
Wednesday Addams and Lucas Beinecke, played by Tiffany Marie Hyatt and Jack Gates, were an adorable young couple. Hyatt and Gates had terrific timing and interactions, and played off each other like old pros. Andrew Villa and Kathy Lemons were great as Mal and Alice Beinecke. Both before and after Alice’s transformation, their chemistry was apparent.
One of the highlights of the evening was watching Jim Lemons as Lurch. His nonverbal communications were genius, especially when he was in a hurry. Alex Faught’s portrayal of Grandma was entertaining and inspired. Braylen Nelson, as Pugsley, was fun to watch. He did a fine job.
The Addams Family runs through November 2 at the Artisan Center Theater second stage, 444 E Pipeline Rd, Hurst, TX 76053. The Addams Family will be interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing by Jessica Brendza and Damien Bannister on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at 8:00 pm.
