Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Cincinnati


The Addams Family

The Addams Family is a fine example of the old adage "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." When the show premiered in Chicago in 2009, it was a muddled mess. Changes made before moving the show to Broadway such as new songs and a new director helped, but the show still was a miss with the critics. Happily, further improvements were made to the musical prior to the launch of the national tour, currently playing at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, and the show, though still not perfect, is vastly better than either of its previous incarnations. With a Broadway caliber cast, snappy songs, and some creativity on display, this show is finally a worthy adaptation of the campy, kooky material.

Based on the cartoons created by Charles Addams, The Addams Family follows the comically dark, eccentric family headed by Gomez and Morticia. Joining them are their children Wednesday and Pugsley, Gomez's brother Fester, Grandma, and the zombie-like butler Lurch. In this version, Wednesday is a young adult who is in love with Lucas, a "normal" boy. The keeping of a secret, as well as a visit by the boyfriend's parents, sets the normally chaotic family into even greater frenzy.

The book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice has improved with each rewrite. While the show still contains its fair share of one-liners, vaudeville style numbers, and sight gags, they are sharper now, and there is more meat to the story and how it is told. There are some inconsistencies in how the characters express themselves, mostly sticking to a delectably (and apt) morbid viewpoint, but at times conveying their feelings in a more conventional (non-Addams) manner. In addition, some characters are presented as merely odd or zany rather than borderline (or fully) macabre. But there is sufficient humor, romance and conflict, and the story has a level of universal appeal and connection which, when mixed in with the craziness of the characters, is engaging and interesting. For those familiar with the Broadway production, the silly side plot about the squid is thankfully gone, and the conflict is now more defined and authentic.

Andrew Lippa's score has likewise gotten better with each incarnation of the show, with his new songs improving on the ones jettisoned. Mr. Lippa writes especially well for younger voices, which is evidenced by his passionate score for his musical version of The Wild Party. Here again the young characters of Wednesday and Lucas get many of the best melodies, including "Pulled," "One Normal Night" and "Crazier Than You" . His clever wordplay is also on display with the effective opening number "When You're an Addams" and in "Happy/Sad," Gomez's sentimental and parental reaction to seeing his little girl growing up into an independent woman.

The touring company of The Addams Family boasts Broadway veterans in almost all of the primary roles, and is one of the most accomplished ones you'll find currently on tour. Douglas Sills was a Tony nominee for The Scarlet Pimpernel and is a vibrant and suave yet goofy Gomez. He handles the role's comedic moments skillfully, and is also a wonderful vocalist. Before graduating from CCM in the late 90s, Sara Gettelfinger impressed local audiences in many shows at the prestigious collegiate program. As Morticia, she effectively balances the sexiness and the deadpan seriousness of the character, and sings and dances well. Courtney Wolfson supplies strong vocals and a commanding stage presence as Wednesday, and Blake Hammond is a suitably weird yet likeable Uncle Fester. Tony nominee Martin Vidnovic is aptly uptight as Mal, the straight-laced dad of Lucas. Another Tony nominee, Crista Moore, was out on opening night in Cincinnati, but you'd never know that Victoria Huston-Elem was an understudy. She portrayed Alice, Lucas's mom, with great humor, nicely detailed acting choices, and confidence. Tom Corbeil mines lots of laughs as Lurch and shows off a beautiful voice in the show's finale. Also supplying first-rate support are Brian Justin Crum (Lucas), Patrick D. Kennedy (Pugsley) and Pippa Pearthree (Grandma), as well as the talented ensemble.

The show was originally directed by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch, who supplied some unique ideas and inventive stagecraft which fit the wacky tone of the piece and remain visually appealing. However, their work lacked the necessary focus, so Jerry Zaks was brought in prior to the Broadway production as a "Production Supervisor" and should be considered the director of this touring production. The combined efforts of all three now provide for an amusing yet clearly told story and some humorous theatrical efforts. Directorial highlights include antics with Cousin It and a "friend," a surprising monster under Pugsley's bed, and some wacky business involving Fester and the moon. The choreography by Sergio Trujillo is crisp and enjoyable, highlighted in "When You're an Addams" and "Tango de Amor." Valerie Gebert leads a talented pit orchestra.

Original directors Crouch and McDermott also supply the set and costume design. The stylish show curtain is used effectively to hide or show different parts of the stage and to define space. The sets are scaled down somewhat from Broadway but remain handsome, nicely detailed, versatile and varied. The costumes for the primary characters are attractive and what you'd expect. However, the ensemble, who portray the ghosts of dead Addams ancestors, wear costumes that show them to be everyday people from their respective eras rather than the weird, eccentric people the audience is otherwise led to believe they are. Natasha Katz provides excellent and appropriately moody lighting.

The Addams Family still isn't a perfect musical, but it is a fun and entertaining one. Thankfully, the creators took the time and energy to continue to improve it, and audiences around the country are seeing a better show than did New York theatergoers. The talented cast, sufficient score and story, and inventive design and direction make the show an audience favorite. The Addams Family continues at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati through April 8, 2012. Tickets can be ordered by calling 1 (800) 294-1816. For more information on the tour, visit www.theaddamsfamilymusicaltour.com.

-- Scott Cain


Also see the current Cincinnati Area Theatre Schedule