As the musical’s opening number states, “When you’re an Addams, you’ve got to have a lot of passion.” Fortunately, the Carmichaels Drama Club is known for the passion behind what they do.
2023 saw the drama club’s return after the pandemic with a junior production of “Newsies the Musical.” The experience was nothing short of a miracle for so many who had been without an outlet for creativity, socialization, and growth. Since then, the drama club has added “Frozen Jr.” to the list. But this year, “The Addams Family” took the stage for a next-level performance.
“When I first found out about the show, I was a little nervous that it was a full show,” recalls freshman Lilah Burket. “But as we moved through [the musical], it was clear to me that it was going to be amazing.”
Students began rehearsing in January, and prepared until their performances in March of this year.
Balance is key when putting on a high school production. Student actors develop a work ethic to rival any professional, spending countless hours reviewing music, practicing dances, and running lines with peers to commit the show to memory before it’s ever placed on stage.
Many cast members were active in other extra-curriculars, jobs, and academic pursuits, but always made the time to perfect their performances and support one another on and off stage.
Sophomore Dominic Yazanni reflects on this experience: “Being Gomez was special because it showed me what I can do as an actor. Being able to do the accent and the demeanor…was hard, but it was worth it in the end.”
The rehearsal process requires something beyond basic teamwork. Actors build a special rapport with one another to portray on-stage relationships well and maintain healthy relationships behind the curtain. As junior Ryder Campbell states, “It just feels like family, and I feel like all of my relationships with everyone [have] grown.”
Timing really was everything in this hilarious comedy, chalk full of upbeat fanfares and driving, Latin-tinged numbers along with moodier pieces and heartfelt moments.
In the show, the iconically creepy and kooky crew return to the stage for “One Normal Night” at the Addams residence. Wednesday has grown up and found love in a “normal” boy named Lucas and is hopeful the two families will get along. Morticia and Gomez are the hosts of the evening, but are battling a secret that eventually comes out, resulting in renewed life and love for all.
Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley and Grandma conspire to make the evening a dismal success, and the “Ancestors” help to move the plot along through ghoulishly fun songs and choreography led by music director Gabrielle Yazzani and choreographer Suzie Zalar.
Drama Club sponsor Jeanine Hudock shares, “I am most proud of the way this group of students are such a determined, hardworking, and not to mention very talented bunch.” She continued, “The arts in school fosters growth and builds resilient, determined young adults.”
With that kind of love, it really is “family first, and family last, and family by and by,” for the members who call the drama club home.
