The Addams Family Review

The Addams Family was full of bright color despite their dark humor. From the set to the costumes to the pit, Piscataway High School put on a show stopper that kept the audience guessing and wondering what would happen next.

The main cast performed the scenes and songs flawlessly. It is a wonder how they managed to keep a straight face while making such humorous jokes. The contrast between the Addams and Beinekes, Wednesday Addams boyfriend’s family, added to the fun.

The normalcy of the Beinekes made them seem like the odd ones out compared to the Addams who torture each other for fun. Alice Beinke wrote poems about love and joy because she secretly longs for more affection from her husband, Mal Beineke who is a strict workaholic businessman. Lucas Beineke is their son and an exceptional college student. Gomez and Morticia Addams were shocked to learn Wednesday had fallen head over heels for the plain Lucas Beineke from Ohio and not someone who drowns people for fun. Pugsley was distraught because he believed Wednesday would stop torturing like she used to.

The stage presence each cast member showcased allowed them to take on their roles in such a believable way.

Even before the musical starts, it is easy to see the amount of creativity put into the smallest details of this musical. Everyone had a part to play. The ensemble was comprised of dancers and singers who were ancestors of the Addams. Every student created a background for their ancestor, allowing them to play their part with confidence. The backgrounds were displayed just outside of the PAC.

The dances were fun and had me up and grooving along. The salsas were perfectly performed by Madeline Mendoza  and Evan Dickinson. Their dance number “Tango De Amor” especially held true to the intensity that salsas should have. The songs themselves gave me latino vibes because they had gritos and staccato chords.

Every cast member was able to present their unique voices. Some of my personal favorites were, “When You’re An Addams,” “But Love,” “Full Disclosure (Part 1 and 2),” “Waiting,” “Just Around The Corner,” “The Moon And Me,” “Crazier than you,” and “When You’re An Addams (Encore).’’

The “When You’re An Addams ” song was a horrifyingly spectacular way to introduce the full cast. When the ensemble of dancing and singing ancestors entered the stage I was stunned. The costumes for Adam Moskowitz, Ryan Walker, Jocelyn Dulog and Rachel Oliva help make them committed to their roles.

The “Full Disclosure (Part 1 and 2)” was split into two parts because “Waiting” occurred after Pugsley accidentally gave Alice the potion to bring out her true feelings toward her husband, Mal. “Waiting” was so powerful because Jade Scharnikow as Alice Beineke, used no falsetto. She instead let out her stunning belt, sharing her frustration of being silent, then collapsed on the table. “Full Disclosure (Part 1 and 2)” was surprisingly lighthearted compared to the dark sarcasm of the Addams. The rhythmic shoulder bounces and jazz hands made Alice’s outburst seem completely normal.

“But Love” and “The Moon and Me” were performed by Reidyn Wingate as Fester Addams. The brother of Gomez Addams holds a special place in my heart because of his sensitive and light-hearted character. In both songs, Fester takes the audience away from the frightening lifestyle of the Addams and brings us to a calm state. “But Love” is where we learn that Fester supports Wednesday’s love for Luke because love should trump differences. “The Moon and Me” revealed not only Fester’s love for, get this, the moon, but also Reidyn’s ukulele skills.

A select group of band members performed live, accompanying the actors. Whenever they had to come in they were fluid as if it were as natural as breathing.

Overall, the musical left me in awe. I would definitely see it again if I could, but I look forward to the next musical the Performing Arts Center puts on.