By Eva Trieger
VISTA, California — Who would’ve thought The New Yorker cartoon could have inspired a quirky television show that would capture the American youth’s attention for two full years, and recapture those “aging” youths forty years later? Charles Addams, that’s who! The artist is best known for his macabre sketches and dark humor. But why stop there?
This was the question posed by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, writers of the book of “The Addams Family—A New Musical Comedy.” Indeed, Moonlight Amphitheater brings the romp to life, enhanced and supported by Andrew Lipps’ music and Karl Warden’s clever choreography. Backed by a full orchestra under the musical direction of Randi Ellen Rudolph and conducted by Julie Lamoureux, the thirty-minute black and white tv show morphs into a production of major proportions and a night of comedic magic.
Nathan Lane opened the Broadway show in April 2010 which went on to run for 722 performances garnering several awards including Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design, Audience Choice Awards for Favorite New Broadway Musical, Favorite Breakthrough Performance and Favorite Onstage Pair.
Artistic Director Steven Glaudini and Managing Director Daniel Kays have brought us another delightful show, replete with a very professional cast and impressive set and staging. The cast includes some longtime Moonlight performers and San Diegans, as well as a couple of Broadway veterans. Gomez Addams (David Engel) and Morticia Addams (Terra MacLeod) have escaped the Big Apple to join us onstage in America’s Finest City. The duo team up with Uncle Fester (Randall Hickman), Grandma (Samantha Wynn Greenstone), Pugsley Addams (Ryan Singer), Lurch (Dustin Ceithamer), and Wednesday Addams (Lindsay Joan). Non-creepy and less kooky characters include Wednesday’s love interest and his family, the Beinekes. Mal Beineke (Corky Loupe), Alice Beineke (Eileen Bowman) and Lucas Beineke (Nick Eiter) round out the cast along with the ghoulish , wraithlike Addams’ ancestors.
The musical numbers and lyrics are all delightful, witty and campy. Some are even sweetly melancholy. The choreography is dynamic and innovative, with the large cast making use of the ample stage. And as we’ve all come to expect, the costumes are first rate. . There is nothing spooky or “altogether ooky” about this show! If you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll even catch a glimpse of Cousin It in the orchestra pit.
The venue is the jewel of the City of Vista, and Moonlight Stage Productions is a grateful beneficiary of the Moonlight Cultural Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the highest caliber of theater to North County. “So get a witch’s shawl on, a broomstick you can crawl on. We’re going to make a call on The Addams Family.”
“The Addams Family’ will be presented Sept. 14-Oct. 1, 2016. Tickets via vistixonline.com or by phone 760.724.2110.
*
Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com. Comments intended for publication in the space below MUST be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the United States.)