Frights and laughs abound as Ardmore Little Theatre’s production of “The Addams Family” runs this week at The Goddard Center.
Director Lisa Riggle explained the show.
“In this story Wednesday isn’t a little girl, she’s getting married,” Riggle said. “She’s marrying a ‘normal’ boy. It starts out with all of the Addams ancestors rising from the grave for their Day of the Dead but when it’s time to go back, their crypt is locked. So Fester explains that Wednesday is getting married and it’s up to the ancestors to either help make the relationship work or try to put an end to it. They all decide to help.
“So the normal family the Beineke’s come to visit and have dinner and chaos ensues.”
This is Riggle’s third time to direct a show for ALT, however working for many years as the music teacher for both Dickson and Ardmore High Schools, she’s directed close to 80 shows over the past 30 years in the area. In fact, she had several cast members as students, and the stage manager, GayLynn Allen was her teacher.
“I’m thrilled to work with Gaylynn who is my former music teacher,” Riggle said. “I also have several former students who are now adults in the cast. It’s funny because to all my former students, I’m not Lisa, I’m Mrs. Riggle, and that’s spread to some of the people in the pit band who I never even had in class!”
The show stars Steve Brandenburg as Gomez, Daniel S. Oyler as Uncle Fester, Conner Schrieber as Lucas Beineke (Wednesday’s fiancé), K. Jason Powell as Mal Beineke, Sean Maher as Lurch, Zakry Gaither as Pugsley, Dana Reisetter as Morticia, Jenna Elmer as Wednesday, Casey Jones as Alice Beineke and Denise White as Grandma Addams.
I was able to attend a dress rehearsal on Sunday, and I heartily recommend this show. You know you’re in for something special when right before the show Lurch makes the announcement to silence your cell phones.
The entire cast does a fantastic job with the singing and acting, but to me the standout performance is Daniel S. Oyler as Uncle Fester. I think what puts him over the edge is his role is simply the most “fun.” He often serves as a narrator and gets to break the fourth wall which makes his performance all the more memorable.
“The Addams Family” will be at The Goddard Center at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A matinee will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for students, and can be purchased at ardmorelittletheater.com.
