Published March 11. 2024 03:10PM
by Lori Patrick Special to the Bethlehem Press
Moravian Academy presented “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy” for its annual musical with showings on Friday to Sunday, March 1 to March 3. The play based on the book written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, a music by Andrew Lippa left the audiences in a fun experience since the adaptation had many modern innuendos sprinkled throughout. Directed by Brooke Harrsch, the show featured a full orchestra conducted by Rich Fanning. Many dance numbers unfolded, choreographed by Sabrina Joseph; music direction provided by Rob Riker. Set design was provided by Sam Roff. The musical tells the story of Wednesday Addams, played by Annie Hotz, coming of age and planning to marry to an average boy from Ohio. The family wonders, “Where did we go wrong?” Many of the scenes transpire in a graveyard of the family ancestors. Acceptance eventually comes at a family dinner with the boy’s parents. The adults are forced to examine their own relationships with their spouses leading to some humorous satire. Song numbers included “Full Disclosure,” “Live Before We Die,” “When You’re an Addams,” and “Fester’s Manifesto.”
Wednesday (played by Annie Hotz) pleads for a dinner party where the two families can converge and come to an acceptance for her engagement. “One Normal Night” is a song that themed her request.
Lurch (played by Teddy Kazista) marches to the door to welcome the dinner party guests. He is surrounded by the ancestors from the graveyard.
press photo by lori patrick Uncle Fester (played by Matthew Brandle) leads the song “Full Disclosure” and professes he is in love with the moon.
Alice (played by Alicia Gordon) sings “Waiting” as she shows her frustration that her marriage isn't what it once was as her husband Mal (Connor Walters) and “Lucas” (Colin Moore) their son watches in shock.
Morticia (played by Rowan Taylor) and Gomez (Joey Oltman) dance to “Tango De Amor” as they work to patch up their differences over the upcoming wedding.