“They’re creepy and they’re kooky, Mysterious and spooky,
They’re altogether ooky, The Addams Fam-i-ly.” (snap, snap)
And here we go, off to yet another Stage Left adventure. After seeing this show in New York several years ago, it reminded me of how funny I remembered the television version. When I broached the show to the company, they were enthusiastic, to put it mildly. And, let me just say, this show is funny. The writing is clever, the songs catchy and Kitschy, and the ideas are absurd. That being said, it all comes down to the ability of the actors to make all of those pieces come together to form a creepy, crawly, quite ridiculous show. And, folks, this cast has done it! Their timing is impeccable, and their characterizations are spot on. I always enjoy rehearsals, but these have made me laugh over and over again. A huge thank you to Tommy Migette for his rehearsal help with music. You are an honorary Stage Left member!! Carson Davis, your choreography is fun and inspired. Alexis MacCallum, you take ‘Dance Captain’ to a new level! Along with Rebbekkah Eller, you guys complete the choreography retinue. Bravo! Kathryn Stewart, thanks for painting and especially for teaching technique to the company. Barbara Holton, my costume queen, you are appreciated and loved! Stephen Nichols, you always make time for the kids, the theatre, and to help me. Thank you! Rick Eller, the poster is superb! Bo Barber, Michael Allen, Caz Wheeler, Trip Phillips, Dalton Gibbs, your sets rock. To Kevin Phillips, who says, “Oh no, not another musical!” You always come through! Thank you, thank you! Alan Logan, your creativity always astounds me and you always know that I love vertical space. Ryan Gorzkowski, the permanent techie, thank you! David Miller, your support is unfailing and so appreciated! Finally, the most loving thank you to my right hand, Gillie Nichols. Without you, this show would not have been possible. Much love from me and from the cast!
Last spring, Stage Left produced “Phantom”, an immensely difficult operetta. This fall, we offer a funny, shtick filled comedy. You will see many of the same performers. It makes me so very proud to see the range of abilities that these productions illustrate. We have such talent here at MHS and I am humbled to be a part of this.
As always, thank you all for your support of Stage Left, Manteo High School, and of the arts. To quote Terrence Mann, former director of The Lost Colony, and the original “Max Beineke” in The Addams Family on Broadway,
“Movies will make you famous; Television will make you rich; but Theatre will make you good.”
Thank you for coming and enjoy the show!
Connie Rose
