Ba-da-da-dum *snap* *snap* … just like that, a small musical motive launched itself into the fabric of American Pop Culture. While I did not grow up with the original TV show, I did watch The Addams Family movies in my formative years. There was something about these characters and their bizarre perspectives on finding death in life and beauty in the grotesque, which captured our attention, pushed the boundaries, and made us laugh!
With musical auditions this year, students came out to become part of the family. They were incredibly well-prepared. So prepared, in fact, that I quickly realized half way through auditions that we could easily cast two shows. Pembroke is a wonderful district with wonderful opportunities, so long as we all know how to work together. Students have the ability to do many things. Unfortunately, that creates an issue with people overextending themselves. Enter “The Double Cast.” It is not something new in Pembroke. Our 2013 production of Les Miserables was our first attempt, and it was very successful. Two years ago we did a similar model with Into the Woods, but instead of double casts, we did a Senior High Edition and a Junior High Edition. The casts that you will see this weekend are treated as equals, not understudies. Underclassman and Upperclassmen, helping each other, learning from each other, and holding each other accountable. Each lead agreed on this model, and trusted the vision. With many of our actors being remarkable athletes, highly academic, and an aggressive cold and flu season, there was always at least one of something to keep these rehearsals moving.
The Addams Family Musical has ranked as the #1 High School Musical in America for the last three years. Students seem to be flocking to perform in this show, and I think I know why:
The Addams’ are fearless, creative, passionate, unusual, and comfortable in their own skin (and sometimes the skin of others)… They are outcasts from society. To top this all off, they just don’t care what anyone else thinks about them. I have noticed over the last few years how scared, afraid, and nervous our students are. The Addams Family is a family where the weird kids are not just accepted, but expected. So, this is an invitation to all of our students here at Pembroke, and a reminder to all the adults, that it is never too late. If the Addams Family were to have their own statue of liberty, her plaque would read:
"Give me your weird, your odd,
Your huddled classes yearning to break free,
The tests and homework of our achieving school.
Send these, the fearful, to me,
I light my stage just inside the auditorium door!”
To my cast, you continue to amaze me with your level of trust. My seniors, some of you are my last munchkins from our 2009 production of the Wizard of Oz. Here you are, men and women. It has been an honor. I love each and every one of you.
To my family; my wife Tina and children Anna, Joey, and Charlotte, I love you, and miss you so much. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA! I’ll see you all soon.
To all of you, our audience: We hope you enjoy yourself.
