When you think of The Addams Family, images of the strange, gothic, and macabre probably come to mind. Perhaps it immediately conjures up memories of the old TV show, the 90s movie, or the cartoon. When I chose this show, I was strangely unaware that this iconic family was about to become the Netflix sensation it is. I even refused to watch the show until we were well into rehearsals, so as not to be too heavily influenced by it.
But after watching, and after living and breathing the Addams' story for the last three months, I think I finally understand what this family truly stands for. For all their quirks and over-the-top jokes and gags, they are a group of people who love one another unconditionally and believe in living one's truth. The Wednesday of the latest version is unapologetically herself, as she always is. But in the Netflix series she ultimately allows herself to open up to people who are different from her, learning the value of friendship and loyalty with a band of fellow misfits.
The theatre is the home of the misfit. I look around at the people in our program, and we, like the Addams, can appear strange, quirky, and a little too loud and over the top sometimes. While Fester has his love of the Moon and Gomez his "instruments of persuasion," we speak fluent movie quotes, revel in deadpan comedy, and frequently belt out songs in unison (musical, pop, or otherwise). And like Gomez' warm embrace of the Beineke Family despite their serious differences, the people who call this theatre home welcome anyone who comes in here looking for a place to belong and who is willing to accept us for who we are. After all, we're all a bunch of misfits looking for a place to belong.
I want to thank the 58 student performers and technicians involved in this production, as well as the three newest members of our creative team: Musical Director Kim Hendrix-Racine, Choreographer Darcy Fagerwold, and Assistant Choreographer (and Wolf Pack Theatre alumni!) Sabrina Eisenbach. I am thrilled to have had this opportunity with each of you and hope we can do this again next year. And as always, our student performers look outstanding on our stage due to our wonderfully talented Costume Designer, my dear friend Heather Brooks. Finally, the biggest thanks go to our Tech Director, my husband, Mike Lieb for once again taking my vision and making it a reality.
Thank you for supporting arts in education, and enjoy the show!
Karen Nylund-Lieb
Director and Educator, Wolf Pack Theatre
