Creative direction and vibrant performances breathe abundant life into altogether ooky musical The Addams Family. 

With sentimental memories of the mid-1960s television series recently bolstered by Netflix smash hit Wednesday, the timing is ideal for this season from OSMaD. Given that the 2013 Australian premiere of The Addams Family only played Sydney, this is a welcome opportunity to enjoy the musical, which is presented with scenery and costumes from the professional production. 

Well received by fans, if not by critics, the initial 2010 Broadway version of The Addams Family musical was extensively rewritten, with the resulting work being all the stronger. Gone, thankfully, is the giant squid living under the stairs (!!), with act two now having something of a Midsummer NIght’s Dream feel as couples make their way back to each other. 

The simple premise of Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice’s book sees the “normal” Beineke family visit the Addams mansion so that the parents of young paramours Lucas and Wednesday can meet. Secrets unfurl in the after dinner game “Full Disclosure,” and Fester conjures a storm to trap the visitors on site until true love triumphs. 

Music director Ashton Turner conducts a band of twelve highly talented musicians in a slick performance of Andrew Lippa’s instantly catchy score. Turner’s work with the ensemble is boosted by the inclusion of eight singers, who are imaginatively positioned left and right of stage in full costume as oil paintings that have come to life. Sound designer Jake Sipcic balances instrumental and vocal music perfectly, and the presence of the additional singers means that full company singing is nothing short of tremendous.

Beginning with impeccable casting, director Joel Anderson insightfully adds empathetic humanity to the larger-than-life characters of The Addams Family. The winning comedy keeps the audience fully engaged over the longish running time of 165 minutes (including interval) with the resolutions of the happy ending drawing rousing cheers from the opening night audience. Amidst a smattering of modern references, the visual gag from Hamilton is a cracker. 

Choreographer Dylan Henry makes excellent use of the roaming Ancestors, who have been kept from the crypt by Uncle Fester to aid his romantic ministrations. Strong dancers all, the twelve Ancestors boost many a number with their tightly rehearsed, sharply performed moves.

Lighting designer Peter Verhagen adds significantly to the spooky atmosphere, using haze and shadows for a suitably Gothic effect.

Demetrius Kiriakidis leads the family with delectable brio and panache as the charmingly self confident Gomez Addams. Prolific trouper Melanie Ott glides about the stage as sweetly supercilious Morticia Addams, delighting in rousing featured numbers such as “Just Around the Corner.” A well matched comic pair, Kiriakidis and Ott also burn up the floor with their “Tango de Amor.”

Marcella Rusciano-Barrow shines in the key role of Wednesday Addams, bringing powerhouse vocals to her songs and subtle quirky comedy to her characterisation. Sam Dyer captures the innocent, all-American virtue of Lucas Beineke. 

Joshua Saunders, doing double duty as head of wardrobe, is a true crowd pleaser as dear old Uncle Fester, bringing down the house with act two charm song “The Moon and Me.”

Jordan French displays incredible control as the devilishly slow moving Lurch. Erica Moffat good-naturedly takes on the role of ungainly young teenager Pugsley Addams to terrific effect. Latecha Khairy brings unbridled zaniness to delightfully kooky Grandma. 

Blessed with a fantastic scene as Alice Beineke breaks out of her previously prim and proper self, Liz O’Hanlon gives a highly memorable performance, ending act one on a high with her big number “Waiting.” In the somewhat underwritten role of Mal Beineke, Omar Moustafa makes a solid and reliable straight man.

Staging just one musical each year, OSMaD puts all of their resources into each season and The Addams Family is another lovingly produced hit. Local musical theatre aficionados will find much to enjoy. 

The Addams Family plays at Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College, Hawthorn until 14 December 2024. For tickets, click here.

Photos: Ken Spence Photography