When I think of "The Addams Family," my mind immediately goes to the 1991 and 1993 films. So, when I heard that Harbor Playhouse was putting on a production about the spooky family, I was expecting something from those beloved movies.
While the musical has nothing to do with the films, its story is hilarious and heartwarming and will have you snapping your fingers as often as you can.
The comedic musical tells the story of how Wednesday Addams, portrayed by Riley Spencer, gets engaged to her "normal" boyfriend and realizes both families now have to meet if they want the approval of their parents.
Meanwhile, Uncle Fester falls in love with the moon, Pugsley has reservations about his older sister getting married, both families keep secrets from
each other and an occasional puppet pops up.
Characters include the Addams family, the Beineke family (Wednesday's boyfriend's clan) and the spirits of the Addams' ancestors.
There were several thespians who really stuck out to me. Lilli Hinojosa as Morticia was sultry and commanding whenever she took the stage. Hanna Prince, portraying Pugsley, will have you wiping away tears during her performance of "What If." Manny Cabrera as Uncle Fester was hilarious and will have you wiping away tears anytime he's talking.
But Xavier Garza as Gomez Addams stole the show. Garza's take on the patriarch of the Addams family was humorous and tender at the same time. Whether he was singing during "Trapped" and "Happy/Sad" or trying to keep his family together during chaos, Garza was able to keep all eyes on him.
The songs in the musical are catchy and the dancing is infectious, but the only issue I found with the production were the scene transitions, which were not so seamless during a dress rehearsal.
Shows typically have a moving set — stairs come on and off stage or a scene takes place outside after being indoors.
I know that hiccups are bound to happen during a rehearsal, but the transitions were very noticeable. There was even a moment where a large set piece started to run into a curtain and almost hit an actor while they were performing. But I'm sure it will be fine-tuned before the show opens.
Regardless, audiences will have a fun time watching Uncle Fester profess his love to a natural satellite, Gomez and Morticia dance the tango, Grandma Addams crack jokes, Wednesday torture her brother and Lurch remain stoic while intense choreography goes on around him.
The musical will run at Harbor Playhouse, located at 1802 N. Chaparral St., on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 25. Tickets can be purchased at harborplayhouse.com.
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Harbor Playhouse's 'The Addams Family' is a monster hit
