The curtains are rising, the fog machines are humming, and the snapping of fingers echoes through the auditorium. This year, the drama department took on the ambitious task of staging The Addams Family, a production that is as technically demanding as it is “altogether ooky.” While the audience sees a seamless performance, the journey from the first script reading to opening night has been a whirlwind of intensive labor and creative growth.
For the cast, the “family dynamic” isn’t just a plot point—it’s the hardest part of the job. Junior Paloma Herrera noted that capturing the specific, eccentric chemistry of the Addams clan was a significant hurdle. Meanwhile, sophomore Nora May pointed out the physical toll of the performance, citing the difficulty of mastering the “singing and dancing at the same time” that the show’s upbeat yet macabre numbers require. Sophomore Cal Youssef added that the timeline itself was a challenge, noting that the process felt like a “much shorter time to prepare” compared to previous years.
Scaling a show of this magnitude requires more than just acting talent, it’s a feat of logistical engineering. Youssef described the most difficult aspect of the large-scale production as simply “putting all of the moving pieces together”. For May, the sheer volume of cast and crew was the biggest adjustment, noting there were “so many people to work with and around”. Herrera agreed, emphasizing the complexity of “putting the choreo and music together” to ensure the ensemble moved as one cohesive unit.
Despite the pressure, the cast has found ways to keep their cool under the bright lights. While May humorously claims she “just does” , Herrera relies on “method acting and practice” to stay in character. Youssef credits “a lot of practice” for making the experience feel “not as intimidating and crazy” as it might seem from the outside.
The hard work has clearly paid off. The cast unanimously agrees the show is a hit. Herrera noted that the “audience has gotten bigger” and the production has received “a lot of positive reviews”. Youssef echoed this sentiment, simply stating, “Yeah, a lot of people” are coming out to see it. For those inspired by the dark humor and high energy of The Addams Family, the cast has simple advice. “Have fun,” says Herrera. May offers a more practical tip for aspiring performers: “Audition, and if you don’t get in, audition again”. As this production proves, the magic of theatre is worth every draining moment and every extra rehearsal.
Article by Saksham Sinha