Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick EliceMusic and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Director/Music Director- Brian Tingdahl
Choreographer- Karen Montanaro
Producer- Janet Ver Planck
THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
Character Breakdowns
Gomez Addams (Male, Baritone)
The father of the Addams family. Gomez takes great pride in his family and revels in all it means to be an "Addams." He struggles with having to keep his daughter's secret from his wife, whom he adores more than death. He is pulled in different directions in order to appease them both. Must have great comedic timing and a strong singing voice. Should also be a good dancer. Spanish accent is a plus.
Morticia Addams (Female, Mezzo-Soprano)
Morticia is the real 'head' of the Addams family, the matriarch. She is concerned her husband is hiding something, and will use all her wiles and tactics to lure his secret out. Although it may seem that Gomez has the most say in family dealings, Morticia’s influence over him proves that she’s really the one in charge. Elegant and gorgeous, Morticia sees only the good in everyone, and comes off as wiser for doing so.
Must be a good dancer, have natural comedic timing, and sing well.
Wednesday Addams (Female - Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano)
The goth daughter of Gomez and Morticia. Wednesday is a charming girl who has the same dry wit and sensibility of her mother, in an even more minor key. Wednesday finds love with a "normal" boy (Lucas) and wants to introduce his family to hers. She is stuck between sticking with the traditions of the Addams family and moving forward with her relationship. Her dry sense of humor is reminiscent of her mother, but sometimes gives way into the manic episodes that show her humanity. Strong pop belt vocals and a good sense for sarcasm.
Pugsley Addams (Male - Tenor)
Wednesday’s little brother, Pugsley is a danger-seeking, charming, funny, boy - who loves being tortured by his sister. Wednesday’s relationship with Lucas has left Pugsley with separation anxiety. He wants to ensure he won’t lose Wednesday to her new boyfriend so he takes matters into his own hands. An energetic monster of a boy... and a dedicated troublemaker.
This role could also be played by a girl.
Uncle Fester Addams (Male - Tenor/Baritone)
Uncle Fester serves as the musical's narrator. He is larger than life, an energetic, joyous, child-like presence. A vaudeville style comedian with tenor vocals. Uncle Fester is incorrigible and except for the good nature of the family and the ignorance of the police, would ordinarily be under lock and key.
Must have a great sense of humor.
Grandmama (Female)
Grandmama Addams is a kooky elder, a feisty 102-year-old woman. Fun and quirky, but don’t mess with Grandma. This disrespectful old hag is the mother of Gomez. Grandma acts as the wise, if sometimes wacky, sage of the family. She helps Pugsley through his problems, and has a crass sense of humor.
This is a great role for a comedic actress with strong character vocals.
Lucas Beineke (Male - Tenor/Baritone)
A hopeful romantic and the son of Mal and Alice Beineke, Lucas is the 'average' young man who has fallen in love with Wednesday Addams and plans to marry her. He writes poetry and appears to be a traditionalist, but he harbors an unexpected crazy and dark side, and appreciates the macabre… which is why he gets along so well with the Addamses.
Alice Beineke (Female - Soprano)
Mother of Lucas, devoted to her family so she puts aside her own desires. She is prone to speaking in rhyme when upset. While at the Addams Family dinner party, she drinks a potion that causes her to let her hair down and speak her truth.
Comedic actress with soprano / belt vocals.
Mal Beineke (Male - Tenor/Baritone)
Mal is Lucas’ stuffy father and an exasperated husband to his rhyming wife, Alice. A typical conservative suburban father that’s cynical of life and especially the Addams family. Always looking out for his family. Has difficulty accepting his reality and pretends to be better than others. At one time he was a follower of The Grateful Dead but has lost that side of himself.
Lurch (Male - Bass)
Lurch is the Addams family butler, extremely tall, and knows all the family secrets. A man of very few words, Lurch mostly responds in drawn out groans — without becoming a cartoon version of himself. His movement is always very slow.
Ancestors (Male & Female - Varying Ages and Vocal Ranges)
Examples of the Ancestor characters are Bride, Groom, Stewardess, Saloon Girl, Flapper, Pilgrim, Conquistador, Caveman, Cavewoman, Soldier, Sailor, etc.
The ensemble has a very important role in The Addams Family. As descendants of the Addams lineage from various eras and locales, the Addams ancestors act as a backup chorus for multiple scenes and numbers. Ensemble members will be dancing in many songs.
