Cast brings ‘Addams Family’ to life
Fester (John Rollins) and Gomez (Nick Balaich) pose after the Monday show of Addams Family. Rachel Trotter
Morticia poses for audience members after Monday's showing of Addams Family. Her daughter, Brandi, can be seen in the background. Wednesday is not only her daughter on stage, but is played by her actual daughter, Brandi. Rachel Trotter
Lucas (Nathan Kremin) and Wednesday (Brandi Francis) talk with audience members after Monday's showing of Addams Family at Terrace Plaza Playhouse. Rachel Trotter
Fester (John Rollins) and Gomez (Nick Balaich) pose after the Monday show of Addams Family. Rachel Trotter
Morticia (Dana Francis) signs some autographs after Monday's show of Addams Family. Rachel Trotter
WASHINGTON TERRACE — If you’re in the mood for a Halloween atmosphere without the spooks, Terrace Plaza Playhouse’s production of “Addams Family” is for you. The cast brings the musical to life with great performances both vocally and visually.
Every part of the stage is used as the musical rolls out, keeping the audience on its toes, watching the whole stage. The cast stays true to the well-loved television characters so there are no surprises there, but the music is delightful and well sung and the comedic timing is spot on. It is obvious that Nick Balaich, who plays the lead of Gomez, knows his way around the stage. He captures Gomez perfectly and convinces the audience through humor of his desire to be a “Latin lover” and of his enduring love for Morticia, played by Dana Francis.
An interesting twist is that Wednesday, played by Brandi Francis, is Dana Francis’s daughter. The two have conflict in the show over Wednesday falling in love and her decision to marry. Wednesday tries to keep it a secret from her mother, but not her father, and that’s where the hilarity ensues. The real-life mother/daughter cast is enjoyable to watch and Dana Francis admits that the tension between the two is real.
“I just had to remember when she would bring boys home and how I feel, and I was right there on stage,” Dana Francis said with a laugh. “You know how mothers and daughters can have conflict, and we were able to do that here.”
The dancing numbers were entertaining, as the “deceased ancestors” all dressed in white, right down to their hair, were on stage nearly all through the show and provided some comedic relief. Their dance numbers were also fun to watch.
And while the stars were exceptional, those in the supporting roles stole the show. John Rollins, who played Fester, was amazing in his portrayal of the strange character. His songs were funny and entertaining and his scenes with the deceased ancestors were great.
Lori Rees, who played Alice, the mother of Wednesday’s love, was amazing. Her portrayal of a mother who is conflicted, but coming out of her shell with the Addams Family, was riveting. She danced on the table, laid on the floor and leapt across the stage, all while belting out the song, “Full Disclosure,” one of the best songs of the show. The scene was charming and played well by the entire cast.
Layton resident Chris Harmon loved the show. “I’ve never seen the show before and I didn’t know what to expect. There have been so many surprises and the humor and inside jokes between the cast was just really great,” Harmon said. She also enjoyed Rees’ performance, especially during the Full Disclosure scene, but she also enjoyed the scene between father and daughter in the second act. The two sing a touching song about fathers and daughters that is sweet and moving.
Layton resident Marty Schroeder also loved the show. He has been in “Scrooge” every year for several years and loves coming and supporting the shows at the theater. “I love it, it is so funny and creative,” Schroeder said. He thought Balaich was perfect as Gomez. “He is good in everything he plays,” Schroeder said.
The show runs through Nov. 14 on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets can be purchased online at www.terraceplayhouse.com. Prices range from $9 to $14.