The Addams Family Digital Program

2024 THE ADDAMS FAMILY

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Drawing inspiration from Charles Addams’ original sketches published in The New Yorker starting in 1938, our design pays homage to the quintessentially quirky and endearing world of the Addams family. These illustrations, iconic for their unique blend of the macabre and the humorous, anchor our production’s aesthetic. This choice not only respects the original material but also nods to the black and white aesthetic of the inaugural television series that aired from 1964 to 1966, capturing the timeless essence of the Addams family.

In our monochromatic setting, the intentional use of colour breaks through the ghostly white, echoing the vibrant uniqueness of the many Addams ancestors. This colour contrast symbolises the family’s distinctiveness in a conventional world, mirroring their approach to life where the bizarre becomes the norm. The Beineke family, as the narrative’s outsiders, are envisioned through a lens of pop art and traditional American preppy silhouettes, highlighting the stark contrast to the Addams family.

Our set design draws inspiration from a gravesite, transforming the stage into a dynamic backdrop that shifts from the sombre to the spectacular. For Act 2, ‘the heights of love’ become a central theme, elevating the narrative’s exploration of romance and connection.

The costume and makeup designs for our Addams Family production are a nod to the beloved franchise, weaving together elements from various adaptations. The deep maroons and greens reflect the iconic 1990s films, while subtle influences from the recent Wednesday series and animated films bring a modern flair, particularly in the portrayals of the ancestors and family members. This creative blend of old and new enriches the visual experience, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences.

For those familiar with the traditional staging of numbers such as ‘Pulled’ we hope you will enjoy our interpretation as we explore Wednesday’s split personality. The friendly torture scene reflects how she is torn between who she is and who she wants to be.

We’ve opted for a double cast, allowing us to showcase the depth and skill within our theatre community. This decision is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our members, rewarding their commitment with the opportunity to take part in this production.

All you see on this stage has been created for this production and represents a wholly original version of the show. This is a very popular show due to it’s delightful music, hilarious script and wonderful story and so we wanted to ensure the experience for all audience was a novel one -whether it is your first or final viewing.

As we bring this iconic family to the stage, we honour the legacy of Charles Addams and the countless adaptations that have endeared the Addams family to audiences worldwide. In embodying the Addams family on stage, we celebrate the core message that being unique is a treasure, and being oneself is the greatest virtue of all.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

SYNOPSIS

Act 1

“The Addams Family” musical kicks off with the entire Addams clan, including the living, dead, and undecided, gathering in their family graveyard to celebrate their unique heritage. Uncle Fester, foreseeing love’s challenges, enlists the help of the Ancestors. Wednesday, the Addams’ daughter, has invited her boyfriend, Lucas Beineke from Ohio, and his ‘normal’ parents, Mal and Alice, to a family dinner, hoping both families can find common ground. While torturing her brother Pugsley, she admits to being pulled in a new direction by her love for Lucas.

Gomez and Morticia observe changes in Wednesday’s behavior, prompting worries and reflections on parenting. The Beineke family’s arrival sparks a series of misunderstandings and cultural clashes. Despite efforts for a ‘normal’ dinner, personal revelations and a game of Full Disclosure lead to the accidental unveiling of Wednesday and Lucas’s plan to marry, causing a tumult among the attendees.

Act 2

As a storm traps everyone inside the Addams mansion, the second act explores the fallout from the dinner’s revelations. Gomez and Morticia address their fears and desires, Uncle Fester serenades his love for the Moon, and Mal and Alice confront the state of their marriage. Wednesday and Lucas’s love is tested but ultimately reaffirmed through a daring act of trust with a crossbow.

The night’s chaos and a potion meant for Wednesday unintentionally consumed by Alice leads to heartfelt confessions, reigniting Mal and Alice’s love and convincing Morticia and Gomez to reaffirm theirs through a passionate tango. In the end, the families come together, accepting the union of Wednesday and Lucas and celebrating their differences. Uncle Fester fulfills his dream of joining the Moon, symbolizing that love knows no bounds.

The musical concludes on a high note, with all characters embracing the darkness and uniqueness of their lives, united by love and acceptance, and ready to face the world together.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR’S NOTES

I am thrilled to present “The Addams Family – a New Musical” to you today. Throughout the journey of our rehearsal period, the combined campus cast has demonstrated exceptional dedication, rising to the challenge of singing in intricate four, five, and six-part harmonies. I am honoured to work with this enthusiastic group of talented performers.

Composer Andrew Lippa’s masterful score captures the unique personalities of each character. From Gomez’s Flamencostyle Spanish melodies to Wednesday’s contemporary tunes, and Fester’s vaudevillian numbers. You may also hear musical connection between Morticia & Wednesday (Mother-Daughter) and Gomez & Pugsley (Father-Son). Listen out for the iconic four-note motif “so-la-ti-do!”, infused throughout the songs in the show, that sparks our memories back to the original Addams Family theme song.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the talented musicians who make up our live band, tucked away behind the upstage curtain. Their skilful performances enrich the musical landscape of our production and contribute to the immersive experience for you, our audience.

We are also delighted to showcase the talents of our prestigious Haileybury organ scholars and students, playing the Aikman Hall Grand Pipe Organ to enhance the eerie atmosphere of the show.

I invite you to clap, click your fingers, and laugh along with us as we bring this highly comical show to life!

THE MUSIC

Act I

Overture

Ancestors

When You’re an Addams

Addams Family, Ancestors

Two, Three & Four Things

Gomez

Wednesday’s Growing Up

Gomez

Trapped Gomez

Pulled

Wednesday, Pugsley

One Normal Night Company

But Love (Reprise 1 & 2)

Fester, Ancestors

Secrets

Morticia, Alice, Female Ancestors

Trapped (Reprise) / Gomez’s What If Gomez

What If Pugsley

Full Disclosure (Part 1) Company

Waiting Alice, Ancestors

Full Disclosure (Part 2) Company

Act II

Opening Act II Ancestors

Just Around the Corner

Morticia, Ancestors

The Moon and Me Fester, Female Ancestors

Happy/Sad Gomez

Crazier Than You

Wednesday, Lucas, Mal, Alice

Not Today Gomez

Live Before We Die Gomez, Morticia

Tango de Amor Orchestra

Move Toward the Darkness

Lurch, Company Bows Company

KOOKY CAST

26 April, 2 and 4 May

Gomez

CREEPY CAST

27 April, 1 and 3 May

ENSEMBLE

Kiara Gadd

Swing / Featured Ancestor (Pugsley)

Tea Hanks Swing / Featured Ancestor (Morticia & Alice)

Tana Alispahic Featured Ancestor

Mason Green Swing / Featured Ancestor (Gomez & Fester)

Haveesh Surendran Swing / Featured Ancestor (Lucas & Mal)

Ragha Victor Rajeevan Featured Ancestor

Sahana Rajarajan Swing / Featured Ancestor (Wednesday & Grandma)

Tyler Allan Featured Ancestor

Ngano Goverwa Featured Ancestor

Holly Allen Featured Ancestor

Benjamin Zerafa Featured Ancestor

Braya Jade Hanssen

Featured Dancer & Featured Ancestor

Frankie Varghese Featured Ancestor

Ben Harrop Featured Ancestor

Indiana Renna Featured Dancer & Featured Ancestor

Charlotte Macaulay Featured Ancestor

Charlotte Macaulay Featured Ancestor

Antara Afra Featured Ancestor

ENSEMBLE

Sophie Pietersz: Featured Dancer & Ancestor Ensemble

Freya Haupt: Featured Dancer & Ancestor Ensemble

Audrey Round: Featured Dancer & Ancestor Ensemble

Alexandra Perfect: Featured Dancer & Ancestor Ensemble

Ruby Hyde: Featured Dancer & Ancestor Ensemble

Lia Adams: Featured Dancer & Ancestor Ensemble

Aoife Currie: Featured Dancer & Ancestor Ensemble

Emmy McBride: Featured Dancer & Ancestor Ensemble

Alice Taberner: Ancestor Ensemble

Alice Guille: Ancestor Ensemble

Angel Zhang: Ancestor Ensemble

Angel Li: Ancestor Ensemble

Angela Huang: Ancestor Ensemble

Arabella Walker: Ancestor Ensemble

Ashley Hamill: Ancestor Ensemble

Ashwanth Franklin: Ancestor Ensemble

Calico Martin: Ancestor Ensemble

Chelsy Le: Ancestor Ensemble

Delta Ly: Ancestor Ensemble

Emily Newman: Ancestor Ensemble

Emma Le: Ancestor Ensemble

Grace Wakeling: Ancestor Ensemble

Harrison Perry: Ancestor Ensemble

Ihaab Ahmad: Ancestor Ensemble

Jacqueline Soon-Legaspi: Ancestor Ensemble

Jessica Romeo: Ancestor Ensemble

Jessica McDougal: Ancestor Ensemble

Kelly Shang: Ancestor Ensemble

Keshav Krish: Ancestor Ensemble

Lawson Clarke: Ancestor Ensemble

Luca Ercole: Ancestor Ensemble

Max Clutterbuck: Ancestor Ensemble

Maya Rao: Ancestor Ensemble

Natalie Zerafa: Ancestor Ensemble

Neive Vaithianathan: Ancestor Ensemble

Nina Fei: Ancestor Ensemble

Olivia Papov: Ancestor Ensemble

Phoebe Munro: Ancestor Ensemble

Phoenix Brydges: Ancestor Ensemble

Ricky Jin: Ancestor Ensemble

Roshni Sinha: Ancestor Ensemble

Serina Ly: Ancestor Ensemble

Taylor Warburton: Ancestor Ensemble

Thenu De Lanerolle: Ancestor Ensemble

Thisum Wijendra: Ancestor Ensemble

TiTi Hoang: Ancestor Ensemble

Tina Makia: Ancestor Ensemble

Zac Letts: Ancestor Ensemble

BAND

Musical Director | Conductor: Mr Robert Latham

Keyboard I: Mr David Dower

Keyboard II: Cameron Thomas

Guitar: Mr Anthony Spicer

Bass: Ash de Neef

Drums: Mr Greg Ryan

Percussion: Mr Steve Falk, Alexander Meagher

Reed I (Flute, Piccolo): Dr Dominique Chaseling

Reed I (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone): Mrs Caroline Marsden

Reed II (Flute, Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Soprano

Saxophone, Bass Clarinet): Mr Lionel Bailey

Trumpets: Mr Tristan Rebien and Mr Rod Marshall

Trombone: Simon Carter

Violin: Ms Bernadette Baker, Ms Irene Doucas

‘Cello: Ms Myfanwy Bramble

Keyboard I deputy: Jermaine Wong

Pre-show Pipe Organist: Caleb Nah, Joshua Ong, Jaeden

Vaithianathan, Jessica Wang

Pre-show Harpsichordist: Zac Letts

PRODUCTION CREW

Student Crew

Stage Manager: Mitchell Johnson and Alana Gan

Assistant Director: Nehara Ranasinghe

Backstage Team: Suriya Rajarajan & Dinith Meegahapola

Radio mic technicians: Ruby Nuttall, Kriya Gounden, Leo Ercole, Aakarsh Nayak, Ben Reed, Angus Peatman, Johnathon Wheeler and Milla Vojtkiv

Costume and Make-up Support: Sienna Lupacchini and Keira Melnikov

Drama Captains: Lucy Gibson, Holly Allen, Archie Baker, Charli Cowan and Manal Ahmad

Creative Team

Creative Director: Nick Waxman

Musical Director | Conductor: Robert Latham

Assistant Director: Nicole Smith

Rehearsal Direction: Candice Anderson

Production Week Support: Jane Marshall

Prop Design/Creation: Mark Gardiner, Hayden Gestautas and Nick Waxman

Choreography: Emma Waxman with Braya Jade Hanssen, Ruby Hyde and Indiana Renna

Sound Design: Gerard Hook

Sound Coordinator: Erica D’Angelo

Lighting Design: Matthew Sanderson with Nick Waxman

Sound and Lighting Operation: Matthew Sanderson and Gerard Hook

Costume Design: Aislinn Naughton with Nicole Smith, Jane Marshall Nick Waxman

Set Design: Christina Logan-Bell with Nick Waxman (Thanks to Melbourne Opera)

Make-Up Design: Tania de Ross with Nicole Smith, Jane Marshall and Nick Waxman

Media Operator: Benjamin Reed

Poster and Program: Andrew Thomson and Karina Westley

Administration: Roslyn Rodgers

Photography: Jacob McCormack

Media: Mitch Anderson based on Samuel Albro

Technical elements: Nitrox

Thank you to Rodney Marshall and Haileybury Executive Team

Haileybury... Takeyourseat

An exciting opportunity is available to each member of the Haileybury Community to help secure Haileybury’s future and become part of its history!

Each valued member of the Haileybury Community is invited to contribute a tax deductible gift for ‘Haileybury... Take Your Seat’, an opportunity to support the Haileybury Foundation by recognising those connected to Haileybury – a loved one, student, staff member or community member, in naming a seat. Each $500 donation will allocate a named plaque to a seat in Aikman Hall for the life of the refurbishment

Examples of plaques may include:

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