They’re quirky and they’re kooky, and this Halloween, they’re even a little spooky.
Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley and the rest of the Addams clan come to life later this month in the Vancouver Island regional premiere of The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy, at the McPherson Playhouse, Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.
In this all-new story, based on the bizarre and beloved characters created by Charles Addams, Wednesday Addams, that irresistible bundle of malice, has grown up and fallen for the wrong type – he’s sweet, smart and from a respectable “warm-blooded” family.
Now, Gomez (Kaleidoscope’s own Roderick Glanville) must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia (Victoria songbird Francesca Bitonti).
Audiences are promised plenty of frightful fun as the Addams are hurled into a night that will change their lives forever.
Directed by Pat Rundell, with choreography by Tara Britt and musical direction by Yanik Giroux, the show is bursting with original songs by Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party) and an all-star cast of 45 of local artists, including Rachel Paxton as Wednesday, Gouda Gabor as the 102-year-old “Cougar” Grandma, Emma Cherris-Kelly as Pugsley, Darren Rathgaber as the lovable Uncle Fester, and Brandon Challen (towering at 6’10”) as Lurch.
As a benefit performance for Kaleidoscope Theatre, it’s hoped the performances will raise $50,000 to support the theatre’s programming.
Tickets for The Addams Family start at $25, including GST and service charges, available at 250-386-6121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca The show runs Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 2 at 2 p.m.
Kaleidoscope’s 40th anniversary continues with the Secret Garden, Dec. 6 to 14 at Uptown, Alice: A celebration of Elizabeth Gorrie Feb. 14 and 15 at the Atrium, and the exciting world premiere of CAMP-X by award-winning Canadian author Eric Walters, staged outdoors at Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites May 23 to 31. Kaleidoscope’s Family Theatre Festival also returns in May to Centennial Square. For details, see www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca.