Annisquam Village Players' "The Addams Family": A Spooktacular Delight

Life is not so dark when you’re an Addams.

The Annisquam Village Players invite audiences to attend the spooky world of “The Addams Family Musical.” The Addams family’s ghoulish lifestyle is interrupted when Wednesday falls in love with Lucas, a normal boy. 

Kooky, Creepy, and Spooktacular! From dances with ghosts to secret revelations and funny dark humor, Annisquam Village Players’ “The Addams Family Musical” is a gothic delight that teaches audiences never to let go of their quirky nature. 

A talented team of actors embraces the mysterious personalities of the iconic characters. Everyone was having the time of their life (or the undead) onstage.

Danny Marks is a sensation as Gomez Addams. He is excellent in the character’s animated charm. Gomez is a devoted husband and father. Marks embraces Gomez’s loving nature, delivering remarkable emotion in song numbers “Not Today” and “Happy Sad.”

As Morticia Addams, Shayla Jamieson gives the character a graceful elegance with a hint of dark macabre. She adds unique movement to Morticia’s walk, slithering across the stage. Morticia loves anything dark, rejoicing over death in “Secrets” and “Just Around the Corner.”

One year, Miranda Joyce loses a glass slipper as Cinderella, and now she is Wednesday Addams, a young girl fascinated by evil. But Wednesday finds unexpected love. Joyce is excellent in the character’s deadpan responses and Wednesday’s inner vulnerability.

 Lillian Jamieson shines as Pugsley Addams, the mischievous younger brother. To prevent his sister from growing up, Pugsley devises devious plans. Jamieson has an incredible voice in “What If?”

Colby Taormina is a standout as the eccentric Uncle Fester. Serving as the show’s comic relief, Fester delivers the biggest laughs. Taormina has a ball conveying the character’s quirky mannerisms, distinctive voice, and delightfully offbeat song numbers.

Beatrice Crocker and Kavika Babson play Grandma and Lurch. Both are unpredictable by nature. Babson was hilarious as the monstrous-like butler who grovels whenever he speaks. I laughed most when Lurch “explains” his story.

The visiting Beineke family’s sunshine personalities don’t mix with the Addam’s dark lifestyle. Bill Wrinn (Mal Beineke), Jessica Margiotta (Alice Beineke), and Tayler Schultz (Lucas Beineke) create the funniest moments from physical comedy to awkward misunderstandings. 

After a 15-year hiatus from the stage, Margiotta’s vocals echo powerfully in the theater. She has sharp comedic timing. 

No small part exists in the theater; that’s what I always say. An ensemble plays ghostly ancestors who listen, react, and dance in song numbers.

Co-Directors Terry Sands and Tracie Ewing guide the production with terrific comedic precision and attention to the moral. Sands and Ewing also make excellent use of the stage, filling ensemble numbers with dynamic movement and encouraging the cast to fully embrace the exaggerated nature of the show.

When set designers heard that Annisquam was doing “Addams Family,” Sands said they knew they needed to go all out. Indeed, they do, designing the stage with gravestones, cobwebs, and painting an eerie mansion onstage. 

Audiences are immersed in this theatrical experience through atmospheric lighting, costumes, and props. Be careful of the spider. Choreographers Donna “Deej” Viau and Victoria Fortune create lively and bleak dance numbers. The live orchestra treats audiences to songs including “One Normal Night,” “Crazier Than You,” and the Act 1 finale “Full Disclosure.”

As Sands said, “We all have a bit of the Addams family in us.” No family is perfect. Never let anyone stop you from being who you are. Embrace your quirks and show yourself off to the world.

“The Addams Family” performs at Annisquam Village Hall in Gloucester, MA, Aug. 4 through Aug. 9. It’s a spooky fun time for the whole family. Tickets are available online.