The Irresistible Addams Family!
What sets a good theatrical performance apart and makes it excellent? It's all in the details. The subtle craftsmanship, artistry and skilful touches that reassure a relaxed audience that they are in the hands of a seasoned team overflowing with talent. Last night, Innerleithen & District Amateur Operatic Society showcased their attention to detail, and spectacle, in their latest production, 'The Addams Family - A Musical Comedy'. And in return, the company received a thunderous reception, setting the stage for an exciting week of performances.
The anticipation grows within the hall even before the curtain is drawn. Atmospheric lighting and props in the foyer, eerie waltzes playing on the PA system and a spooky projection on the stage curtain set the tone for the evening ahead. Details... As the curtain rises, a spectacular scene unfolds, which I won't reveal, but it is unlike anything I have witnessed on the Innerleithen stage. A real wow moment.
The story is set in contemporary New York City and concerns the decidedly offbeat Addams family. The drama comes from young Wednesday Addams who has fallen in love with the ‘normal’ Lucas Beineke, from Ohio. A meeting of the parents in the vast apartment is arranged and the subsequent culture clash ensures a hilarious show, perhaps the most out and out comedy the society has ever produced. Leading the cast are Dougie Russell as Gomez and Angela Duncan as Morticia. The chemistry and passion between them is off the page, with both showing a mastery of their offbeat characters. Dougie could get a laugh out of reading a phone book, but once again gets ample chance to show his emotional and vulnerable side as a dad grappling with his daughter growing up in the song Happy/Sad. Real echoes of Dougie’s unforgettable turn as Tevye in Fiddler on The Roof. Morticia is the ice queen of the stage, and Angela brings her to life (or death?) with aplomb. Wearing a dress which looks like it might have been painted on, and with a voice dripping with sarcasm, Angela is wonderful in this role, and together in a sexy tango Gomez and Morticia light up the stage. Gomez and Morticia are a formidable pair, and clearly they have inspired the rest of this company.
The Addams Family have become pop culture staples down the year but somehow everyone in the cast makes the parts their own distinct version. Erin Thompson is a perfect Wednesday, dark and scary but with a sweet heart - and what a voice. On Monday she had to grapple with a runaway apple prop, but did this in hilarious, in-character fashion, showing the stage craft and improvisation she has in spades. Her brother Pugsley is played by Rosie Graham, who nails this complex and confused teenage character. Rosie is barely recognisable under makeup and wig, but her talent shines through and she has the wonderful habit of staying in character even during a black out scene change. Once again, details… Grandma Addams is hilariously brought to life by Karen Wilson, and threatens to steal every scene she is in - some feat in a show full of scene stealers. If you can, keep an eye out for Grandma’s pet rat which had audience members in stitches on Monday night. As mute butler Lurch, Jamie McCubbin puts his 6 foot plus height to excellent use, and had a few surprise moments which the audience loved. Finally, Dale Burnside as Fester acts as a chorus to the show, guiding us, the audience, along for the ride. Dale was a revelation on Monday, funny, weird, discomfortingly ambiguous at times. His big number is a lunar love song, backed by an excellent chorus and featuring another ‘coup de theatre piece’ of staging. ‘Moon and Me’ is a real a second act highlight.
The Beineke family are no less impressive and their arrival into the show kicks the action up several gears. As young Lucas Johnnie M-G shows why he is a highly promising member of the company. He is convincing, emotional and has a great voice. A graduate of the Opera’s youth section KIYT, it’s great to see how Johnnie has matured in this performance - can’t wait to see what he does next. Dad Mal is played by Roger Brydon, and Roger is able to wring every bit of emotion and humour from the straight laced Mid-Westerner who has lost his spark in middle age. You root for Mal in this show, all down to Rogers assured stage presence and great timing. Finally, we come to Mom Alice, played by newcomer Nicole Graham. What a way to introduce yourself to the Innerleithen public! From the moment she opens her mouth Alice endears herself to the audience with her homespun, cutesy wisdom, before showing off her darker, wild side in a sequence that had shades of The Rocky Horror Show, and rightly received a huge ovation. A new IDAOS star has arrived!
The chorus of this show is made up of the Addams Family ancestors, giving hair, costumes and make up a chance to shine. The putrefying predecessors represent different periods in American history, from Spanish Conquistadors and Pilgrim Fathers to Flapper girls and even a 50’s Sandra Dee. A personal highlight was last years leading lady Nicola Watt adding great depth to the ensemble and dressed as an Edwardian Lady Bracknell type, giving a tease of a role she would excel in! The chorus numbers were suitably powerful, with the musical direction of Jenny Campbell shining through, and the excellent work of her 10 piece band complimenting the singers throughout. Three big dance numbers give choreographer Mo Anderson a chance to show her style, and the dancers on stage handled these with aplomb, with a becloaked Death (Wendy Fleming) demonstrating some excellent scythe-ography and a whole stage full of tango dancers being two highlights.
Producer Brian McGlasson is to be congratulated for another super show, with all departments firing on all cylinders. Brian’s 30th anniversary as IDAOS Producer, but no sign of resting on his laurels - him and his team constantly find new ways to propel Innerleithen’s shows forward and this year is no exception. A big hand as well for Stage Manager Mark Phelan and his crew, who handled some pretty tricky scene changes with what seemed like ease - even if that won’t necessarily have been the case behind the scenes! Again, these are the details that make all the difference…
Last nights opening night had a great audience, and word is clearly getting out as there are only single seats remaining from both Friday night and Saturday afternoons performances. Anyone wishing to attend the remaining shows at 7.30pm Tuesday - Saturday should book tickets ASAP, and it’s highly recommended that you do.
