Wright State Theatre presents hit musical comedy ‘The Addams Family’

Wright State Theatre’s production of the musical comedy “The Addams Family” runs Oct. 31 to Nov. 17 in the Festival Playhouse. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University Theatre continues its season in the Festival Playhouse with the family-friendly musical comedy “The Addams Family” from Oct. 31 to Nov. 17.

Performances are Oct. 31 and Nov. 6, 7 and 14 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m.; and Nov. 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adult, $23 for seniors and $15 for students.

For tickets and theatre information, call the Box Office at 937-775-2500 or purchase single tickets online.

“The Addams Family” is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The show is based upon characters created by Charles Addams in his well-known cartoons, which depict a ghoulish American family living in a haunted house with an affinity for all things macabre.

“It is guaranteed to be a Halloween season hit,” said Joe Deer, the director of the Wright State production and chair of the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures.

“‘The Addams Family’ is one of the most charming and delightful musicals I’ve worked on for a long time,” Deer said. “It is truly a comic romp with great songs and dances, and characters the audience already loves. Our students have done a wonderful job of bringing them to life in ways I know will satisfy every Addams fan.”

Attendees who dress in costume will receive a treat at the Box Office. “Kids are invited to bring their parents to this very family-friendly show,” Deer said.

In the Wright State production, Gomez will be portrayed by Hunter Minor, with Robin Dunavant as Morticia, Michaella Waickman as Wednesday, Erik Moth as Fester, Dylan Tacker as Lurch, Amanda Astorga as Grandma, Eric Thompson as Lucas, Emma Bratton Alice, Nick Martin as Mal, Parker Kaibas as Pugsley. The cast also includes Marcus Butts, Tommy Cole, Mitchell Lewis, Jake Siwek and Jeremy Weinstein (Male Ancestors); Lauren Eifert, Tassy Kirbas, Emma Metzger, Maggie Musco and Jeannie Sincic (Female Ancestors); Matthew Shanahan (Male Swing); and Sophie Hardy (Female Swing).

“The Addams Family” is choreographed by Dionysia Williams (“The Music Man,” “Les Misérables,” “Wild Party”) with musical direction by Wade Russo (Goodspeed Musicals, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Boston Conservatory). Sets are designed by David J. Castellano, lighting by Matthew P. Benjamin, costumes by Zoe Still and sound by James Dunlap.

2019–20 theatre season

The Wright State Theatre season continues with “Into the Woods” from Nov. 22 to Dec. 8 in the Herbst Theatre. The season also includes: