The Addams Family as presented by Birr Stage Guild
Adjudication Performance Saturday 16th March 2024
The Birr Stage Guild, located in the scenic Birr Co. Offaly, is a true treasure. On the eve of St Patrick's Day 2024, I found myself outside this captivating building. Once inside I found the foyer to be buzzing and busy when I arrived a half hour before the show began. I was “looked after immediately and shown to be a fabulous seat. The Front of House team was everywhere, dressed beautifully and with the biggest smiles for everyone.
The Director for this show was Mr Paul Norton. Mr Norton crafted a vision for his audience that was beautiful, impactful, and, considering the small stage size, a feat. His meticulous attention to detail was evident throughout the show such as the detailed costume designs. In a show with such a diverse cast of amateur performers, Mr Norton, as Director, brought out the best in each of them. There was terrific cohesion and chemistry amongst the cast members, adding depth to the characters and making the storyline and the whole show engaging for the audience. Great work was done with principals especially, and the individual characters developed was excellent. Other details including the sets and lighting I will mention later but needless to say Mr Norton’s stamp was evident throughout. This was a delightful show. Mr. Norton, I commend you on your hard work, skill as a Director, stunning creativity, and ability to bring a talented group of individuals together to create a memorable, enjoyable experience for all involved.
Backing tracks were used in this production, and whilst I prefer a live orchestra, this is not always possible for many reasons. This show flowed quickly at an excellent pace and had an admirable fluidity. Songs such as “When You’re an Addams,” “Secrets,” and especially “Full Disclosure,” which for me was a highlight of the evening, really did work well with backing tracks. The tracks were used very effectively and precisely. It was exceptionally well done. No timing issues, as can be the case sometimes, and not once did any of the cast miss a beat. The balance between tracks and vocals was perfect, and overall, music and vocal timings were very good. The cast had been well rehearsed to get the musical timings so precise which sometimes can be tricky if someone loses their way. Not so in this production.
The choreographer for this Society was Lisa Hogan. “Keep No Secrets” was one of this show's many lovely, choreographed numbers. The cast was as one, not a foot out of place, and so slick and professional. As this song is clipped at the end of each sentence, the movement here was relatively uniformly regimented to suit the music.” Death is Just Around the Corner” was fabulous. I loved how the cast and dancers used their arms to create gorgeous pictures, moving their arms clockwise and anti-clockwise in perfect timing, utilizing again the space above their heads rather than beside them because of the limited space. Overall, Ms Hogans's use of movement was most effective and enhanced not only the personalities of the performers and cast but also added massive depth to the story of the show. Upbeat, energetic, and intricate in detail, the choreography showcased the performers' talents. Well done, Ms. Hogan.
The stage Manager for this production was Mr Charlie Brophy. Set Design and Construction was Set 4 Stage. This set was well-made with lovely colours. The arched grey gothic windows with the subtle pieces of wood placed strategically around them create the derelict condemned structure effect very cleverly, along with the black cobwebs on the top of said arched windows, almost like panes of glass. Still, they were, in fact, cobwebs. Large cobwebs. Great attention to detail in this set. The torture chair was exceptionally well done and looked so authentic. The gorgeous double doors with the arch with the “A” Family name over them were a sweet touch and personalized the set. This set worked because it thrived and told a story in its simplicity alone. It was multifunctional, worked, and was very effective.
The Sound was by Derek Recks of Recks Audio. The sound was good for the most part. I sometimes felt that with characters speaking across to each other, the sound could have been louder as I struggled to hear some spoken dialogue, such as the scene with Gomez and Mal in the dungeon with Mal smoking the cigar and having a conversation. I struggled to listen to some words here in parts of the dialogue. Lurch’s voice/grunts could have been a little louder in some places, but the sound was good overall. The chorus numbers were excellent, and the volume was lovely here, as were, for the most part, all principal characters except the one or two circumstances mentioned above.
Lighting was by Ronan Kenny & Ro Ken Lighting. The lighting here was simply lovely throughout. I'm sure the myriad colours in “Keep No Secrets” lit up the town, but never mind the stage—a beautiful cacophony of reds, greens, blues, and yellows zooming and spotlighting individuals and the stage entirely. The enhancement of the greys and silvers of the “Ancestors” was so clever and effective. They looked superb in every single scene. Numbers, such as “Waiting” and “Just Around the Corner,” were stunning. Visually, this was oh-so-very effective and very good all around. It added hugely to the overall visual effects that good lighting can have on a show to enhance it and bring it to a higher level.
Costumes in the production were a stand-out feature with fantastic attention to detail. From Morticia’s iconic black gown to Gomez’s sharply tailored suit (and those black and white shoes, oh my goodness, they were fabulous!), each costume reflected the different characters' personalities beautifully and added hugely to the overall show visually. The colours and Gothic-inspired designs transported us, your audience, into your macabre world of quirkiness and spooky. Wednesday’s dress and Uncle Fester's fabulous signature coat were utter winners, and overall, the costumes were excellent. and contributed significantly to the success of this production. Bravo.
The props were well chosen and thought out and most definitely enhanced the spooky aesthetic of the show.
Hair and Makeup were very, very good. Hours of work must have gone into every character in makeup, hair, and wigs. It was stunningly visual and so effective. Hair and wigs brought the characters and cast to life, such as Morticia’s gorgeous sleek black hair and chalk-white pale complexion to the makeup of Grandma & indeed Lurch, which was brilliant and so compelling and life-like gruesome. Fabulous makeup and hair throughout.
Patrick Byrne played the part of Gomez Addams. Mr Byrne, in this role, showed charm (lots of it!) and wit. Mr Byrnes's comedic timing was perfect, and there was a lovely interaction and onstage relationship between himself and his wife Morticia in this performance. As Gomez, who is very quirky and eccentric, Mr Byrne, you played a crucial role in the overall success of this show, delivering lines clearly and concisely. Diction and accent were excellent. You had a powerful stage presence and commanded the audience's attention every time you arrived. You were powerful, and your lovely lyrical voice suited the part. “Two Things” was superb, and another side to your character as a father was so emotional when you sang the lovely melody “Wednesdays Growing Up,” which was simply gorgeous. The most enormous cigar I have ever seen was held in your hand, and I adored your shoes. A key role played so very well. Congratulations, Mr Byrne. It was a joy to watch you play the part of Gomez.
Louise McEvoy played the part of Morticia Addams. Ms McEvoy, you exuded elegance, poise, grace, and the teeniest spattering of darkness. You had a powerful singing voice and captured the audience's hearts by playing the part with a mysteriousness and your alluring nature. You had a lovely relationship with Gomez and conveyed the complexity of your way of living and your relationship together with incredible gracefulness & indeed, an arid wit and humour, which worked very well. You are a lovely actress, Ms McEvoy. It was so sweet to watch you perform this role so beautifully.
Valene Greer played the part of Wednesday Addams. What a significant role for you, Ms Greer. You looked fantastic with an enchanting, sweet, lyrical voice. We first hear your voice in “ Pulled,” the oh-so-lovely “Happy Sad” with Gomez, your Dad who you very cleverly had wrapped around your little finger, and boy, did you cash in on that love your Dad had for you, his only daughter. You have a beautiful way of using your hands when singing, giving your songs great depth. I speak about “Pulled” again. Your hand movements throughout this gorgeous number enhanced the strength of your vocals. You were a picture in this song. And I loved your white boots too! Bravo.
Mark Guilfoyle played the part of Pugsley. Well, young man, what a part you played in this show. You looked great, Mr Guilfoyle, and you are so very young. You have a very bright future ahead of you in Theatre. Your “Honor Role” solo is challenging to sing, yet you performed well. You had the stage to yourself, and you most certainly made this song your own. This was a perfect part for you; Mr. Guilfoyle played with aplomb, a sprinkling of devilment, and a lovable rogue.
Paddy Kelly played the part of Uncle Fester. What a quirky, very eccentric personality you played so well, Mr Kelly. You had a powerful singing voice. I adored your song “The Moon and Me,” a highlight of the show's second half. Again, your comedic timing was excellent. I loved the scene with you and the Ancestors behind the set of the gate centre stage. You conducted them all like a professional, and when you moved your hands from left to right in performing them, the Ancestors moved so much in sync with you. It was as if your hand was moving. You were a gorgeous Fester with a beautiful stage presence, comedy, incredible emotion, and eccentricity. You created such a lovely, warm character for yourself in this role—a joy. Well done.
Saragene Loughnane played Grandma. Ms. Loughnane, you created such a lovely character here. You had a delightful charm and wit, a great costume, loved the walk, spectacular makeup, and the hair. Your fluid movement around the stage was superbly done with great makeup. I hope you enjoyed this role immensely, Ms. Loughnane, because we, your audience, certainly did.
Adrian Sheils played the part of Mal Beineke. Facial expressions of surprise, shock, and confusion were constant and most effective! I must say that as two fathers, you and Gomez also worked well together on stage. Breaking out at the end and returning to looking like you did when you were 20 was hilarious and brought the house down. I liked your change of character here in Act 2. It was a transformation, and it worked very well. You were a great Mal Beineke, a lovely duo with your wife and son Lucas.
Heather Colohan played Alice Beineke's part. Great costume. You acted in his role so well; visually, you and Mr Beineke looked great on stage. The contrast you created in your character was fantastic compared to the very quirky characters of the Addams Family. When you collapsed after your “episode” was one of the show's highlights overall. This was a significant part for you, Ms Colohan. It was very well executed. (pardon the pun!) and well done.
Sean Stone played the part of Lucas Beineke. The love of Wednesday Addams life, you were indeed a lovely Lucas. Wholesome, optimistic, and charming. You had a love for Wednesday that was caring and supportive and would do anything to prove your love for her. The crossbow scene was so very well done. You had beautiful facial expressions throughout and a lovely movement around the stage. “Crazier Than You” in Act 2 was fabulous, and “Waiting” in Act 1 with your Mam Alice, Dad Mal, Lurch, and the Ancestors was so good. Great costume with the trainers, chinos, shirt tie, and jacket that is very American and colourful! Worked so well. Lovely part, Mr Stone.
Micheal Kilheeney played the part of Lurch. It is a challenging role that I can only imagine requires much patience to continually move SO slowly—a silent presence but powerful and mysterious. Great facial expressions mainly came when you used your eyes to communicate with the audience or react to a character on stage with you. Fabulous costume and a booming bass voice rich in tone and quality. Perfect vocal and, as I say, great patience! I could not walk that slowly if someone were paying me! Well done.
The Chorus/ Ensemble set the bar high in this production. You also looked marvellous, and you sounded beautiful. I must mention that you consistently stayed in character even when the focus was not on you or the vocals. Facial expressions were also so good, with beautiful expressions even in freezes. The Finale of Act 2, “Move Toward the Darkness,” was gorgeous. It had a complete, wholesome, warm sound with an excellent balance of Sopranos, Altos, Bass, and Tenors. “The opening number “When You're an Addams,” I knew that you as a Chorus would be good, and I was not disappointed. Well done to each one of you without exception.
You are blessed to have such a beautiful albeit tiny theatre. However, this made your performance more remarkable. I was made to feel so very welcome. I loved your Theatre and loved your show. Congratulations, one and all, and I wish you many more years of successful shows in the future, which is safe in the hands of those I met tonight. Congratulations and
Thank you.
Caroline Daly Jones
Sullivan Adjudicator 2023 / 2024
Photographer: Aoife O Hara
