The Addams Family as presented by Claremorris Musical Society

Society name: Claremorris Musical Society

Show name: The Addams Family

Adjudicator date of attendance: 29/01/2025

Brief overview of show and evaluation of Front of House

Claremorris Musical Society’s production of The Addams Family was a highly enjoyable and ambitious performance that showcased the dedication, talent, and passion of all involved. The production successfully brought the delightfully macabre world of the Addams family to life, delivering strong performances, striking visuals, and an overall engaging theatrical experience. While there were areas that could have been further polished, the effort put into the show was evident, and the audience was thoroughly entertained.

The welcome at the venue was warm and inviting, setting the tone for the evening. The front-of-house team managed the audience with professionalism, ensuring a seamless experience. The promotional materials, including the program, were well-designed and informative, giving clear insights into the cast, crew, and production team. Seating arrangements were well-coordinated, and the atmosphere before the show built anticipation effectively. The only small suggestion here would be to enhance signage for first-time attendees to ensure they find their way easily.

Director- Direction and Production

The direction of The Addams Family by Donna Ruane was well thought out, capturing the humor and heart of the story. There were some wonderful character developments, allowing each actor to bring their role to life with individuality. The comedic timing in several key moments was spot-on, eliciting genuine laughter from the audience.

The pacing and overall flow of the show were strong, maintaining engagement throughout. However, a slightly snappier tempo in some scenes, particularly with Gomez, could have added an extra layer of energy to the narrative. The chemistry between characters was well established, which is crucial in a show that thrives on the quirky relationships of the Addams family and the stark contrast with the Beineke’s.

The use of space was commendable, making full use of the stage in creative ways. Scene transitions were generally smooth, but minor refinements in movement between set changes would enhance fluidity even further. Overall, this was a well-directed and well-paced show that brought out the best in its cast.

Musical Director- Direction and Orchestra

Musically, the production was well-balanced, with a strong orchestral performance led by Deirdre Lee that complemented the vocalists effectively. The harmonies among the cast were clearly well-rehearsed, and the diction was crisp, ensuring that the lyrics and dialogue were easily understood. This was particularly commendable, as clarity can sometimes be a challenge in musical theatre.

There were, however, a few moments where cueing seemed slightly off, particularly in ensemble numbers. While these were not overly disruptive, a bit more attention to musical transitions and entrances could elevate the overall musical tightness. Despite these small moments, the orchestra maintained a well-rounded sound, supporting the action on stage without overpowering the performers.

Choreographer- Choreography

The choreography by Jay Molyneux was one of the weaker elements of the production. While it served its purpose, it remained a little basic, and there were moments where the potential of certain talented dancers could have been further explored. One Normal Night and the various renditions of But Love would have benefited from more dynamic movement and greater variation in stage patterns.

One of the strengths of The Addams Family is its ability to incorporate character-driven choreography, and this was an area that could have been expanded upon. Encouraging the ensemble to infuse more characterization into their movement would have added an extra layer of engagement to the numbers. That said, the performers were committed to their roles, and there was a strong energy in their execution. A bit more variation in choreographic style would further enhance future productions.

Leading Principals – Singing and Acting

Gomez – David Alexander. David delivered a solid performance as Gomez, balancing the humor and sincerity of the character. Vocally, his tone was smooth and pleasant to listen to. His pacing was slightly slow at times. Gomez’s nervous energy is a driving force in the narrative, and a quicker tempo in his dialogue would add further dynamism. His chemistry with Morticia was believable and engaging, and a slightly more exaggerated quirkiness would have enriched his performance even further.

Morticia – Vivienne Lee A commanding and confident performance. Morticia requires a strong presence, and Vivienne delivered this effortlessly. Her relaxed and poised demeanor allowed her to embody Morticia’s elegance and dominance in the household. Vocally, she handled her songs well, and her movement was graceful and fitting for the character. Overall, a very strong portrayal.

Wednesday – Chloe Connor. Chloe gave a solid performance, especially in Pulled, where her vocal ability shone through. One small note for improvement would be to lift her eyeline more frequently, particularly in a venue with raked seating. Her chemistry with Lucas was natural and believable, which is key to making their relationship resonate with the audience.

Lucas Beineke – Oisin Dowling. Lucas was played with an appropriate level of preppy energy, and his interactions with Wednesday and his parents were well done. Oisin’s voice suited the role well, and he fit seamlessly into the dynamic of the show. A confident performance overall.

Fester – Mervyn Fahy. A standout performance with excellent energy and presence. Fester’s eccentricity was fully embraced, making him an audience favorite. His vocals were strong, and his comedic timing was spot on. A truly enjoyable portrayal.

Supporting Roles – Singing and Acting

Pugsley – Ryan McDonnell A fantastic young performer with a strong stage presence. His petulance and mischievous energy were well played, and his vocals were lovely. He held his own confidently in a cast of experienced performers.

Grandma Addams – Mary Dempsey. A hilarious and fully committed performance. The character’s eccentricity was dialed up to great effect, and her comic timing was impeccable. Vocally strong, and a joy to watch.

Alice Beineke – Nicole Scott. A standout performance. The contrast between Alice’s perky sweetness and her descent into madness was executed brilliantly. Her vocal strength added an extra layer to her performance, making her an audience favorite.

Mal Beineke – Paul Singleton. A clear character journey was evident, from the stiff and conservative father through the descent into madness during Full Disclosure, ending in the clarity during Crazier Than You. A well-executed transformation that enhanced the humor and depth of the role.

Lurch – Ruadhan Gormally. Absolutely stole the show. Every movement and expression were perfectly timed, demonstrating that strong acting doesn’t always require many lines. A truly memorable portrayal.

Chorus/Ensemble – Singing, Acting, and Choreography

The ensemble maintained strong energy and presence throughout. Their harmonies were a highlight, creating a rich sound. While dance ability varied, extra workshops could help elevate the movement standard. Overall, an engaged and effective ensemble.

Stage Management & Set Design

A mixed execution in terms of set design —some set pieces looked highly professional, while others needed more refinement to match the overall aesthetic. I enjoyed that the cast did the scene changes. It is an effective way to keep the pacing of a show that isn’t scored for big scene changes. Small details, such as minimizing crew visibility during the opening scene transitions, could further enhance professionalism.

Technical- Light and Sound

A beautiful lighting design with strong visual moments, especially the pre-show state. It was a really striking image to walk it to. A patchy focus DSC was distracting, and some inconsistencies in spotlighting like Pugsley and Fester standing on the chairs in Full Disclosure needed minor refinements. 

Sound balance was mostly excellent, though reverb on songs was slightly overdone.

Visual- Costumes, Hair and Makeup

Excellent costuming with great attention to detail. All of the characters were very clear, and each costume was well fitted. Morticia’s dress was particularly striking. 

Makeup blending, especially shading, needed minor refinements. The brown was overly heavy on the chorus. Pugsley’s makeup needed to continue down his neck and behind his ears for a consistent colour. Fester’s bald cap was excellent, as was his make-up.

Wigs and hair were good overall. Gomez’s wig needed more tidying up and slicking down, he may have been better without a wig.

Adjudicators suggestions/ comments

In conclusion, Claremorris Musical Society’s production of The Addams Family was an entertaining and enjoyable experience. Strong performances, excellent musical direction, and memorable comedic moments all contributed to a highly successful production. While there were some areas for improvement in terms of pacing, choreography, and technical elements, these were relatively minor compared to the overall positive impact of the show. 

The production succeeded in capturing the dark humor and charm of The Addams Family while also delving into the emotional depth of the characters. This balance of humor and heart is one of the show’s most endearing qualities, and it was well-executed by the cast and creative team. With continued focus on pacing, choreography, and refining some technical aspects, future productions could become even more dynamic and polished and will undoubtedly continue to entertain and delight audiences. It was a highly enjoyable evening of theatre that showcased the talent and dedication of everyone involved.