Enter the ghoulish musical The Addams Family. A satirical re-invention of the ideal American family; who delights in the macabre. The cartoon was originally published in The New Yorker in 1938, made into a popular TV series in the 60′s and even more popular movies in the 90′s. Lead by Gomez (the delightful Nathan Lane) and Morticia (Bebe Neuwirth), the contrived plot of having the newly in love, Wednesday (Krysta Rodriguez), wanting her boyfriend Lucas (Wesley Taylor) and his parents over for a normal dinner could of been a bore. Writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and the lyrics of Andrew Lippa capture the magic. The script is smart, clever and funny. You laugh at the sheer morbid reality of what could of been a cheesy plot. Pugsley, who adores his sister, steals one of Grandma’s (Jackie Hoffman) potions and the laughs begin. In all honesty this show grabs it’s audience with the first strains of the orchestra playing the TV’s theme.
As the curtain opens we are treated to a tableau, that grabs applause and brings to mind the pages of days gone by. The two directors, also set designers Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch created an electric set full of surprises. You will not be disappointed because all your favorite characters show up at one point or another thanks to Basil Twists, twisted puppets. Watch out Audrey. Stands outs are Nathan Lane, who embodies Gomez and makes him lovable. Kevin Chamberlain, is the perfect Uncle Fester, who lights up not only that famed lightbulb but also makes an affair with the moon, plausible. Adam Riegler, as Pugsley, embodies the perverse child, you semi fear growing up. Zachary James’s, Lurch makes us want to break into Putting on the RitzCarole Carmello, as Lucas’s mom reminds us, that someone should make her the lead and Terrence Mann needs more to do. Sergio Trujillo makes the most out of the choreography. Andrew Lippa’s music is predictable, but hummable. Like a dysfunctional family this show is not perfect but it is enjoyable and delightful. You will leave the theatre satisfied. I know the man from the Javitts, who came on a whim and the executive who was stranded did. Neither had seen a Broadway musical and now they want to see more.
Playing at the Lunt-Fontanne 205 West 46th Street.
Posted by Suzanna Bowling
on April 23, 2011. Filed under ENTERTAIMENT,Theatre.
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