The Wessex Wire

The Student News Site of West Essex Regional High School

The Wessex Wire

The Wessex Wire

‘Addams Family’ is creepy and spooky in all the best ways

By Grace George ’17

Teeming with ghastly scenery and taboo romance, the Masquers of West Essex’s performance of “The Addams Family” did not fail to impress with its humor and liveliness. The show combined the classic story of the creepy Addams family with current dialogue and modern references to make it more relevant. The quirky cast consisted of an array of characters, ranging from taciturn butler Lurch, played by Matthew Uhlendorf, to the vivacious Grandmama, played by Caroline LanFrank.

Taking place years after the original film, the show focuses on the complicated love story between Wednesday Addams (senior Tess Dyer) and an Ohio-raised boy named Lucas (junior Michael Gaccione). Wednesday, in an attempt to break the news of her decision to elope, arranges a dinner with her and Lucas’s parents, which goes horribly awry. With the help of her jealous brother, Pugsley, and manipulative mother, Morticia, the two families form a strong animosity towards each other, causing Lucas and Wednesday to have a falling out. In the end, however, the whole cast, including Uncle Lester, find happiness in love.

The show’s cast displayed their best vocals opening day, especially in the songs, “One Normal Night” and “Full Disclosure.” Dyer as Wednesday had a notable performance, projecting her beautiful voice in the songs, “Pulled,” “Happy Sad” and “Crazier Than You.” Gaccione also excelled with the shyness and awkwardness he perfected as Lucas.

Junior Kira Shabbab as Morticia Addams and her stage-husband, Senior Matthew DeFazio as Gomez, displayed a strong chemistry, appearing comfortable in each other’s presence on stage. “The lead actors looked so consumed in their roles,” said junior Sam Manuzza who attended the play opening night. “The love between Morticia and Gomez and Lucas and Wednesday was portrayed perfectly through the actors who played them.”

While the play was both emotional and spooky, it had its hilarious moments as well. Paige Wasserman, a sophomore with a strong devotion for the arts, acting at both the Papermill Playhouse and Masquers, showed off her best acting skills as the hilarious Pugsley Addams.

With stunningly ghoulish makeup, the ensemble of ancestors complemented each scene, creating an eerie atmosphere and supporting the lead vocals during each song. Their choreographed dances were elegant as well, adding to the play’s aesthetic.

But, the success was not all due to the hard work of the actors. Between stage crew’s efficiency with changing scenes, makeup’s realistic touch ups and tech’s quick difficulty fixes, each crew member made their dedication to the production obvious as well.

Its opening was an inherently bittersweet occasion for the senior Masquers who are sad to have acted in their last West Essex Production, but have truly shown their dedication and love for the program. “It was a really good experience,” senior Matt DeFazio said of his time as a masquer, “I’ve been doing it for six years and I’ve met a lot of good people from it.” Each actor, actress, stage crew member, tech crew member, makeup artist and director put their full effort forward to make “The Addams Family” an extremely enjoyable night for all.

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