Rehearsals are in full swing for the MHS Drama Club’s production of The Addams Family Musical. The Addams Family is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The show is based on the classic Addams Family characters created by Charles Addams in his single-panel gag cartoons, which depict a ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things macabre.

The show follows the iconic couple, Morticia and Gomez, just as the comics and movies do. Their beloved daughter Wednesday, however, is now an eighteen year-old young woman who is ready for a life of her own. She has fallen in love with Lucas Beineke, a sweet, smart boy from a normal, respectable Ohio family — the most un-Addams sounding person one could be! And to make matters worse, she has invited the Beinekes to their home for dinner. In one fateful, hilarious night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face up to the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations, change.

Mr.Longstreet and Mr.Espineira take the reins with direction and music once again this year. This year’s cast is full of MHS drama club veterans. Brad Schuyler, MHS’s leading man for the past 2 years, takes the lead once again as Gomez Addams. Gabriella Lapinska is taking the stage as his wife, the Queen of Darkness herself, Morticia Addams. Fellow seniors, Maria Castro and Ashley Gonzales, will be playing Wednesday Addams and Uncle Fester. Completing the family tree is Freshman, Anthony Yakobchuk as Pugsley Addams, and Juniors Isa Cano and Demitiri Kontos as Grandma and Lurch. Connor Hagan, Conor Johnston, and Kaylee Pfeiffer also stand out as the newly introduced Beineke Family. When referring to this cast, Espineira says “We are truly amazed at the level of talent and dedication in this ensemble.”

The cast wouldn’t be complete without the ensemble, in this case the Addams Family “Ancestors.” The ensemble is made up of many talented dancers and singers from every grade here at MHS. Although they aren’t considered “leads,” this ensemble drives the show along and brings it to life – or should I say, death. One standout ensemble member, senior Kevin Rodriguez, described the creative process of the group. He said, “ It’s been great to see how we progress day by day. You see the dances online and and you’re like ‘how do they do that?’ But now WE’RE doing that!”

Whether you’re a fan of the original movies, you want to see something new, or even if you aren’t a musical theatre fan, this show has something for everyone. With a mix of great music, exciting dances, and family drama, this is something you do not want to miss. Mark your calendars, The Addams Family Musical takes the MHS stage March 28, 29, and 30!