Poster designed by Addison Trail parent Katherine Klimt-Staller
Addison Trail students rehearse a scene from the school's upcoming musical, “The Addams Family Quarantined: A Dramatic Concert Version.” They are (from left to right) senior Emily Stevenson (Pugsley Addams), senior Isabel “Izzy” Aramburu (Wednesday Addams), senior Daniella Cassata (Morticia Addams), freshman Jack DiDomenic (Lurch), junior Adam Sakleh (Gomez Addams), junior Fernando Padua III (Uncle Fester) and senior Anthony Perez (Cousin It). Performances will take place on March 12 and 13, and tickets are available at www.dupage88.net/ATMusical2021 (see instructions below).
It’s an all-too-familiar scenario for most of us – brining your boyfriend or girlfriend home to meet your loved ones for the first time. Introducing a significant other to your family can be an awkward life moment – but it’s even trickier when you’re a member of the infamous Addams Family.
Addison Trail Theatre will explore this relatable life experience when it presents “The Addams Family Quarantined: A Dramatic Concert Version” on March 12 and 13. According to Theatrical Rights Worldwide (https://www.theatricalrights.com/show/the-addams-family-quarantined-a-dramatic-concert-version/), the musical is “a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he has never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.”
Addison Trail Theatre Director Anna McSweeney said she selected this production because of its flexibility to be performed on stage or in a remote setting to meet requirements with regard to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. She said the cast members started with virtual rehearsals on Zoom to block the scenes and to learn the choreography. They recently were able to start meeting at the school in small groups, following all policies, procedures and guidance in place regarding social distancing, health and cleaning protocols. The performance might look a little different this year – the actors will be wearing masks and will be six feet apart, and the music will be a mix of live singing and prerecorded pieces – but McSweeney and the students are thankful to be back onstage.
“It has definitely been a challenge, but we’re so grateful for this opportunity and for the support from our Board of Education and district and building administration to provide this experience for the students and the community,” McSweeney said. “High schools are one of the few places providing theatre right now, and it’s remarkable and exciting that we’re able to safely allow our students to be onstage this year.”
Addison Trail Theatre presents “The Addams Family Quarantined: A Dramatic Concert Version”
Credits: Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice; Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Cast list: https://www.dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=5675
When: 7 p.m. on March 12 and 13
Where: The shows will be streamed online at no cost. Follow the steps below to access the performances.
For questions or more information: Contact Addison Trail Theatre Director Anna McSweeney at amcsweeney@dupage88.net