RAISING THE CURTAIN ON THE ADDAMS FAMILY

HOTHOUSE COMPANY AND THE ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE ARTS DEPARTMENT BROUGHT TO THE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS A PRODUCTION OF THE ADDAMS FAMILY SO SUCCESSFUL, SO BRIMMING WITH JOIE DE VIVRE, THAT THE RUN OF FOUR PERFORMANCES ACROSS THREE DAYS LEFT AUDIENCES IN RAPTURES.

With a vision to challenge audiences to ‘Define Normal’, Director Zoe Parker created a spectacular production, showcasing the classic kookiness and devilish darkness of the Addams Family. However, the surprise burst of yellow heralded the inclusion of the Beineke family who were as giddy and weird as the Addams family. They encouraged the Addams family, and the audience, to embrace difference and consider the unknown.

“John Keats coined the term ‘negative capability’ and the idea centres on suspending judgement about something in order to learn more about it,” said Zoe.

“It also implies the ability to resist explaining away what we do not understand. In our diverse world, this resonates deeply with me. It cautions against the view that ‘what you see is all there is’.”

The visually stunning and incredibly polished production paid homage to American cartoonist Charles Addams, and the multitude of creative cartoonists with whom he worked at the offices of The New Yorker in the mid-1930s. Zoe sought inspiration from Addams’ cartoons, translating the two-dimensional energy or image that could be an Addams cartoon, and transforming it into a vibrant 3D moment on stage.

However, Addams and his counterparts lent not only visual inspiration; they were also instrumental in the creative process.

“As I researched, it became apparent that the cartoonists at The New Yorker were masterful collaborators, often suggesting ideas, drawing, writing copy for and supporting one another,” said Zoe.

“It was cross-collaboration at its finest. This is also the way I love to work. We take the best idea in the rehearsal room.”

A production at All Saints’ College is a true team effort, and this year’s production was no exception. The student involvement in both cast and crew roles is unique and serves as a wonderful context in which to build their creativity, confidence, and resilience.

“By being involved in The Addams Family musical, students have developed a wealth of skills and capabilities essential for the stage and beyond,” said Head of Arts, Skye Hegarty.

“The teamwork and collaboration involved in seeing a project from script to closing night are essential life learning skills, preparing our students for the real world beyond school. Being a part of the musical cast, crew and band nurtures our students’ sense of belonging.”

The talent on stage was superbly supported by a wealth of remarkable creative prowess off stage. From the live orchestra and arresting set design to the sleek choreography and perfectly terrifying costumes, each detail brought the characters to life.

The orchestra pit was as energetic and entertaining as the performance taking place on stage. Musical Director Jeremy Trezona revelled in the wild musical concoctions of The Addams Family score which combines Spanish, Latin American, Afro Cuban and Eastern European musical styles into singular compositions – a ‘nod’ to the cultural ambiguity of the musical’s leading family.

“Entertaining, and oftentimes provocative, musical directions littered throughout the score made performing and directing this musical a humorous and visceral experience,” said Jeremy. “Far from being an abomination, the contrasting musical styles of The Addams Family undoubtedly co-exist to form a rare and unique soundtrack to the titular family’s misadventures. One need not venture far to draw parallels between the soundtrack and the underlying message of the show’s narrative – that our own uniqueness and diversity should be celebrated and embraced for us to experience the full beauty of life’s rich experience. In that vein, perhaps a better musical could not be chosen for our College’s 2023 theme of Be More You.”

Created in collaboration with HotHouse Company, All Saints’ College’s Arts innovation program, the production was shaped with a sense of professionalism and one that celebrated creative excellence.

“HotHouse Company works across and beyond the Arts disciplines to create opportunities that connect students, artists, and the broader community,” said Director of HotHouse Company, Drew Mayhills.

“The HotHouse Company philosophy is one of connection – connecting students to artists, artists to opportunities and audiences to experiences. In the case of The Addams Family, the students worked closely with staff (who are artists in their own right), and the students involved were in fact the artists being connected to opportunities.”

“This time, we focused on strengthening the connection of our audience to the experience of the production. We identified some creative opportunities to set the tone from the moment you entered the Centre for Performing Arts.”

In recognition that theatregoers are incredibly diverse and not simply a static group, audience members were encouraged to become ‘part of the family’ this year. The Centre for Performing Arts foyer featured a black carpet and backdrop for attendees to experience and take photos, while audiences on Friday and Saturday nights were invited to dress up in their finest Addamsinspired outfits. Creating a memorable and interactive audience experience is not new for ASC, with the 2021 production of MAMMA MIA! allowing audience members to purchase tickets to join the cast on stage for Sophie and Sky’s wedding. The Addams Family took a new approach to this experience, extending the audience’s joy and excitement well beyond the inside of the theatre once the curtain rose.

“Audiences are a critical component of these performances – far from passive recipients, they participate in an energetic exchange with the performers,” said Drew.

“The audience’s engagement – their laughter, their tears – elevate the focus and presence of the actors, dancers, musicians and artists involved.”

While a production of this scale is a herculean effort, the fundamental purpose is simple.

“Ultimately, the Arts bring people together,” said Skye.

“It fosters a sense of community and connection, and enhances the world in which we live.

The Addams Family musical has seen staff, students and parents working alongside each other, sharing in something wonderful. In this unpredictable and sometimes volatile world, the Arts are integral to human wellbeing, promoting joy, creativity, and a sense of self.”

The raw emotion during the cast’s final bows was palpable and a perfect example of the position of the Arts in education as a breeding ground for talent and a life-long passion for creating.