Though Corny, ‘Addams Family’ Still Captivates

Wednesday, Feb. 8 was an unexpectedly exciting weeknight for the Boston Theatre District, as hundreds of chilly Bostonians sought warmth in the Shubert Theatre, anxious to experience life alongside the ominous and legendary Addams family. At its core, we know the Addams from the creations of cartoonist Charles Addams and the dark, but intriguing 1960s television program centered on his cherished characters. Today, the Addams family revamps their flair and returns to popular culture in the musical The Addams Family. The captivating spectacle depicts the awkwardness of a family situation effortlessly. It places the eponymous family center stage as a humorous example of a stubborn, but functional family with strong values and a recognizable dualistic nature.

Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, and Grandma are anything but normal civilians—but then again, what is normal? Living in an ancient mansion in Central Park, collecting antique torture devices, plucking the petals off roses, speaking to ghosts, and keeping monsters as pets are activities described as abnormal anywhere, but the Addams's find pleasure in each of these undertakings. The Addams Family musical takes the question "What is normal?" into deep consideration.

The show begins with an extravagant musical and dance number that musingly introduces each fanatical family member. Conflict arises quickly when Wednesday, powerfully played by Cortney Wolfson, confesses to her father, Gomez, that she is engaged to Lucas Beineke, a boy in a "normal" family. Yes, in this charismatic musical, Wednesday has matured into a beautiful dark princess, and yes, she has fallen in love. When it is announced that the Beinekes will be having dinner at the Addams's spooky home, the family makes a promise to Wednesday that they will attempt to be "normal," whatever that is. It is most imperative to Wednesday that her father keep her engagement a secret from his trusting wife Morticia during this dinner. The problem is that Gomez has never kept anything from his adoring wife, and from there, comical action builds as complications predictably arise.

At the end of the first act, the story reaches its climax, and it is very apparent that even the Beinekes are anything but "normal." Every family has its secrets, and at this point all secrets are fully disclosed. In the second act, conflicts must be resolved as each family admits that they are not "normal," but they are functional and still care deeply for one another. In order to entertain, The Addams Family portrays an extreme version of a common modern day situation: the members of a family meeting their future in-laws. It stands as a genial, family-friendly production, with a surprisingly relatable message and an accomplished cast.

Each performer executes his or her role believably, with pronounced energy and admirable confidence. Lucas and Wednesday make a commendable pair on stage: they capture attention with their entrancing voices and convincing romantic interactions. Throughout the show's entirety, Morticia Addams, played by Sara Gettelfinger, is a prominent audience grabber with her powerful voice and purposefully sensual attire. She portrays the role of an assertive and self-governing woman with poise, which is highly esteemed. It is also worthwhile to see The Addams's ancestors perform in several strong dance numbers, as they enhance the experience of the musical immensely.

The curtains drew on the Addams and Beineke families Wednesday night in the Shubert Theatre as the audience erupted with immediate applause and a merited standing ovation. I returned, smiling, to the frigid February air with hundreds of other soaring spirits and a feeling of acceptance: the Addams's remind us all that there is no such thing as normal.