By: Laila Worley, Pennsauken High School, Pennsauken
LINDENWOLD, N.J. — Torture, love, and deceit — what could be better? Just another normal night at Lindenwold High School’s production of The Addams Family.
Inspired by the beloved 1960s television series and iconic 1990s films, The Addams Family originated from the eccentric characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams for The New Yorker. With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the musical debuted on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 8, 2010, running for 722 performances before closing on December 31, 2011. The story follows Wednesday Addams as she falls for a seemingly “normal” boy, Lucas Beineke. When Wednesday invites his family to dinner at the Addams’ mansion, the evening spirals into chaos. Through unexpected revelations, emotional confrontations, and heartfelt reconciliations, both families learn to embrace their differences — and each other.
Lindenwold’s production thrived on the energy of its ensemble and the dedication of its stage crew. Numbers like “One Normal Night” and “Just Around the Corner” showcased the ensemble’s strength, breathing life into each scene with dynamic performances. The Lead Ancestor ensemble added depth, amplifying the show’s eerie charm. Meanwhile, the stage crew executed seamless transitions, ensuring a smooth and polished production.
Wednesday Addams (Saleema Sabree) captured the essence of the character while making bold acting choices and delivering strong vocals, particularly in “Pulled.” Gomez (Taj Young) carried seven songs with impressive vocal stamina and a commanding presence, while Morticia (Luka Lloyd) exuded effortless poise, blending striking stage presence with Morticia’s signature confidence.
Alice Beineke (Lucero Jaramillo Sanchez) nearly stole the show with her stunning vocals and compelling acting, especially in “Secrets” and “Waiting.” Grandma (Maanami Sabree) and Pugsley (Josiah Rigney-Gerald) delivered comedic moments effortlessly, drawing waves of laughter from the audience. Stephen Creitz (Fester) and the Lead Ancestor ensemble shared a hilarious dynamic, adding to the show’s quirky appeal. Meanwhile, Lurch (Caleb Williams) stunned the audience with his deep, resonant bass in “Move Toward the Darkness.” Lucas (Travon Alhassan) and Mal Beineke (Mark White) complemented their female counterparts beautifully, delivering a dynamic performance in the tension-resolving “Crazier Than You.”
From the moment the curtains opened, the set captivated. The graveyard backdrop in “When You’re an Addams” was both inventive and visually striking, while the mansion design added depth with a beautifully lit background. Costumes, designed and crafted by actress Lucero Jaramillo Sanchez, were thoughtfully detailed, ensuring every character looked the part. Lindenwold’s run crew cleverly blended into the production, donning costumes as they moved set pieces. The use of props shone in “The Moon and Me,” as the Lead Ancestor ensemble elegantly danced across the stage with mini moons. Enhancing the scene further, the lighting crew used a spotlight to create the illusion of a glowing moon in the night sky. Additional technical highlights included well-executed fog effects and Fester’s near-professional makeup.
Full disclosure: Lindenwold High School Theatre’s The Addams Family was a must-see!
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