REVIEW: The Addams Family

The Addams Family, by Nayland College, Thursday 16 May at the Theatre Royal. Reviewed by Pete Rainey.

The downside to school musical productions is that they normally only have a season of two or three nights.

The upside is that they are packed full of youthful exuberance and flair and kids discovering that they had unrealised talent, and then allowing that talent to shine and entertain.

Nayland College’s kooky production of the Addams Family hit’s the nail on the head.

With a score that had the audience clapping from the get-go, youthful exuberance in bucketloads, great singing and playing, committed acting, and some truly unforgettable laugh out loud comedy moments this was a real creepy cracker of a show. Altogether ooky!

Moana Williams totally shone as Gomez Addams - an amazingly mature performance for a Year 10 student.

Samantha Gerritsen relished the role of Morticia, with great singing and excellent dancing culminating in an impressive tango scene with Gomez.

Joelle Noar excelled as the menacing Wednesday - with some superb singing and exactly the right level of unsettling darkness.

A true highlight was the hilarious performances by Dylan Welsh as Uncle Fester, and Tia Cranefield as Grandma. Superb timing from both brought the house down on numerous occasions, and Dylan displayed superb singing skills - especially with his stunning love song to the moon. They both developed their characters with depth and spot on comedic skills.

Stirling Scott enjoyed the role of Pugsley performing with energy and some great singing and acting.

The Beineke Family worked well in their supporting roles, with Seth Wilson and Isabella Fuller giving outstanding performances as Mel and Alice.

Malachi Ng handled the role of Wednesday’s future husband Lucas with flair and some great singing.

Ollie Gabites - omnipresent as Lurch almost stole the show with a hilarious and unexpected singing moment - such a great surprise.

The ancestors were ever present on stage adding a creepy zombie vibe, and some excellent singing and dancing - a real asset to the show.

What really stood out was the comedy in this show - some absolutely cracker laugh out loud moments that had the audience cheering for more.

A lineup of really great sets, well transitioned with excellent, sometimes mysterious, and often spooky lighting and technical control.

Superb costuming, hair and makeup and a really big musical score handled extremely well by a snappy orchestra, under superb control from Musical Director Kay Mackenzie.

The sound and light was spot on - the mix was excellent.

The production team of director and producer Ross Gerritsen, Carl Sheehan, Kay Mackenzie, Jana Polglase and Nayland College must be congratulated for bringing this creepy cracker of a production to the Theatre Royal.

The show is on from 16 - 18 May with two performances on Saturday at 1pm and 7pm. Get your tickets here.