Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
At home with "The Addams Family," Grandma, played by Kat Fitzpatrick, Uncle Fester, played by Andrew Metzger, Pugsley, played by Blake Ryan, Morticia, played by Erica Marie Weisz, Gomez, played by Kevin Hafso-Koppman, Wednesday, played by Chelsea Emma Franko and Lurch played by Berto Fernandez.
The children, Wednesday, played by Chelsea Emma Franko and Pugsley played by Blake Ryan play during a scene in "The Addams Family."
Morticia, played by Erica Maire Weisz and Gomez, played by Kevin Hafso-Koppman, dance the tango.
"They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky. They're all together ooky, the Addams Family." Snap. Snap.
Directed by Larry Raben and sidekick co-director Noelle Marion, the dynamic duo has pulled off a screaming smash hit of this cult favorite! Snap. Snap.
"Their house is a museum, when people come to see 'em, they really are a scream, The Addams Family." Snap. Snap.
Based on the original TV series, the musical comedy stage production "The Addams Family" is now playing at The Welk Resort in Escondido. Snap. Snap.
Children of all ages should clamor to see the dazzlingly choreography created by Karl Warden. His eye for movement is incredible. He emphasizes the lyrics by adding small flourishes in the dance ultimately creating punctuation marks. It is absolutely brilliant.
Smothered in charm and reeking of testosterone, Gomez, played by Kevin Hafso Koppman, shines as he adoringly seduces his voluptuous wife, Morticia, played by Erica Marie Weisz. While the chemistry between them is electric, snap, snap, wait 'til they tango. Oh-snap. Snap.
Their entire family shows up.
Uncle Fester, played by Andrew Metzger, steals his every scene. He is naughty in the cutest way, politically savvy "Should we buy Greenland?" Snap, snap, hmmm.
Or "They're from Ohio, the swing state." Snap, snap. Uncle Fester's au currant jesting is subtle and quick. Pay attention or you'll miss the Epstein bit.
While practicing her crossbow in Central Park, daughter Wednesday, played by Chelsea Emma Franko, breaks away from family tradition when she falls instantly in love with Lucas, played by Drew Bradford. Their combined talent would launch a rocket and really scores when they dare one another in "Crazier Than You." Their duet is hip and dark.
The song is especially creepy when mirrored by Lucas's parents Mal and Alice. Steve Gunderson and Nancy Snow Carr bringing their combined flair as the Beinekes from Ohio.
Rounding out "The Addams Family" is Wednesday's kid brother Pugsley, played by Blake Ryan. Touring since the age of 8, Blake stands tall amongst this talented cast of grown-ups. Vocally he carries his weight whether singing alone or sharing lyrics and don't even try to upstage him. Blake is in command.
Then we have Grandma, played by Kat Fitzpatrick. Grandma is a sparkplug. Generating mischief at every turn, she is totally outrageous.
"The Addams Family" could not function without their faithful butler, Lurch, played by Berto Fernandez. The old adage about no part too small applies here. In his best performance this year, Lurch is the heart of the ghoulish cast. His presence is essential and adds to the success of the show.
The Addams' cavernous residence in Central Park is eerily at the edge of the family plot thus giving ghostly ancestors access to their museum like domicile. The ghoulish ensemble is filled with athletic dancers and singers. Alphabetically they are Kya Cafaro, Dylan Dewald, Tori Hitchcock, Hayden Luedde, Gerry Kenneth, Sean Thomas Kiralla, Emma Nosal and Cheyenne Omani.
A show like this doesn't run smoothly without a lot of support. Starting with the executive producer, Sean Coogan, who had the foresight to put Lyndon Pugeda in the pit as musical director.
Jennifer Edwards continues to wear multiple hats including stage manager and lighting designer. Janet Pitcher coordinated the costumes designed by the Theatre Company and Peter Herman manages the wigs. Sound designer Patrick Duffy puts Jordan Gray on the board. Set designer Chuck Keeter works magic with Candlelight Pavilion's sets.
Unsung hero Patty Escobedo not only manages the box office she even handled the follow spot opening night.
"The Addams Family" musical comedy will play at the Welk Resort Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido 92026 until Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. For tickets call the box office (888) 802-7469 or visit http://www.sandiegotickets.welkresorts.com.
Either way it's a snap. Highly recommended for 14-plus, it's rated 10 out of 10. Snap. Snap.
Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal can be reached at [email protected]
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