The Addams Family Musical Arrives at Cottage Theatre

With the recent success of the television show Wednesday, the choice by Cottage Theatre to stage The Addams Family is especially timely. This live theatre performance appeals to long-time fans of the iconic spooky family and to lovers of musical theatre alike, thanks to its fun humor, catchy music, and engaging dance numbers.

Marc Siegel: Bringing Broadway Experience to Lane County

Director Marc Siegel first saw The Addams Family on Broadway during his time living in New York City. Since then, he has directed and choreographed productions for Lane County-based Rose Children’s Theatre, and he has long been active in the region’s performing arts scene. Siegel’s passion for dance and performance clearly shines through in this production, featuring numerous lively routines and innovative choreography.

Reflecting on the production, Siegel says, “It’s also wacky and gives me a chance to design and build cool sets, choreograph a ton.”

Inventive Stagecraft Design and Artistic Vision

The stagecraft for this run of The Addams Family is described as an “amazing work of art.” A digital backdrop is utilized, sparking mixed feelings among audience members but ultimately enriching the musical’s conclusion beyond what has been seen in other stagings of the addams family play. Siegel remarks that the piece captures universal themes of family relationships and conflict resolution, adding a multidimensional depth to the entertainment.

A True Family Affair: The Merz Family in the Spotlight

The heart of this production lies in its cast, notably the prominent participation of the Merz family. Laurel Merz, a familiar performer at Cottage Theatre, stars as Morticia. Sharing the stage with her are her children—Alana, Charlotte, and Joseph Merz. Additionally, Laurel’s mother, Lynne Schuepbach, contributed to the set by painting the hall of pictures, weaving together three generations behind the scenes and on stage.

This marks the first time the Merz family has performed together in a single production, making the family-centric addams family musical even more poignant. Laurel Merz shared that Charlotte, cast as Wednesday, has long aspired to the role and has a personal history marked by resilience, sharing a memory from the 2018 Paradise Camp Fire that affected their family.

Charlotte’s compelling vocal talents and deep familiarity with the score make her performance stand out. Audience members have lauded her singing, describing it as soulful and powerful.

Standout Performances and Audience Reactions

Technical difficulties with microphones and sound levels were noted on opening night, particularly with the live band at times overpowering the actors. Despite these issues, the cast impressed attendees. Alana Merz, taking on the role of Alice Beineke, demonstrated strong acting range. Audience member Kris Kingsbury highlighted her ability to portray complex emotions and praised the vocal performances across the cast.

Other memorable performances include Max Arnold’s comedic Gomez, which earned praise from multiple audience members, and the portrayals of Grandma, Lurch, and the show’s “dead ancestors.” Stephen Lawn, a frequent visitor, praised the overall talent: “The talent they have here is amazing.”

Director’s Insights and Production Details

Addressing the familial casting, Siegel noted that, though he and Laurel Merz have been partners for four years, the audition process was open and competitive: “They were all by far the best for their roles. I am over the moon with the acting, singing and dancing of the cast and the live band rocks.”

The Addams Family runs at Cottage Theatre on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:30 pm, through October 25, aligning the theatre musical with the Halloween season. Tickets are available for $32 for adults and $20 for students at CottageTheatre.org.

Source: eugeneweekly.com.