The Ancestors – Erana Stevens, Grace Armstrong, Dejah Stojanovic-Stark, Faith Still, Lexie Barnett and Isabella Tyer get in some practice for Te Awamutu College’s performance of The Addams Family. Photo: Morag Carter.
On this very special night we gather.
Next Wednesday, Te Awamutu College will open the curtains on the school’s first production in five years, a “catchy, entertaining and crazy” musical – the tale of The Addams Family.
Drama teacher and director Morag Carter said the cast of 30 students is looking forward to sharing the “creepy, kooky” show with audiences, having been practising since February.
“Covid drowned our dreams of going under the sea with The Little Mermaid in 2020”, she said.
Denzel Stevens pre-shave.
“So, that literally means for many of our cast this will be their first – and last – opportunity to be involved in a school production.
“Each and every one of them has been wonderful to work with as we’ve prepared, they’ve spent countless hours learning lines, music and dances.”
“I have to say too, I’m so impressed by the level of talent the group has.”
Audiences will watch – and discover that – Wednesday Addams, a “little bundle of malice”, has grown up and fallen in love.
To see if the families can get along, she invites Lucas and his “normal” parents to dinner at the Addams’ Family home in Central Park.
As with any Addams Family story though, things do not go to plan, and the evening reveals a few family secrets, serving up some surprises along the way.
The cast is supported by a live band made up of mostly students, and a few staff in supporting roles.
You can’t cap that… Denzel Stevens, who plays Fester, without, after hair after a shave from Cam Stevens.
Music teacher, and musical director, Bob Hollinshead described the music as fantastic.
“It’s such a mix of styles and feels, including big Broadway, Latin, swing and funk. It’s challenging music to play and sing, but it’s so much fun.”
Meanwhile, cast member Denzel Stevens – who plays Uncle Fester – decided to ditch the bald cap and fully commit to his character by shaving his head.
When Denzel’s grandad needed support through a cancer diagnosis, Hospice provided it.
So, Denzel used his subsequent head shave to raise funds during Hospice Awareness Week a few weeks ago.
“I’d encourage as many people to come out as possible to come along as possible,” Morag said.
“I’d love to see full houses each night. The world of the arts is most certainly at its best when we’re collaborating.
“The students are delighted to show audiences what can be achieved when we all work together. An audience undoubtedly gives the cast a lift too. We’re all looking forward to sharing this creepy, kooky tale with Te Awamutu.”
The Addams Family opens at Te Awamutu College on June 7, and will run until June 10 with 7pm shows daily. A 1pm matinee will be held on June 10.
Pugsley – James Crowhurst – causing trouble. Photo: Morag Carter.
Morticia – Isabelle Cook – and Gomez, Harley Stevens, dancing the tango Photo: Morag Carter.
