Harley Stevens and Isabelle Cook at school last week.
There’s more to come from Morticia, and Gomez has confirmed he’s just getting going.
In the wake of Te Awamutu College’s well received production of The Addams Family – School Edition, two of its cast have confirmed they plan to keep developing their already considerable acting chops in Te Awamutu.
Year 13 student Isabelle Cook who played Morticia, and Year 12’s Harley Stevens, Gomez, both confirmed an interest in joining Te Awamutu Light Operatic Society (Talos) when The News sat down with them to ask what might be next on the acting front.
With varying degrees of previous acting experience heading into The Addams Family’s run, both have taken away different learnings and personal highlights from their respective diverse roles – which involved both singing and dancing.
It was the college’s first production in five years, and both Harley and Isabelle’s first year at the school.
The Addams Family was also Harley’s stage debut.
“It was so much fun,” he said.
“It was the first time any of my family had heard me sing too – many of them even asked ‘…when did you learn to do that?’”
Harley Stevens as Gomez. Photo: Lyndon Katene.
Harley first considered being involved in the production when his brother Denzel, who played Fester, suggested it.
“He came home one day and told me I was auditioning, so I did.
“I wasn’t too worried on opening night really – my nervous night was probably the second show.”
After 13 weeks of preparation which “flew by”, when The News visited on opening night, our reviewer described Isabelle’s performance as Morticia as outstanding.
“It was really nice to hear people were enjoying the shows,” Isabelle told The News, adding that from her perspective it was really enjoyable.
“I do love performing.
Isabelle Cook as Morticia. Photo: Lyndon Katene.
“Maybe a few weeks out, I wondered how it was all going to come together, but from our first dress rehearsal it was amazing – I realised we’ve got this.”
Singing wise, Isabelle had a vocal teacher for a few months when she was about six – and says she thought a lot about being an actor, or taking up theatre, when she was younger.
She’s done school productions before – but The Addams Family was likely the biggest.
Isabelle said she had a great drama teacher at a small primary school in Auckland.
Prior to being at the college too, Isabelle was home schooled.
“Our homeschool drama teacher made sure we regularly did two shows a year, so that was great experience.”
The college’s head of Drama and show director, Morag Carter, was delighted with how Isabelle, Harley and the rest of the cast improved each night during the show’s run.
“The calibre of talent we have is amazing. What’s also fantastic is the supportive families around the students who allow them to have more opportunities to let that natural talent shine.”
Looking ahead – as both Isabelle and Harley consider Talos, Harley is also planning to audition for Heathers: The Musical which is set to show in Hamilton next year.
Te Awamutu College typically holds a production every two years.
