All Entries Tagged With: "Addams Family Musical"
The Addams Family Broadway Takes Final Bow
The Addams Family played its final Broadway performance on Sunday, December 31 after 725 performances and 34 previews.
Since beginning previews on March 8 2009, The Addams Family has been seen by more than 748,000 people. Prior to Broadway, The Addams Family played an 8 week engagement at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago, where it grossed more than $12 million, making it the most successful Broadway tryout in Chicago’s history.
The national tour of The Addams Family launched on September 15 at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts in New Orleans and is booked in more than 30 cities through 2012.
Get a look back at the production, from Chicago to Broadway and beyond, below!
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus (Broadway, Chicago); Jeremy Daniel (Tour)
The current Broadway cast of The Addams Family starred Brooke Shields as Morticia, Roger Rees as Gomez; Brad Oscar as Fester, Rachel Potter as Wednesday, Jackie Hoffman as Grandma, Zachary James as Lurch, Adam Riegler as Pugsley, Heidi Blickenstaff as Alice Beineke, Adam Grupper as Mal Beineke and Jesse Swenson as Lucas Beineke; the original Broadway cast included Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth as Gomez and Morticia, Terrence Mann as Mal Beineke, Carolee Carmello as Alice Beineke, Kevin Chamberlin as Uncle Fester, Jackie Hoffman as Grandma, Zachary James as Lurch, Adam Riegler as Pugsley, Wesley Taylor as Lucas Beineke and Krysta Rodriguez as Wednesday.
Roger Rees talks “RSC” with Michael Riedel
Rees’ ‘Royal’ reminiscences
Recalling spears and beers from early days
by Michael Riedel, New York Post, On Broadway
Last Updated: 10:24 AM, July 22, 2011
Posted: 10:27 PM, July 21, 2011
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s in town — performing five shows in repertory at the Park Avenue Armory — so it seemed a fine time to talk with Roger Rees about the 22 years he spent there.
Rees, now in “The Addams Family,” won a Tony in 1982 for his star turn in the RSC’s “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby,” and wide acclaim for his “Hamlet” in 1985.
But he began, as all actors do at the RSC, by carrying a spear.
“And a shield,” says Rees, now 67. “The shields were enormous. In ‘Julius Caesar,’ I died early in the scene and used to fall asleep under the shield until I was woken up by applause. You didn’t have any lines — other than ‘The Queen!’ or ‘Ah, my Lord’ — for four years.”
As a young man, Rees trained to be an artist. One day, while he was painting scenery 40 feet above the stage of the Wimbledon Theatre, Arthur Lane called up to him: “Would you like to be in a play the week after next?”
Lane was one of the last of the actor-managers — larger-than-life personalities who ran the theater and directed and starred in all the plays. There wasn’t much time to learn lines.
“Arthur tore up the script and distributed pages of it around the set,” Rees recalls. “Page 36 would be on the mantelpiece. ‘See here!’ he’d say, then move to the coffee table looking for Page 37.”
Rees’ agent got him a 10-minute audition for the RSC in 1965.
“They weren’t really looking for actors — they were looking for young, strong men who could push the scenery,” he says. “I auditioned and they said, ‘Go away. Your voice is no good.’ ”
A year later, after learning major roles at a theater in Scotland, Rees auditioned again. This time he was invited to join the company.
Brooke Shields IS Morticia
On Tuesday, June 28, THE ADDAMS FAMILY welcomed stage and screen star Brooke Shields in the role of Morticia. Ms. Shields joined current Broadway cast members Roger Rees as Gomez, Brad Oscar as Fester, Rachel Potter as Wednesday, Jackie Hoffman as Grandma, Zachary James as Lurch, Adam Riegler as Pugsley, Heidi Blickenstaff as Alice Beineke, Adam Grupper as Mal Beineke and Jesse Swenson as Lucas Beineke. Here is a first look at Shields and the cast!
The Addams Family’s Rachel Potter chats with Broadway.com
Rachel Potter on Her Country Music Ambitions and Going Grim as The Addams Family’s Wednesday
- photo by Jenny Anderson for Broadway.com
Age & Hometown: “Old enough to drink”; Seminole, FL
Brooke is Morticia
In an inspired bit of casting, Brooke Shields becomes Morticia on June 28. Read about it in this excerpt from a Patrick Healy piece—
Brooke Shields -- Morticia to be. (photo: AP)
Brooke Shields Will Be the New Morticia in ‘Addams Family’
By PATRICK HEALY
New York Times
March 31, 2011
Brooke Shields will continue her run as high-profile replacement actress on Broadway this summer when she takes over the role of Morticia in “The Addams Family” musical from Bebe Neuwirth, who will depart the show after 15 months.
The producers announced on Thursday that Ms. Shields will begin performances on June 28, on the cusp of the high summer season when many Broadway musicals have strong earnings thanks to tourists. Ms. Neuwirth will give her last performance on June 26; she is now playing opposite Roger Rees, who took over the leading man role of Gomez from Nathan Lane in mid-March.
Addams Family Cast Members Shine at ‘At This Performance’
excerpt from the “Stage Rush” website, posted February 14, 2011
The latest installment of the At This Performance concert series brought big laughs Sunday night. The concert that gives Broadway understudies and standbys the spotlight saw performers choosing hilarious song selections and telling stories of their careers that had the audience in stitches.
The night kicked off with At This Performance’s youngest performer ever—11-year-old Logan Rowland from The Addams Family. He sang Pugsley’s solo “What If” with polish and confidence while his parents video taped and took pictures from the audience. Rowland told the story of his first time going on in the role—co-star Nathan Lane made an announcement to the audience during the show’s curtain call that they had just witnessed his Broadway debut.
Rowland’s Addams co-stars Mo Brady and Lisa M. Karlin duetted with “Crazier Than You,” and each had a follow-up solo. Karlin sang “See What I Want to See” from See What I Want To See. Brady’s solo was a song called “I Won’t Have To Anymore.” Easily the night’s most emotional performance, Brady sang the story of a young man preparing to flee the home of his verbally and physically abusive father. Showing great emotional depth and vocal range, Brady’s performance was among the night’s most memorable.
Nathan Lane Visits The Late Show, 1/21/11
The always hilarious Nathan Lane visited David Letterman recently, and shared stories of his holidays, The Addams Family Musical, and an onstage mishap with a bullwhip. ENJOY!
“A Christmas Carol – The Concert” Available From Amazon
“A Christmas Carol – The Concert”, featuring the voices of Merwin Foard (The Addams Family) and Daniel Reichard (Jersey Boys, The Midtown Men), is available for purchase from Amazon.com. This is what people are saying about the CD:
… I loved the music. It is very contemporary with a broadway musical flair. Any generation would love it. Merwin Foard is an amazing talent who plays Scrooge with a vengenance!! His baritone voice reaches the soul…
…This is the best Christmas Carol I have ever jheard, bar none, Merwin Foard’s voice is fabulous as Scrooge and the score and lyrics are clever and memorable. This deserves to be heard on the radio…
…This is a beautiful CD. The music is rich and varied and the lyrics are downright inspirational. One song brought me to tears. I can’t wait to listen to it again…
…I purchased this because I love the story. I’ve listened to it over and over because the music is so amazing! The narration and vocals are wonderful and the music is like no other version I have heard.
Click here to visit amazon.com and purchase your copy now.
Zachary James Will Teach One-Day AF Workshop
The Addams Family Workshop with Star, Zach James (Lurch), Logan Rowland (Pugsley u/s) & an Ashley Gonzalez of CESD Talent Agency!
Join Zach James (Lurch), Logan Rowland (Pugsley u/s) and Ashley Gonzalez of CESD Talent Agency for an Addams Family theme workshop!
The workshop will focus on:
•Dance Combination& Song from Addams Family
•Song Interpretation & Vocal Coaching
•Scene Work from Addams Family
•Musical Theatre Audition Technique
•Mock Audition for a Talent Agent
When: Sat., Dec. 4th
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 7 – 16
Where: Ripley -Grier Studios – 520 8th Ave – 16th Fl. – between 36th & 37th St.
Normally: 150.00 Sale Price: 135.00
Jackie Hoffman Presents…”Jackie Five-Oh!”
Jackie Hoffman
Jackie Hoffman Has New Tales
The celebrated performer returns to Joe’s Pub to discuss The Addams Family and turning 50 in Jackie Five-Oh!
By: Brian Scott Lipton · Nov 17, 2010
TheaterMania, New York
There are few places in New York where Jackie Hoffman is more comfortable — or more appreciated — than Joe’s Pub, where the award-winning actress will return on Monday, November 22 for a six-week run of her new show Jackie Five-Oh!. “Although it’s f…ing hard work, I do miss doing my own stuff, and I haven’t done an all-new show since 2007, so this is very exciting,” says Hoffman.
Of course, she’s got plenty to talk — and sing — about: most notably her role as Grandma in the hit Broadway musical The Addams Family. Not to mention, she is turning 50 — which will happen on the day of her second show, November 29. ”The worst part of all this is the pressure I feel in planning my own birthday party. But it was too perfect not to do it now.”
Hoffman has actually accomplished a great deal in her first half-century, including numerous memorable turns on Broadway — most notably in the original casts of Hairspray and Xanadu — and in film. But she seems determined to look at the glass as half-empty. “There’s a whole part in the show about how people didn’t recognize me at this bagel store in Long Island; by now, I thought I’d be famous enough to at least be recognized there,” she says in her signature deadpan.
Hoffman as "Grandma" in The Addams Family
Of course, it doesn’t help her “Q Factor” that in The Addams Family, she’s playing a character who looks twice Hoffman’s age. But she’s making the best of it. ”I’ve found room in The Addams Family to ad-lib. Of course, Nathan Lane is a brilliant improviser — and, let’s face it, we’re not doing August: Osage County here. It’s a funny show and both the audience and the other actors appreciate when we mix it up. The show is like a party atmosphere and the audience seems to love it, no matter what the critics said. I do think some of them were over-the-top mean.”
Hoffman actually finds songwriting one of her greatest pleasures. ”I’m singing two songs at Joe’s Pub that I’ve written for the character of Grandma, which will have their world premiere,” she notes. ”I started writing my own songs at Second City and I find lyrics flow out of me easier than jokes do. And I’m so lucky to have my collaborator, Bobby Peaco, who does such an amazing job of having his music serve my lyrics. I don’t think we’ve ever run into a snag getting a song together. And I have to say, we’ll be doing one of the most offensive songs I’ve ever written.”
Hoffman hasn’t fully decided whether she’ll extend her contract in The Addams Family past March. But that doesn’t mean she’s tired of performing. “It’s hard to do these eight-show-a-week gigs,” she notes. “But I will say I’m thrilled to do Joe’s Pub as long as people want me here.”
The Addams Family Musical An Entertaining Afternoon of Theatre
Catherine (me) and Rick Elice
Last weekend was a whirlwind of friends, parties, and great Broadway entertainment! AND I was able to spend some time with my favorite Broadway writer, Rick Elice. Rick is that rare breed of celebrity who is unassuming, humble and completely genuine. He is such a pleasure to know – one would never guess he has two of the top 10 shows currently running on Broadway.
While Saturday was all about Jersey Boys, Sunday was reserved for The Addams Family. I had second row center seats for the matinee – up close and personal - and I was a little bit nervous. There have been mixed reviews, not only from the critics, but from a few of the readers here on the blog, and I didn’t want to go in with any preconceptions about the show. So, I went in with an open mind, and I had a blast!
From the opening number “When You’re An Addams”, to the final curtain, I had a smile on my face and a laugh in my throat. I don’t want to get into a scene by scene analysis – that’s been done to death. I just want to share my thoughts.
Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth were wonderful as Gomez and Morticia, two parents facing what all parents face when they realize that their baby is all grown up and about to leave the nest. Of course, not all parents face it in quite the same way! Bebe was gorgeous! Her flawless skin and deadpan expression were classic Morticia. She danced beautifully, and her “Just Around The Corner” was one of my favorite numbers. Nathan definitely lived up to the hype. His comedic timing is impeccable, and he had the audience in stitches.
Kevin Chamberlin was hilarious as the “moonstruck” Uncle Fester. He really got into his oddball personae, and the audience loved him.
Jackie Hoffman as Grandma was as hysterical as everyone says. Although her role was small, she made the most of each and every line, leaving the audience doubled over in laughter. At one point during “dinner”, she was obviously ad-libbing, talking about running the mara…mara…mara..thon (NY marathon was run that day), and the cast was laughing so hard, Bebe actually had to lay her head on the table so the audience wouldn’t see. Of course, being in the second row, I could see her head shaking!
As the tormented young couple, Wednesday Addams and Lucas Beineke, Krysta Rodriguez and Wesley Taylor were fantastic. They portrayed just the right amount of teenage angst, mixed with a craziness that comes with young love. Krysta’s voice was crystal clear, with a bit of a rock edge to it, and Wesley was a perfect accompaniment. Their “Crazier Than You” was another of my favorites. I’ll be keeping an eye on their careers, I’m betting they go far.
Carollee Carmello and Terrence Mann played Alice and Mal Beineke, Lucas’s “normal” parents from Ohio. If that’s normal, I’d hate to see odd. She with her bright yellow dress and rhyming speech, and he with his tough-guy “I won’t be pushed around” act (until I meet the right squid), were very entertaining, and they played the roles to perfection.
As Lurch, the mostly silent butler, Zachary James was brilliant. And Adam Riegler was terrific as Pugsley. He had a fantastic voice for such a young age, and was very enjoyable to watch. His sadness at realizing his sister was growing up and wouldn’t be around to “play” with him much longer was very touching.
And last, but certainly by no means least, the Ancestors were all superb. Each one had his/her own personality, they danced beautifully, and the way they were utilized onstage was ingenious.
On the top of my list of ”high points” has to be the set design. Congratulations to Julian Crouch and Phelim McDermott for a tremendous job! Basil Twist’s puppetry was also spectacular, adding a layer of creativity not seen in many shows. And, as usual, Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman wrote a great story, with a perfect mix of humor, seriousness, and Charles Addams absurdity.
“Just Around The Corner” and ”Crazier Than You” were my favorite musical numbers, with “When You’re An Addams” and the tango scene following close behind. Gomez had two ballady numbers that dragged a bit (for me), but Nathan performed them beautifully. And Uncle Fester and the moon, and Mal Beineke and the squid were a bit over the top, but hey, this is the Addams Family - they are over the top!
Please bear with me while I vent….I know this is a family friendly show, and yes, they sell candy at the concession stand, but people, this is a high dollar Broadway show, not a movie theater. Please have the courtesy to NOT open loud candy wrappers, slurp noisily on lollipops, or rifle through your shopping bags in the middle of the performance (yes, I experienced all of this within two rows of me, and the perpetrators were all adults.) This is not only rude to your fellow audience members, but most especially to the cast.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the entire Addams Family ‘family’ for an exciting and entertaining afternoon of theatre!
Congratulations to Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman
Some of you may not realize that the co-authors of The Addams Family musical, Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, also penned Jersey Boys, which just celebrated its 5th Anniversary on Broadway. I had the pleasure of attending the “Fan Party” hosted by Rick, and the Saturday evening performance. Oh what a day and night it was! Congratulations, Rick and Marshall, on your well-deserved honors over the event-filled weekend. And thank you for bringing such wonderful entertainment to Broadway!
