All Entries Tagged With: "The Addams Family Musical"
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
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.
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!
Replacement Named for Nathan Lane in The Addams Family Musical
Well, it’s been discussed at length here on the Addams Family Blog….who will replace Nathan Lane when his contract expires in March? Readers weighed in, with suggestions all over the place - from Danny DeVito to Antonio Banderas. But the guessing game is over, for it has been announced that Tony winner Roger Rees will take over the role of Gomez Addams on March 22, 2011. And to add to this piece of good news, it has also been announced that Bebe Neuwirth will continue in her role as Morticia into the summer months. Congratulations to Mr. Rees, and to the entire cast of The Addams Family!
Mr. Rees, who is recognizable from many venues – he won a Tony Award for best actor in 1982 for the play “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby”…he played the Sheriff of Rottingham in Mel Brooks’ 1993 film, “Robin Hood: Men in Tights”…he appeared in “The West Wing” from 2000-2005 as Lord John Marbury – is no stranger to The Addams Family family. He is currently working with Rick Elice, co-directing Elice’s Peter and the Starcatchers as part of the New York Theatre Workshop’s 2010-2011 season. And Mr. Rees is close friends with Bebe Neuwirth. The two are perhaps best known for their overlapping work on the NBC series “Cheers.” Mr. Rees was a frequent guest star on “Cheers” as Robin Colcord, a British playboy and love interest of bar manager Rebecca Howe, played by Kirstie Alley; Ms. Neuwirth played the chilly psychiatrist Lilith Crane on the show.
Nathan Lane fans, rest assured your favorite Gomez will continue in his role until March 6, giving you plenty of time to get yourself to the theatre! After Mr. Lane’s final show, understudies will play Gomez opposite Ms. Neuwirth until Mr. Rees joins the show on March 22.
Rachel de Benedet, Terrence Mann Cast In NAMT Musicals
Rachel de Benedet
I was excited to read the casting announcement for NAMT’s Festival of New Musicals, which will be presented in Manhattan this October, for not only does it include two of our own Addams Family members, but also one of my favorite performers, Christian Hoff.
Christian Hoff
Terrence Mann
The National Alliance for Musical Theatre presents the annual festival for industry members, which showcases eight new musicals in 45-minute staged readings. A host of Broadway veterans populate the presentations that will be offered Oct. 21-22. For more information, and complete casting, visit NAMT.
Who Would Be YOUR Picks For Gomez and Morticia Replacements?
According to several news sources, producers of The Addams Family are actively searching for replacements for Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, whose contracts expire in March, 2011. Although (according to the NY Times) star actors were deliberately played down in the show’s advertising – emphasizing instead the famous Addams brand – which would make it easier for actors to “slide” into the lead roles, after the recent hit the box office took when Lane was out on vacation, it would seem they are searching for recognizable names to fill the Gomez and Morticia costumes.
It is rumored that John Leguizamo and Minnie Driver, who would have fit the bill quite nicely, both turned down offers, with no specific reasons given. So the search continues.
Who would YOU pick to replace Bebe and Nathan? Let’s hear it from the fans!
Cast members of “The Addams Family” to Perform at Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle has announced its events calendar for the month of July.
On Thursday, July 15 at 4:30pm, cast members of THE ADDAMS FAMILY will perform and sign copies of the original Cast Recording. Appearing at the event will be composer-lyricist Andrew Lippa, Bebe Neuwrith, Carolee Carmello, Zachary James, Adam Riegler, Wesley Taylor, Krysta Rodriguez and Jackie Hoffman.
Nathan Lane is Broadway.com’s #1 Superstar of the Decade
Broadway.com at 10: Top 10 Stage Superstars of the Decade
Features By Kathy Henderson, May 18, 2010
In the same way that Angelina or George Clooney can “open” a movie, a very short list of theater actors have the star power to attract producers (and audiences) on the strength of their name and talent alone. Broadway.com’s tenth anniversary is the perfect time to pay tribute to 10 stage superstars of the past decade—and to thank them for their loyalty to the Great White Way.
1. Nathan Lane
To borrow a lyric from his Tony-winning character Max Bialystock, Nathan Lane reigns as “the king of old Broadway.” After his triumph in The Producers (2001), Lane could have coasted through his pick of musical revivals, but he’s insisted on stretching his outsize talent in an impressive series of shows with nothing in common beyond his desire to bring them to Broadway: his own adaptation of The Frogs (2004), a smash-hit revival of The Odd Couple (2006), a black-comedy turn in Butley (2006), David Mamet’s satirical November (2008), an acclaimed revival of Waiting for Godot (2009) and now an irresistible performance as Gomez in the new musical The Addams Family. Wow! Where Nathan goes, audiences follow.
The following actors finish the list. To read the entire article, click here.
2. Patti Lupone
3. Kristin Chenoweth
4. Harvey Fierstein
5. Hugh Jackman
6. Liev Schreiber
7. Laura Linney
8. Angela Lansbury
9. Audra McDonald
10. Mary-Louise Parker
“The Addams Family” Visits Borders at Columbus Circle
On Friday, May 14th, Borders Columbus Circle will present “The Addams Family: From Page to Stage”. At the event, Sarah Henry, curator of the Charles Addams Exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, will lead a discussion with The Addams Family creative team members Andrew Lippa (Composery/Lyricist), Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman (Book Writers). Joining them will be Kevin Miserochhi, author of the new collection of Charles Addams drawings entitled “An Evilution”.
The event will begin at 5pm with a discussion of the show’s development, as well as a performance by Tony nominee Kevin Chamberlin, and members of The Addams Family cast.
Speculating on an Addams Family National Tour
Patrick Healy’s recent NY Times article (see “The Addams Family” A Critic-Proof Smash) got me thinking about an Addams Family national tour. If and when the show goes on the road, what might be the first stop? I haven’t found any substantiating evidence on the subject, but if I was to speculate, I would start with FIVE CENT PRODUCTIONS.
Five Cent Productions, which shares an Addams Family Producer credit, is a managing member of Elephant Eye Theatrical. Its members are nationally renowned performing arts centers that are proactively developing new theatrical material for their own theaters and stages worldwide. Here’s a quick look at each of the Five Cent members:
♦♦ Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts of Hartford, CT, whose President and CEO, David Fay, is Five Cent’s managing member.
“Connecticut’s Premier Performing Arts Center”
The Bushnell’s upcoming shows include Porgy and Bess, South Pacific and Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m STILL in Therapy. For more information, visit Bushnell’s website.
♦♦ The Citi Performing Arts Center of Boston, MA
“…one of the nation’s foremost nonprofit performing arts institutions”
Between their two theatres, the Wang Theatre and the Shubert Theatre, Citi’s upcoming shows are a mix of comedy (George Lopez and Conan) and music (Diana Ross and Celtic Thunder), with Jesus Christ Superstar and Dora the Explorer thrown in the mix. Click here to visit Citi’s website.
♦♦ The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts of St. Paul, MN
“crown jewel of Saint Paul”
The Ordway’s 2010-2011 season boasts such theatrical offerings as Evita, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Stomp, Next to Normal, Guys and Dolls, and 9 to 5 the Musical. Click here for more information.
♦♦ The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts of Philadelphia, PA
“Premier performing arts groups reside in The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Academy of Music, forming an exciting community of artists, and an oasis for art lovers”
The Kimmel Center has an impressive 2010-2011 Broadway series on tap, which includes Jersey Boys, Les Miserables, In The Heights, Mary Poppins, South Pacific and Next to Normal. Visit their website for more information.
♦♦ Pittsburgh CLO
“Exceptional Musical Theater for More Than Half a Century”
Current and upcoming productions (between now and September) include Nunsense, Oliver, Miss Saigon, Curtains, The Producers, and Hairspray. Check out their website for more information.
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♦♦ Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
“The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of Pittsburgh’s downtown Cultural District.”
Click here for more information on the venues of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
So, all of you in the areas of Hartford, Boston, St. Paul, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, keep your eyes and ears open. And let us hear from you!
The Addams Family Nominated for Drama League Awards
Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth announced Drama League Award nominees, live at Sardi's
On April 20, 2010, Bebe Neuwirth (The Addams Family) and Kelsey Grammer (La Cage aux Folles) announced nominations for the 76th Annual Drama League Awards, to be presented at a ceremony and luncheon May 21 in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square.
Among this year’s nominees:
DISTINGUISHED PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
The Addams Family
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice; Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre)
DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE AWARD
Nathan Lane, The Addams Family
In addition to this year’s nominees, nine past recipients of the Distinguished Performance Award will be honored for their work this season. However, because an individual can only receive the Distinguished Performance Award once in his/her lifetime, they are ineligible for award consideration this year. Among those past honorees will be Bebe Neuwirth of The Addams Family.
The Drama League announced earlier this Spring that among it’s special recognitions, Nathan Lane will receive the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award.
Great honors, indeed. Congratulations to The Addams Family!
Click here to view a list of all nominees.
The Addams Family Heads to the Recording Studio
The cast of Broadway’s The Addams Family (which stars Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth as Gomez and Morticia, and includes Terrence Mann as Mal Beineke, Carolee Carmello as Alice Beineke, Kevin Chamberlin as Uncle Fester, Jackie Hoffman as Grandmama, Zachary James as Lurch, Adam Riegler as Pugsley, Wesley Taylor as Lucas Beineke and Krysta Rodriguez as Wednesday) will head to a Manhattan sound studio on April 19 to record the cast album of the new musical, with an expected release date of June 8.
According to Composer/Lyricist Andrew Lippa, the cast recording will include bonus tracks (yet to be revealed) that will be available digitally.
The opening night Playbill reveals the following list of musical numbers for The Addams Family:
ACT ONE
Overture
“When You’re an Addams”
“Pulled”
“Where Did We Go Wrong?”
“One Normal Night”
“Morticia”
“What If”
Full Disclosure”
“Waiting”
“Full Disclosure” – Part 2
ACT TWO
Entr’acte
“Just Around the Corner”
“The Moon and Me”
“Happy/Sad”
“Crazier Than You”
“Let’s Not Talk About Anything Else But Love”
“In the Arms”
“Live Before We Die”
“Tango de Amor”
“Move Toward the Darkness”
