‘The Addams Family’ at CHS

Cresco - Over 40 students in grades 9-12 are preparing to present the musical “The Addams Family.” Performances will take place in the Crestwood High School auditorium on Friday, Nov. 2 and Saturday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. There will also be a matinee showing on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. Admission price is $5 for adults, $3 for students. Doors will open one-half hour before curtain time (6:30 and 1:30).

Theatre Rights Worldwide, on its website, writes: “The Addams Family features an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. 

“Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.”

Director Karen LeFebvre notes this has been a very challenging show for all involved. 

The chorus members are playing Addams Family ancestors during the show and are present in many scenes. Some ancestors are also in special groups for choreography on certain songs. 

“I also have very strong students in the leading roles who have given up a lot of time to learn and memorize their lines and songs as well as choreography,” she added. “These musical students have had a very busy fall, as many were also involved in cross country, football, cheerleading, volleyball and band. It’s been quite the challenge to figure out the rehearsal schedule because of all of the students’ activities, but it is important that they are also given the opportunity to be in the musical.” 

The students in the musical typically have rehearsals from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 9 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with practice right after school on Wednesdays along with set building on the weekends. 

The students in the cast also build and paint the set pieces, guided by assistant director David Gosch. Choreography was also created by Mrs. LeFebvre and a few of the cast members. 

“I believe that the students should learn as many aspects of a show as possible-not just being the actor on the stage, but also working behind the scenes to make the show come to life,” the director said.

Cast List

Gomez Addams-Donavyn Gosch

Morticia Addams-Scarlett Wankerl

Uncle Fester-Devin Schott

Wednesday Addams-Trista Foster

Grandma-Rielynn Thompson

Pugsley Addams-Dylan Shultz

Lurch-Landon Simiele

Mal Beineke-Mitchell Melaas

Alice Beineke-Noel Lloyd

Lucas Beineke-Luke Ishman

The Ancestors include: Emily Blaess, Katlin Born, Marissa Bronner, Abby Buls, Chase Burke, Chance Carter, Emily Church, Dae’Auna Dixon, D’Oviion Dixon, Audrey Ferrie, Dorian Gosch, Ethan Govern, Taryn Grube, Annaka Holthaus, DJ Hubka, Hailey Hunholz, Alex Johnston, Adrien Jones, Kendrik Juelsgaard, Caleb Kammerer, Dalin Kitchen, Rachel Ludeking, David Meinecke, Ashley Reicks, Jayden Ruroden, Annaleigh Shileny, Hannah Suckow, Ivy Tangen, Mary Turnbull, Kirsten Turvold, Lyanne Wells

The stage crew is made up of Summer Knight, Chase Burke, Dallas Hubka, Mason Theis and Logan Moore. Isabella Lehmkuhl is in charge of the lights.

Kim Lehmkuhl is the accompanist with junior Chloe Rice on auxiliary keyboard. Senior Charlotte Stinson is also assisting in the pit. David Gosch is the assistant in charge of set construction, special props and special effects.