Cresco Community Theater performs ‘The Addams Family’ musical

CRESCO - The cast of the Addams Family Musical blew Howard County away with stunning performances all weekend long! Characters were well dynamic, costumes fun and creative, and the audience filled with laughter and comedy throughout the show.

The Addams Family Musical first premiered on Broadway in 2010, and features several leads and supporting cast. In the musical, Wednesday Addams finds herself in love with a “normal” boy and the family comedically tries to host a normal dinner with the boys’ family. The show balances life lessons, quirkiness, and outstanding talent for two and a half hours of entertainment.

Co-Directors Dave Gosch and Kelly Bartling pulled the show together, taking   notes from directors all over the United States as they worked through the difficulties of preparing for a musical. It was hard “learning to juggle everything” explained Bartling, as she recently transitioned from an actress role to the co-director role,“it’s nice being a co-director because we both have weaknesses where the other has strengths.”

Gosch, known for his talent in set design, spent countless hours with other volunteers putting together the complex set for the show. He reports being at the theatre “every weekend since June,” working to get each piece just right.

The cast originally auditioned in April, with practices that began in May. Practices were held at the Methodist Church,  Crestwood High School, and the Cresco Theatre and Opera House, giving the actors a wonderful opportunity to have a stage at each location. Bumps along the way included sickness and challenging music, with Jimmy Sidebottom (who played Uncle Fester) losing his voice just a week before the show! Lead roles were  Emily Allison as Morticia Addams, Daniel Allison as Gomez Addams, Olivia Hollenbeck as Pugsley Addams, Elliana Brodbeck as Wednesday Addams, Jimmy Sidebottom as Uncle Fester, Kim Becker as Grandma, Jackson Smith as Lurch, Mitchell Melaas as Lucas Beineke, Richard Hollenbeck as Mal Beineke, and Ann Seebach as Alice Beineke. Ancestors were played by Joe Wacha, Emma Godman, Gerard O’Rourke, Jen Kurth, Cathy Meinecke, Melissa Warren, Skye Meinecke, Megan Smith, Kyrah Reicks, and Peggy Callahan. The band included Jayne Jensen as Music Director and Accompanist, Sara Hollenbeck on Drums, and Paul Jensen on Bass. 

Each part of the production was put together by volunteers including each member the band, cast, directors, and crew. 

The Addams Family musical, along with any other shows the Cresco Community Theatre hosts, is supported solely by donations. This year, the musical cost around $6,000 total, which encompasses the price for the script, music, rent of the theatre, costumes, and set design. The group has received “lots of donations and community help” said Bartling, after The Cresco Community Theatre launched a sponsorship program last year. The group focused on creating a large social media presence to spread the word.