They’re normally not so creepy and kooky, but a group of 50 Massapequa High School students will take on a mysterious and spooky persona for the Drama Club’s performances of “The Addams Family” on March 7 and 8.
The dark comedy musical features well-known characters first introduced to the public in “The New Yorker” comic strips in 1938, and later popularized in a 1960s television series. Director Katie Pearsall said she chose “The Addams Family” as this year’s show to give her students an experience in playing iconic characters.
This year’s lead actors include sophomore Sophia Rose Alfieri as Morticia Addams, sophomore Nicholas Bernstein as Gomez, senior Emily Ogurick as Wednesday, freshman James Ruiz as Pugsley, freshman Hunter Lewner as Uncle Fester, sophomore Colleen Overzat as Grandma, sophomore Ryan Schlobohm as Lurch, senior Isabella Corigliano as Alice, junior Andrew McKeever as Lucas and sophomore Alex Green as Mal.
Cast members are excited for this year’s show and said the audience should enjoy the very lively dances. Musical numbers include “Death is Just Around the Corner,” “Full Disclosure,” “Secrets” and “When You’re an Addams.”
“The story itself is so unique,” Colleen said. “It’s such a fun show. All of the music is so great.”
Isabella noted the strong connection among the cast, and Sophia Rose added that they build on each other’s energy.
“Everyone is bringing 100% consistently,” Nicholas said of the rehearsals. “It’s coming along and going to be a great show.”
“They’re incredibly hard working,” Ms. Pearsall added about her cast. “The strength of the show will be their commitment to the characters, and their singing and dancing.”
Supporting Ms. Pearsall are choreographer Danielle Coutieri, vocal director Craig Coyle, orchestra director Andrew Dwork, production assistant Nichole Greene and tech and stage crew supervisors Jason Cavanaugh and Travis McCabe.
Show times are Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. in the Massapequa High School Baldwin Auditorium. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling the fine arts office at (516) 308-5085 or emailing Ms. Greene at ngreene@msd.k12.ny.us. There will also be a free afternoon show for local senior citizens on March 6.