The musical comedy brings the beloved characters of the Addams family to life. Director and advisor Tara Smith, a certified occupational therapy assistant for the school district, and assistant director Tracy Woodfield, a third grade teacher at the elementary school, have been preparing the students for their three nights on the stage.

“We try to pick a show that’s going to match our cast and kind of exemplify all of their special characteristics, their talents and their skill level,” Smith said. “We really try to think outside the box and put all of our brains together to figure out things that are going to push our show to be just a little bit above where we were last year.”

The story follows Wednesday Addams, who has grown up and fallen in love with Lucas Beineke, a young man from a seemingly ordinary family. When she invites her boyfriend and his parents to the Addams’ spooky mansion for dinner, the night quickly turns into a clash of cultures. Secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family proves that love and acceptance come in all forms.

“The feeling that you get when you hear everyone’s singing and you get goosebumps, it just like makes you so happy,” said Stella Smith, the sophomore who plays Wednesday Addams. “Being in a drama club like this, it takes people from every single friend circle you could think of and makes this like a family, honestly. And I couldn’t ask for a better family for this one.”

From left, Wednesday (Stella Smith), Pugsley (Reese Woodfield), Uncle Fester (Lilly Beaver) and Lurch (Eleven Marsh) are pictured in a recent rehearsal for The Addams Family: A New Musical at Randolph High School. Submitted photo

“Takes a lot of communication,” said Josiah Neal, an eighth grader who takes on the role of Gomez Addams. “Once everything works together, everybody does their part, everything happens good and swell, I think the whole show works perfectly. And you just got to do your part. You got to bring your part to the team.”

The production showcases an impressive ensemble of younger students, along with creative set designs, elaborate costumes and lively musical numbers. The score, composed by Andrew Lippa, includes songs like “Pulled,” “Crazier Than You” and “When You’re an Addams,” which are sure to have audiences humming long after the curtain falls.

“I really got a good picture of their work ethic,” Smith said. “Last year, we lost ten seniors, most of them leads. We were a little nervous going into this year, but our leads–we have a very young cast–right from the start, they came in with sticky notes all throughout their scripts, and they were well prepared for all the rehearsals. And so that was probably the most rewarding. They’re just a great bunch of kids.”

Performances will be held on March 27, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and can be purchased at the door before each performance.

“I hope that the audience is not here simply for entertainment, but they will get all the themes,” Smith said. “You know, everyone has a little bit of darkness in them, but you can always be turned to light. Always look for the light in every situation.”

The Addams and Beineke families sit down for dinner during a rehearsal for the upcoming Randolph High School Drama Club production of The Addams Family: A New Musical. Submitted photo