The Stanner Players are rehearsing virtually for their unique Spring Musical: “The Addams Family: Quarantined Concert Version”. Based on the cartoon strip by Charles Addams, the Addams Family has been adapted into numerous TV shows and movies. In this musical, Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with a “normal” boy and invites him and his family over for dinner to meet the mysterious and spooky Addams family. When Wednesday shares a secret with her father, Gomez, and begs him not to tell his wife, Morticia, a comedy of errors ensues.
This version of “The Addams Family” has been adapted to suit the needs of theater during the COVID-19 pandemic. The show has been abridged to a one-act 90-minute production with updated references including social distancing and quarantine. The goal is to have all students in the cast physically present together for the performances, which will then be livestreamed to an at-home audience. If the production cannot be completed in person, the show will be filmed virtually and then broadcast to an at-home audience. Performance dates are scheduled for April 23 and 24 at 7:00 PM with information about the broadcasts forthcoming.
Ms. Ashley Brown, the show’s music director, has been creating piano tracks for students to sing along with in addition to teaching music via large group Zoom rehearsals. Charlie Siguenza ’14 has been working on choreography with the cast that can be adapted to fit the show’s needs whether in person or virtual. “One of the nice things about working with students over Zoom is the emphasis on facial expressions and subtle movements and really having them pay attention to mannerisms, etc. since when they are on camera their upper body is the focal point,” said Director Ms. Shannon Winters ’06.