Review: The Ritz Theater THE ADDAMS FAMILY Rises From the Ashes Just for Fun

The Addams Family is a musical based on the bizarre, beloved family of characters created by legendary 1938 cartoonist Charles Addams that inspired a popular 1960's television series, two movies in 1990 and a Broadway musical. It's a rare American who isn't familiar with the sinister little clan.

The show begins with the expected milking of classic Addams bizarre behavior. But somewhere along the way the plot becomes a Halloween party rehash of the proper-boy-meets-girl-from-crazy-family story line. When the Ohio bred Beinkes meet the Central Park Addams the predictable collisions take place.

The success in Ritz's production is the perfect 'brew' of direction by Bruce Curless, Choreography by Roberta Curless , Lighting and Sets by Chris Miller and a cast that nails the twisted comedy 'dead on". Music and lyrics take on the macabre tone by the talented Tony Nominated Andrew Lippa and fits the characters and plot like a glove on the hand of Thing!

The center of attention is on Wednesday Addams playEd Strongly by Brittany Marie who's enjoying her sixth Ritz production. While a bit of a sick sister, this gal can sing! Newcomers to the Ritz are the 'milk toast" family from Ohio the Beinkes'. Mother; Alice (Rachel Hendrickson), father; Mal (played by Ernie Jewell at this performance) and son; Lucas (Jared Calhoun) all make their Ritz debut and what an outstanding impression they all turn in! Hendrickson (Alice Beinkes) comes out of her skin as the result of drinking Grandma's potion that Puglsey (John Sayles) snatches for his sister.

Momma and Poppa Addams are played by Joe Carlucci and Jennifer Zellers. Carlucci is delightfully funny, though his natural comedic Italian comes across clearer than the Spanish romancer Gomez. But the audience doesn't seem to mind at all as it's a stark contrast to the deadpan Morticia who on the odd occasion seems engaged as a mother and wife. Still, Zellers vocals and sexy moves are undeniably impressive.

The aged and hair abundant Grammy Addams (Trudy Graboyes) while entertaining seems to miss a few opportunities to show her comedic eccentric character. John Sayles is "almost adorable" in a twisted little way as Puglsey and covers his vocals like a pro! An outstanding performance is offered by Joey Quaile whose Fester is the "bester" of this production. His solo "The Moon and Me" soars and is the laugh out loud best staging of the night. Quaile simply lights up the stage and the audience loves it! The "ancestors" are directed nicely blending into the plot effectively without becoming an aimless parade of ghostly "Philly Mummers".

The experienced Chris Miller does a superb job of sets which are a challenging mix of big boxes for lack of better words, repositioned to create various scenes. The lighting and projections are quite effective and the pit musicians are up to par for the score. Sound by Matthew Gallagher was solid at this performance and costumes are more than suitable for this production.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL plays at the Ritz Theater, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township NJ on selected days through August 7. For more information visit www.ritztheatreco.org or call 856.858.5230

Photos by Chris Miller