Review of "The Addams Family" 11/28 (May Contain Spoilers! Proceed With Ca
Review of "The Addams Family" 11/28 (May Contain Spoilers! Proceed With Ca
#1Review of "The Addams Family" 11/28 (May Contain Spoilers! Proceed With Ca
Posted: 11/28/09 at 11:10pm
I am currently in Chicago for the Thanksgiving holiday and was able to get tickets. I thought I would share what I thought of the show. Please note that
First off, I should start off by saying that this is the first show I can remember seeing without any prior knowledge of the plot or music. It was interesting experiencing it for the first time in the theater. AT intermission, I couldn't wait to see what happened next!
The first thing I would like to say is that the cast was great! They all fit into their characters and performed well. While all performed wonderfully, two stood out with me. I saw a standby for Gomez, Merwin Foard, who was excellent. He portrayed the character, who could easily have been overdone, with the perfect mix of comedy and seriousness. His character can go from comedic, high energy songs to more serious, somber songs with believability. The next is Kevin Chamberlin as Uncle Fester. He had a excellent performance. He WAS the silly, quirky Uncle Fester and, more-so then the other characters, was the spitting image of Uncle Fester from previous portrayals. The narration role his character played throughout the show was a great part of the show and helped to draw you in. I think without his narration, the show would be lacking something I couldn't quite describe.
The story itself, while a typical one (boy and girl from two different families who struggle to get along) was very creative and portrayed in a way that made it fresh and original. The music was great and catchy. Lots of different songs. Fast paced and catchy, comedic, romantic. The show doesn't have just one type. One thing that surprised me was that they didn't use the theme song, which would have been a easy way to appeal to the show's popularity and draw you into their world. They do use snatches and variations of it without the lyrics at points.
One last thing I wanted to mention was the pre-show announcement. They have the typical amusement park ride-like announcement, but it is followed by the sound of phones ringing and camera shutters clicking, and then you hear Lurch's groan.
All said, on a more personal note, it was a great,silly show and I would recommend it. I had a great time. I even got an autograph from Jackie Hoffman! I have never stage-doored before and just want to commend her for being so patient and generous with me while I was kind of stupid and star-struck.
Well, that is it for this review. It's my first here, so any feedback would be welcome. Also, if you have any questions about the show, I would be more then happy to answer them!
Updated On: 11/28/09 at 11:10 PM
#2re: Review of
Posted: 11/28/09 at 11:17pm
I also saw the show today at the matinee (I rushed the show). The show is structures almost like an old musical but with modern plot elements. I feel the second act was just not as important as the first. And was I the only one who wanted Bebe to dance? Like, actually dance? I felt the tango/swordfight was a weak number because it didn't have anything truly impressive about it.
I feel Bebe is normally cast because she is a dancer who can act and who has the ability to sing. She's definitely not the strongest or easiest singer to listen to, but it fits her character and she's GREAT to watch, she has real charisma up there. But to have a dancer, you know, not dance? It sort of disappointed me.
aaaaamy
Chorus Member Joined: 5/15/07
#3re: Review of
Posted: 11/29/09 at 1:23am
i was there too!I'll just add some of my thoughts, if you don't mind, haha..
i thought Merwin did a nice job, but I agree that more Bebe dancing would've been nice. I also thought the Swordfight/Tango was really low-energy and not that engaging. I loved a lot of the songs...I liked the Overture, "Let's Not Talking About Anything Else But Love," "Moon and Me," and "Second Banana" were all really fun I thought. But I felt that Terrence Mann's song about...the squid...was strange (not in a good way), but maybe it was just because I couldn't hear half the stuff he was saying. I though Kevin Chamberlin as Uncle Fester was one of the best parts of the show- so funny, so sweet, with just a bit of quirky creepiness. I thought the weakest part of the show was the end. It seemed rush to bring everything to a happy ending, and then just faded away, whereas Act I seems to end with a bang. I had really no problem with the length of Act I...it went by really quickly! If they could only strengthen Act II...
Just some technical stuff...I think it was because I was in the box, but a lot of words were lost to me and drowned out by the music (which wasn't that loud), so I had a hard time understanding some of the songs. Also, in the rush seats, some of the action upstage was missed, like things that happen on the stairs in the house, but for the price, I thought the student rush tickets were totally worth it!
After the show I didn't hesitate to buy tickets to see the show again, and I'm pretty sure I'll rush it again before that! I can't wait for the cast recording.
#4re: Review of
Posted: 11/29/09 at 2:18amWhat about the pictures that showed Bebe rehearsing what looked like a tap number? Sad if it was cut
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
aaaaamy
Chorus Member Joined: 5/15/07
#6re: Review of
Posted: 11/29/09 at 2:59amAh, okay. Thanks
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
#7re: Review of
Posted: 11/29/09 at 3:17amDoes anyone know what happened to Nathan Lane? I find it odd that any of the cast members, especially Nathan, would miss a performance during an out-of-town tryout.
"Chicago is it's own incredible theater town right there smack down in the middle of the heartland. What a great city! I can see why Oprah likes to live there!" - Dee Hoty :-D
#8re: Review of
Posted: 11/29/09 at 3:39amMaybe he was home for Thanksgiving....
- Love and Respect
Chorus Member Joined: 12/31/69
#9re: Review of
Posted: 11/29/09 at 10:31am
I saw it Friday night and said out loud "Poor Merwin Foard- imagine having to go on for Nathan Lane!"
I think the problem with the show is structural- It starts out about Wednesday and her problems are all resolved early in act 2, with the focus then on the Parents (who I didn't care about at all) when all along, the people we care about are Gomez & Morticia).
The sword fight/Tango number was absolutely the high point of the show with Lane & Neuwirth getting a very long ovation at the conclusion. I think it was mostly because the audience was so glad to finally see them really take the reins of the show and do a number. Bebe's Second Banana and Fester's song with the moon were also huge crowd pleasers.
And it wasn't because you were in the box- I was center front balcony and could not understand a word of the Squid song. They really need to work on microphones.
Oh and another lovely moment was Bebe's scene with Pugsley and the monster under the bed. That was great.
They need a song for Jackie Hoffman and a new closing number and it'll be a hit.
#10re: Review of
Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:12am
I was also in a box! The front row of the stage left box :)
I think that they could easily cut two of the "Let's Not Talk About Anything Else But Love" reprises. And the closing to the first act was pretty mild. At least Uncle Fester announces that it's not way to end a first act, but I wanted a bigger number than Full Disclosure.
I guess the Tango/Sword fight was added because it was a common theme in the cartoon and maybe it was because I had the standby for Gomez but I don't see how that number could earn a standing ovation even with Lane. In my opinion, that whole song should be cut unless they want to make it higher energy. I was bored by how lackluster the second act was.
From the start I didn't understand why it was about Wednesday but it held my attention throughout the entire first act. Then when the second act started I feel like only 1/3 of the whole thing was about her and the rest went off on strange tangents that I felt were just fillers.
aaaaamy
Chorus Member Joined: 5/15/07
#12re: Review of
Posted: 11/29/09 at 12:20pmI could see that. And there's not really an eleven o'clock number. You don't walk out humming any of the score except for all of the reprises that get shoved down your throat "Let's Not Talk About Anything Else But Love", I felt like I was at an Andrew Lloyd Weber show with that repetition.
#13re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 1:45pm
Hey. Can you tell me what merch was there?
Btw: When will the photo's and videos of the show be released
''With the number of people I ignore, I'm lucky I work at all in this town'' - Helena Bonham Carter
#14re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 1:57pm
Not sure about videos, but I know they had posters and t-shirts. Sorry, I didn't look hard enough 
LuPonatic
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/12/06
#15re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 2:13pm
I saw the show last weekend, and I really loved the swordfight, tango! I thought it was a great part of the show! I also had more than one tune running through my head at intermission and on the drive home (Pulled, Clandango, etc...) I do wish Bebe danced more, because she isn't my favorite person to hear sing. I do agree that they need a new finale. The whole Lurch anthem idea was fun and surprising, but segue into something more finale-like I say. I am very glad I got to see the entire original cast.
Sorry my thoughts are so "all over the place." That's why I don't like writing reviews! :O)
aaaaamy
Chorus Member Joined: 5/15/07
#17re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 3:27pmI'm glad Merwin Foard did well-- he's had small parts in so many shows, and he is a really talented guy. It takes guts to understudy/standby for guys like Nathan Lane, too.
In my pants, she has burst like the music of angels, the light of the sun! --Marius Pantsmercy
#18re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 3:41pm
For merch, they had a poster for $15, shirts with Wednesday, Uncle Fester, Morticia, the family portrait, and one that has some words on it for $25-30. They also had magnet sets, mugs, a deck of cards with the a character in the middle instead of clubs or hearts, and umbrella, a sweater, notepad, and Charles Addams prints for $90.
I can't wait for the CD and some clips from the show..(btw I was last row stage right box!) I agree that "Happy/Sad" might work better towards the end of the show as opposed to the beginning of Act II. And Jackie Hoffman needs to be onstage more. (Her line about texting and her full disclosure were hilarious!)
#19re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 5:50pm
I was there on friday also, JoeKv99!
I think they need to do something with Bebe's dress. When she danced I wanted so badly to see her feet. I thought the Tango/Sword Fight was very cool. Krysta and Wes were outstanding in my book. I thought they had the best songs... and mics. I thought the ending happened all to quickly. The song just wrapped everything up really quickly.
"i had no idea billy elliot was about one boy's triumph over epilepsy."-FindingNamo
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
#20re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 5:50pm
Yes- Gomez's song with Wednesday would be better moved toward the ending- it was beautiful.
And speaking of Beautiful- That SET! The tree, the moon, the New York Skyline. That was one of the most beautiful stage pictures I've ever seen.
coasterking500
Chorus Member Joined: 8/20/07
#21re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 7:32pmFor those that have seen the show, when Terrence Mann sings the song about the squid are there any props such as tentacles? I know it may be a spoiler but it could deter me from seeing the show in NY because i am deathly afraid of the things.
#22re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 7:59pm
There are tentacles on stage. I think they'll stay there :)
When I saw the show Bebe lifted her skirt during the tango/sword fight, broadway112. Is that what you mean? I just felt the scene was lazy and poorly choreographed. Then again, I didn't see Nathan Lane and Merwyn may not have had practiced the dance.
Leading Actor Joined: 12/31/69
#23re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 9:03pmI think there are at least three times the tentacles come out.
#24re: Merch and Pics
Posted: 11/29/09 at 9:09pm
and maybe spoiler, but they really come out, all over the stage. But they don't come into the audience like in Little Shop or anything.
And I felt the same way about the swordfight as THDavis...it felt lazy. I watched Bebe's face for a good chunk of the scene since the actual fighting wasn't really interesting, and she looked bored fighting.
