THE ADDAMS FAMILY Will Close 26th Mainstage Season at First Act Theatre Arts

 First Act Theatre Arts' production of The Addams Family will close out the organization's 26th Mainstage Season in bold, hilarious, and heartwarming fashion. A musical comedy packed with spooky charm, laugh-out-loud moments, and surprising tenderness, The Addams Family promises a thrilling finale that celebrates both the growth of First Act's young artists and the enduring power of family. Performances will take place May 21-24 over Memorial Day Weekend at the Goppert Theatre on the campus of Avila University.

The production is directed by Michelle Evans, who is best known in the industry as co-owner and Director of Acting of College Audition Project/IGNITE Summer Intensive. Evans shared her excitement for the production, saying, "This is a show that I have wanted to direct forever, and I am thrilled to finally bring it to life with this incredible cast and my amazing team. The production has true heart and reveals a side of The Addams Family that audiences don't often get to see on screen. It is truly a must-see."

Under Evans' direction, The Addams Family serves as a training experience as much as a performance opportunity, giving students the chance to strengthen skills in acting, vocal performance, and movement within a structured, professional-style rehearsal environment. The result is a high-energy production that highlights both individual talent and ensemble storytelling.

Leading the delightfully macabre family is Jahir Lopez as Gomez Addams, bringing charisma and comedic timing to the iconic patriarch. Opposite him is Mya Evans as Morticia Addams, whose elegance and stage presence anchor the production.Andrea Pham takes on the role of Wednesday Addams, delivering the sharp wit and emotional depth at the center of the story. Eric Land portrays Lucas Beineke, Wednesday's "normal" love interest, while Karyss McReynold appears as Alice Beineke and Jackson Oldham plays Mal Beineke.Rounding out the Addams clan are Grayson Zars as Pugsley Addams, Elaina Kolie as Grandma, Natalie Long as Uncle Fester, and Indigo Williams as Lurch. Each performer brings strong character work and commitment to the stylized world of the show. The cast is further rounded out by an amazing ensemble of 36 student actors from across the Kansas City area, ages 8-18, who bring the The Addams Famliy Ancestors to life from the dawn of time to the present day.

Behind the scenes, the creative team includes Music Director Maddie Jenkins, Choreographer Paige Zars, and Stage Manager Anna Smith, all of whom help guide the production's musical, visual, and organizational elements. Bringing a wealth of expertise, years of experience, and exceptional talent to their roles, this team works collaboratively to support the cast and elevate every aspect of the production, creating a cohesive and engaging theatrical experience.

As First Act Theatre Arts continues its 26th season of youth theatre education, audiences will also be able to enjoy Seussical The Musical, which accompanies The Addams Family as part of the spring season lineup. Seussical will be performed May 7-10 at the Bell Cultural Arts Center, with tickets available for purchase online now.

Together, these productions reflect First Act's ongoing mission of building confidence, collaboration, and artistry through performance. Audiences can expect an exciting season filled with humor, imagination, and heartfelt storytelling.

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