Local News

West Branch to present ‘The Addams Family’

This story has been updated to reflect the correct dates for the show.

BELOIT - West Branch High School's 2023-24 theatrical season will begin Nov. 2 as Andrew Lippa's "The Addams Family" brings some kooky comedy to the West Branch Community Auditorium.

"I am so excited to bring this hilarious musical back to the stage here at West Branch," said director Krista Clay. "The music and acting skills required of our students to produce this show have both challenged and pushed them to grow as musicians. Their dedication and hard work will be seen on stage as they sing, dance, tap and tango in this energized show."

The show will be presented in the West Branch Community Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 and 4 and Saturday and at 3 p.m. Nov. 5. There is no show Nov. 3 in case the football team has a playoff game. Tickets for "The Addams Family" are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. All seats, which attendees may pick themselves, are reserved and available online at wbmusic.org. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the box office at 330-938-2183 ext. 37358 or at the door.

Based on the original cartoons by Charles Addams -- later immortalized on television -- Andrew Lippa's musical achieves a brilliant combination of faithfulness to the original Addams Family image, and pure, witty invention, particularly in a playlist of 20 fine songs, all woven around meaty minor-key Latin rhythms and suitably chilling dissonant harmonies. All the well-known characters are there, from the fabulous Morticia and her debonair husband Gomez, to their teenage-goth daughter Wednesday, the small but mighty Pugsley Addams, silly Uncle Fester, and the butler of very few words, Lurch.

After introducing the viewer into their dark atmosphere, the story goes on to show that daughter Wednesday has invited quite an ordinary boy, Lucas Beineke, to dinner along with his family. She begs her family to behave themselves during this dinner by diminishing their eerie-like tendencies, as if they are average people. Of course, after the Beinekes arrive for dinner, the Addams simply cannot behave normally and do their usual jokes and pranks.

Sophomore actor and singer Gavin Clay will command the stage in his role as Gomez Addams. He is the son of Corey and Krista Clay and has been seen in many shows set on the West Branch stage. He was last seen in April as the villain Prince Hans in "Frozen." He has been seen in many shows at West Branch as well as shows at the Firehouse Theater with Carnation City Players. Gavin is also a member of the WBHS Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Concert Choir and Young & Alive show choir. Gavin is also a member of the WBHS Golf Team, Track Team and Academic Challenge Team.

Charity Glista, a senior this year, will grace the stage with the same elegance and unique terror as Morticia Addams. Charity is the daughter of Krista Harris. She is a member of the WBHS Concert Choir, Young & Alive and Colorguard. Charity was last seen on the West Branch stage as one of Cinderella's stepsisters in "Into the Woods."

Junior actor and singer Peter Blanchard will make audience members laugh and cry in the role of the ever-loving Uncle Fester. Peter is the son of Matt and Becky Blanchard and was most recently seen on the stage as Jack in the West Branch production of "Into the Woods." Peter is also a member of the WBHS Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Concert Choir and Young & Alive. Peter also serves as one of the West Branch Marching Band drum majors.

Senior Haley Close portrays the part of Alice and is the daughter of Scott and Sarah Close. She provides comic relief as the crazy, rhyming soon-to-be mother-in-law of Wednesday Addams. Haley is no stranger to the stage at West Branch. She was most recently seen as the powerful Queen Elsa in "Frozen." Haley is part of our WBHS majorettes, and is also a member of the Concert Choir and Young & Alive show choir. Haley has also been on stage at Salem Community Theater in many different productions.

Senior Christian Mikol will entertain audiences with his hilarious portrayal of Mal, Wednesday's soon-to-be father-in-law. Christian is the son of Christopher and Tammy Mikol. Christian serves as the West Branch mascot and can be seen at many athletic events as the Warrior Chief. Christian is also a member of the WBHS Marching Band Drumline, Concert Band, Concert Choir and Young & Alive show choir.

Wednesday Addams will be played by sophomore Alli Kanagy. Alli is the daughter of David and Mikki Kanagy. She has been showing off her many talents on the West Branch stage since she was just in elementary school. She is most remembered for her roles as Matilda in "Matilda The Musical," Red Riding Hood in "Into the Woods," and most recently as Princess Anna in "Frozen." Alli plays the seemingly emotionless Wednesday with just the right amount of comedy. When not on stage, Alli can be found starring on the court as a volleyball and basketball player as well as a member of the track team where she specializes in hurdles.

Another regular on the West Branch stage is senior Kate Slutz, filling the role of the crazy-spirited little Grandma. Kate has been in many productions on the West Branch stage since she was young, but no roles compare to the comedy this one provides. She will leave the audience in stitches as she portrays the flatulent, silly Grandma. Kate is the daughter of Tom and Debi Slutz.

Taking the stage as the cigar smoking, tortured Pugsley Addams is seventh grade student Landon Hobbins. Landon is the son of Bryan and Tiffany Hobbins. Landon has also been seen on the WB stage in many productions, as a member of the Warrior Explosion show choir and a member of the WBMS choirs.

Freshman Mason Brown will play Lucas Beineke, a handsome all-American guy looking for love. Mason was last seen as the lovable Oaken in "Frozen." The role of Lucas is a stark contrast to the hilarious Oaken, and Mason plays Lucas with a suave, lovable personality. Mason is the son of Christopher and Christine Brown. He is a member of the WBHS Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Concert Choir and Young & Alive show choir. Mason also showcases his talents in the athletic department as well.

Sophomore Mollie McDorman will fill the audience with giggles in her part as Cousin It, the energetic hair ball who pops in at the most hilarious points of the show. Mollie is most remembered for her role as Sven the reindeer in "Frozen." Mollie is the daughter of John and Nikki Gossett.

Jude Corallo will take the stage as Lurch, the family butler of few words. Jude is the son of Dr. Marco and Janelle Corallo. Jude was last seen on the WB as King Agnarr in "Frozen." Jude can also be found on the football field, in the marching and concert bands and as a member of the Young & Alive show choir.

The cast and crew of The Addams Family includes nearly 75 students and volunteers. Local voice teacher Bill Ambert has coached many of the principal role holders, preparing them for the show. Music director and artistic director Krista Clay has worked hard on the many aspects of the musical, including the costumes, props, publicity and stage blocking. Tessa Wells serves as choreographer and assistant artistic director and has really outdone herself with dances including a tap dance and a tango. Stage and set design have been led by master of construction Joe Courtwright and professional artist Kevin Hoopes. Assisting with the set and artistic elements are Bryan Hobbins, Tiffany Hobbins, Kimberly Courtwright, Michele Hoopes and the numerous students serving as part of the stage crew which is led by Adam Corallo and Stella Zippay. Musical attendees will be in awe as they walk into the West Branch Community Auditorium lobby which has been transformed into part of the Addams family home. Design and execution of the lobby has been led by Debi Slutz, Andrea Zippay, Jen Karlen, Leisha Crutchley and many more.

The costumes are incredible and a tad spooky, too. Stacey Aldridge has been a huge help in sizing students and selecting costumes that are both ghostly and lavish.

The technical crew for the show is comprised of Corey Clay, Eric Waggoner, Krista Clay and Regan Daley.

Students making up the Ancestor Chorus are Cooper Ruthrauff, Logan Crutchley, Kammie McDorman, Jack Mudger, Marek Handy, Wyatt Meisenheimer, Ashton Clay, Nicholas Burson, Amanda Strong, Abigail Janosik, Ariana Aldridge, Gabby Cline, Raelyn Walker, Noelle Shutler, Lily Scofinsky, Jenna Mudger, Emma McLaughlin, Ashe Cutlip, Olivia Leach, Anastaczia Schumaker, Sierra Williams, Riley Rohr, Adelia Meisenheimer, Amelia Corallo, Faith Hicks, Deanna Cameron, Susan Jones, Annabelle McManus, Katlynn Kicielinski, Kelsie McConnell, Cheyenne Herrington, Morgan Day, Marissa Mountz and Caroline Claeys. Ashton Clay, Wyatt Meisenheimer, Logan Crutchley, Riley Rohr, Cooper Ruthrauff, Abigail Janosik, Amanda Strong and Ariana Aldridge play the leading ancestor roles.

A special tap chorus taught by Tessa Wells will be comprised of Marek Handy, Wyatt Meisenheimer, Ashton Clay, Abigail Janosik, Ariana Aldridge, Noelle Shutler, Jenna Mudger, Lily Scofinsky, Emma McLaughlin and Sophia Ayers. These dancers will dance alongside Morticia and Alice in the Secrets tap dance number.