Youth performers in Wadebridge are returning to the stage with a fabulous musical performance of The Addams Family, Young@Part, which will run over the February half term at Wadebridge Comprehensive School.
Theatregoers will be treated to a kooky, upside-down ride with the family that put the “fun” in “dysfunctional”, featuring Avalon Youth Theatre. The musical troupe was awarded the Cornwall Drama Association’s Best Musical Production for their 2020 production of Cats, among other accolades.
The Addams Family, Young@Part features the weird and wacky family created by cartoonist Charles “Chas” Addams, and later adapted for TV and films. In this stylish musical, Morticia and Gomez’s macabre daughter Wednesday has fallen in love with Lucas Beineke, who is (horror of horrors) a nice boy from a respectable Ohio family, who have been invited to the Addams’ manor to dinner. What could possibly go wrong?
Amy Sapwell, musical director, says: “This show is very funny and the songs are catchy and upbeat - although a number or two might tug at your heartstrings! I am so proud of everything our cast have achieved - it is especially rewarding to see how far they have come, despite such interruptions over the past two years. They have shown great resilience and commitment.”
“Despite making every effort to continue through thick and thin, it’s been really difficult to rehearse physically all together,” says director Gemma Crook. “It was touch and go whether this show could actually be produced. We made the call to go ahead, and since then everyone has absolutely poured themselves into it. I’m pleased to report that not only do we have a great show, but all the costumes, props, and set are the high calibre that everyone expects from an Avalon production. I am so proud of how everyone has risen to the challenge, and we’ve really seen the children’s confidence grow.
“The Addams Family has much more dialogue and storytelling than Cats: the characters are larger than life, and we have enjoyed developing them. For some of our children, this is their first main role and they are singing solo for the first time.”
After a smashing success with Cats, Olivia Crook has returned to choreograph this year’s production. She says: “we used to have to refer to choreography as ‘movement,’ because the idea of dancing spooked the children, especially the boys! Now they love running through the dances, and we smile and laugh through our rehearsals. Their confidence has grown with their ability.”
Emma Battle, the troupe’s much-loved chairman, says: “Covid has been tough for so many people, and has affected all of our mental health, particularly young people. Being able to continue with Avalon through this period has given us all something to focus on and look forward to.
“Avalon is lucky to have such motivated, loyal and supportive people, including the incredible production team, the committee and helpers, the cast, and the wonderful people who build and decorate our set— all on a voluntary basis. What a fabulous community we live in. I really couldn’t be prouder.”
The Addams Family, Young@Part will hold five performances between Wednesday, February 23 and Saturday, February 26 at Wadebridge Comprehensive School: nightly at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets are available through the Cornish Riviera Box Office: book directly on www.crbo.co.uk or call 01726 63513.