PLOS Has A Family “Thing”

“Gomez” talks to Coral Drouyn, just one week before hitting the stage.

PLOS – or Peninsula Light Opera Company to give them their full title – is one of Victoria’s best respected Community Theatre companies, and is constantly having to make room for new Awards. Its latest offering – opening on New Year’s Eve (and a perfect place to take the kids to the 5pm show and still see the fireworks) is The Addams Family, which had mixed reviews on Broadway but was a huge hit with the audiences. It’s not surprising when you realise that most of us grew up with up with The Addams Family….either the marvellous TV series with Caroline Jones and John Astin, or – if you’re under 45 – the movie with the marvellous Raul Julia and Angelica Houston. Either way, these are iconic characters, and so many people will be wearing their judgement hats when they first see the show on stage.

They needn’t worry – PLOS always gives their audience fine entertainment and it doesn’t hurt that their “Home” theatre is the terrific Frankston Arts Centre with all it has to offer, plus Danny Ginsberg once again at the helm as Director.

With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by the renowned Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the show focuses on the fabulous characters, since the story – with Wednesday now grown up and wanting to marry a “normal” man – has been reworked many times before. And if casting is everything, then it’s hard to think of anyone better than the eclectic triple threat that is Karl McNamara. Karl is one of those actors who could quite easily have had a professional career but chose not to.

“It was tempting.” he tells me, “but I always wanted to teach. I can’t imagine my life without teaching and so taking the Community Theatre path allowed me to pursue the two most important things in my life without either suffering.” By day Karl teaches Media and Drama at Glen Waverley Secondary College – where he has directed many award winning productions. “There was a time when I preferred directing,” he concedes, “probably because it was then my vision. But now I’m getting more enjoyment from performing, realising the director’s vision – and Danny Ginsberg is terrific to work with. In fact the whole PLOS experience has been amazing, right from the first rehearsal. The rehearsal space is also where the sets are built, costumes assembled, in fact the whole production is put together in the one place ….so props are available right from day one, and you know the set intimately long before you set on foot on stage for dress rehearsal. It’s a luxury and a lesson in discipline and commitment that you often don’t get in community theatre because some have such miniscule resources.”

Gomez is a role Karl really wanted but didn’t think he would get because he’s around 15 years younger than the ideal age. Nevertheless he thought he had nothing to lose when he auditioned. “I know the movie really well, and I’m a big fan of Raul Julia,” he says. But is this role his ultimate bucket list role? “To be honest, No. My dream role is Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors – but I’ve already fulfilled that role. Gomez would certainly be second on the list. And the show is just a delight….I mean it’s really, really funny …and charming. Perfect for this time of year. And Nadia Gianinotti is going to be fabulous as Morticia.”

And after that Karl goes back to directing, including the major production for PLOS this time next year. “Ssssh…don’t tell anyone the title – it’s a secret.” Karl instructs. Sorry Karl, the website has announced that it’s Mary Poppins…but I promise I won’t tell anybody.

The Addams Family opens on New Year's Eve at Frankston Arts Centre.

Tickets www.plos.asn.au or 9784 1060.

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