The Addams Family - Young at Part

Young at Part scripts are shortened versions of loved musicals, adapted for younger performers. Stirling Players’ version of The Addams Family might be slightly cut down, but it still packs a big punch - a strong production that is very nicely performed.

Director Fran Gordon’s simple but elegant set design features a beautiful crypt (constructed by David Wall) and uses some stunning, sepia-toned projections. Fran Gordon is one of Perth’s better known costumiers, so it is little surprise that she has designed the costumes for her own show, using a traditional approach.

Lovely work from the titular family. Jacob Miles is an outstanding Gomez, played with maturity, great nuance and fine voice. He works well with Perri Hinton, an elegant, sophisticated and believable Morticia. Keely Crugnale is lovely as catalyst character Wednesday, a lovely big sister to Walter Gittens’ very nicely moulded Pugsley in a promising community theatre debut.

Megan Lilley is a delightful and fun Grandma, with Bill Hewitt makes a likeable Fester in another debut performance. Logan Bin Bakar, the smallest actor in the cast, aces the character of Lurch, playing nicely with our expectations in a beautifully crafted performance that is impossible to fault. 

Sean Smith plays Wednesday’s suitor Lucas Beineke, strong in his first romantic lead. He is nicely matched with Ella Monaghan who brings sunshine (with a hidden edge) to his mother Alice, well supported by Anthony Jacobs as dad, Mal.

This production uses a small, tight ensemble of just six, to play the Addams Ancestors. Working hard throughout, Daisy Heath, Ella Scott, Analiese Heath, Madison Reith, Teah Stewart and Madison Manning sing and dance well and form a lovely team. All of the cast showcase the solid work done by musical director Elise Giaimo and choreographer Kyhla Malaspina.

Atmospherically lit by John Woolrych, with effective sound design by Ian Wilson, this productional has impressive production values throughout.

Polished, clever and funny, The Addams Family is a pleasure to watch,

Kimberley Shaw