Here we are,” the year of Covid-19″, and GBN ad GBS ( Glenbrook High School North and South) have kept the “spring” musical alive, in spite of the pandemic. Yes, it is on a video stream platform, instead of live and yes the performers are masked ( but they are safe), but of the greatest importance, a tradition that has been around for decades ( I was in the 1960 Musical “Damn Yankees” when only GBN existed).
The Addams Family, with a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa is a funny look at love, life and “death”. Directed by Claire Drew with choreography by Dayna Cottrall, this production is sparkling in every way. As most high schools are, the show is “double Cast” so different casts perform on different nights. Since this was pre-recorded, there are two editions so the cast is composed of over 60 high school students.
High School plays are not usually on this site, but because it is a tradition and the Glenbrook High Schools found a way to give these young actors their shot, I felt let’s do it. That, and the fact that this was my alma mater and last but not least, the young man playing Gomez, Ryan Kreiter is a great talent ( and a friend of my grandson Adam). I have seen Ryan do things since he was a little guy and saw the spark in him from the very start. Often, when I watch him, I think of myself and how I was a his age. Being a sophmore and getting a lead role is very special. In high school, one “pays their dues” ( almost like in community theater and small companies) by being ensemble, characters and working up to a lead role. His playing the lead is based on a great deal of talent and I am looking forward to watching him in years
to come.
This was a very impressive cast with great voices ( in spite of being masked) and I want to make sure this cast is acknowledged: RAchel Harris was as sexy a Morticia as high school might allow. Olivia Geimer is an adorable Wednesday and Jocelyn Goldman a fin loving Pugsley.
Grandma is played to perfection by Hannah Dalinka, Lurch is played by Ethan Tu and Fester is well played by Joshua Zingerman. The love interest, Lucas is played by Greg Neppl and his parents by Lindsay Thurber ( wuite th etalent herself) and Danny McNeela.
The ensemble of dancers and singers, mostly ghosts of the family are quite talented and as a graduate of GBN, I have always felt that talent abounds in this school. Now there are two schools merging to do a big musical which means more talent to chose from. They do a great job with sets and costumes as well.
The hardest part of the show when watching on a computer ( or even a smart TV) with actors masked is seeing their faces and expressions. Well, next year, we should be back to normal. Meanwhile, this show is available all weekend
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