CENTERVILLE — The director of the upcoming production of "The Addams Family" at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, Scott Montgomery, says he has never considered the family's story to be creepy but rather "really great dark comedy."
"The Addams Family" takes the ordinary, flips it inside out and presents it in the absurd, Montgomery said in a recent interview. This gives the audience a new way to look at everyday issues like bringing home a beau to meet the family.
Montgomery says he considers their production of this story to be delightfully funny and musical theater at its best.
"It had all the classic elements of great fun theater," he said. “Our choreography pays homage to many eras of dance, as does our scenic design."
Marilyn Montgomery is the choreographer with Marcie Jacobsen taking on the musical direction.
The show debuted in 1964 as a television comedy created by David Levy and remained on the air for three years (followed by two movies and a Broadway musical). The father of the Addams family is Gomez, a wealthy man who indulges his beautiful, serene wife, Morticia. Their very tall butler Lurch is the silent, humorless type. Their children, Wednesday and Pugsley, play with torture devices like other children play with blocks. A disembodied hand known as Thing runs about the mansion while Uncle Fester and Grandmama Addams help round out the spookiness.
The stage show uses comedy to tell the story as Morticia discovers that her husband has been keeping a secret from her and the parents of Wednesday's boyfriend are introduced to the family quirks. Uncle Fester calls on dead ancestors to help things along, reminding those watching of the importance of relying on past generations.
"This show has been one of those rare pieces as a director that you just relish working on," Scott Montgomery said. "Seasonally appropriate (the show plays through October until just before Halloween), it's a show for the whole family."
Montgomery said the cast is made up of talented, seasoned performers, many of whom have been seen on stages across the state, including Margo Watson, formerly an Actor's Equity actress, double cast as Morticia with Aimee Pike. Danny Inkley and Kelly Griffiths play Gomez on alternating nights.
Montgomery explains that the musical features an original story centered on the Addams' struggle to maintain a sense of family as their children grow up.
"We wanted to be true to the origins of the script but not disappoint audience members who have come to know and relate to more modern adaptations and versions of the Addams family," said Montgomery. "The show is laced with great comedy and our actors do it perfect justice, but the story has a lot of heart."
Montgomery said that finding a balance between the comedy and the heart of the show has been their biggest challenge.
"It is easy for a show of this nature to let the comedy overshadow its own wonderful story," he said. "We approached that by creating strong characters that are reminiscent of the iconic Addams family and allowing their quirkiness, individuality and relationships to be the catalyst for allowing this great story of belonging and the importance of family to unfold."
Content advisory: Some spooky elements, ghosts and implied torture.
If you go ...
What: "The Addams Family"
Where: CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, 525 N. 400 West, Centerville
When: Oct. 3-29, 7:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday with 2:30 p.m. Saturday matinees
Tickets: $17.50-$24.50
Phone: 801-298-1302
Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with more than 35 years' experience, 17 at the Deseret News. Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com.
Email: haddoc@deseretnews.com