Written by sophomore Margaretta “Maggie” Wilson, Panther Productions
The Quakertown Community High School Theater Department has been hard at work producing their version of The Addams Family. With students practicing up to four hours a day, the show is almost ready for opening night on Friday, May 17. The box office opens at 6:30 and doors will open at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for $18 or may be purchased online for $15. Aside from opening night, the Theater Department will perform this musical on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19. Saturday, May 18 will begin at 7:30 and Sunday, May 19 will begin at 2:30.The box office opens 30 minutes before the show each day.
The Addams Family is a fictional household created by American cartoonist Charles Addams. The family first appeared in a series of single-panel cartoons in The New Yorker magazine, starting in 1938. The Addams Family has since been adapted into various television series, films, and stage productions, portraying the eccentric and macabre antics of the family members, who take pleasure in the macabre and are unaware that people find them bizarre or frightening. The Addams Family has become a cultural icon, known for its dark humor and unique characters.
The students and staff have put significant effort into this musical. Preparation for the show began months in advance and students are now rehearsing every day after school. With dress rehearsal the entire week before the first show, students are excited to perform in front of a live audience.
“The busyness of this show week promises an amazing performance,” said Bree Kulliga, the show’s Wednesday Addams.
Students and staff urge the community to come and support the performance this weekend. With the promise of an amazing show, tickets are expected to be sold out by the time doors open on Friday.
This performance is important because it represents change and growth within the theater department. This year, the production of The Addams Family represents the uprise and shift of the program into today’s day and age due to the increasing popularity of the Addams Family after the show Wednesday came out last year. Students commented on the gothic nature of the musical- something that is different than ever before.
"I'm thrilled that the Theater Department is embracing change with The Addams Family production. It's refreshing to see the program moving away from outdated shows and embracing a more modern and gothic vibe," said ensemble member Brianna Schantz.
Junior student Jess Meirinho is working alongside Mr. Kitchenman and Mrs. Camburn as student directors to help produce a successful musical.
“We appreciate her work and say that she helps create a more sustainable balance between theater and academics. She helps reduce bias authority among the leading adults which leads to a disconnect between students and staff,” said Seren Derenthal, one of the ensemble members in the musical.
As well as the hard work of the actors, students from the orchestra will be performing in the pit during the play. This opportunity allows students with different passions to work together and put on a show they are proud of. Mr. Kitchenman, the head of the Theater Department, commented on the excellence of the production.
“I am fortunate to be able to work with these students. This show is the result of months of hard work and dedication and I am looking forward to watching everything come together,” said Kitchenman.