The performance of “The Addams Family” by NHP Theatre occurred on March 14, 15 and 16, 2025. The musical follows the story of Wednesday Addams and Lucas Beineke, a romance that results in two opposite families forced to learn to relate to one another.
“The Addams and the Beinekes both face strife within their family as conflict arises, but the care they have for each other leads them to the resolutions of their issues and an even stronger bond,” senior James White said.
White was cast as Gomez Addams, the father of Wednesday Addams and husband of Morticia Addams. Gomez and Morticia are unconventional, naturally drawn to the color black, and often viewed as strange by outside observers. They are also in-tune with the spiritual realm through communicating with their dead ancestors.
Alyssa Sehn was cast as the lead, Wednesday Addams. The musical opens with Wednesday opening up to her father about her love for and engagement to Lucas Beineke, a well-mannered and eager boy who starkly contrasts her family’s dark nature. Throughout the show, Wednesday struggles with hiding her engagement from her mother, straying away from her family’s definition of “normal,” and difficulties in her romantic relationship.
“Getting to play a lead role was so incredible,” Sehn said. “My favorite thing about my character was her devotion to Lucas. Even though they had differences, she still wanted to be with him.”
Throughout the play, the relationships of each of the three couples are put to the test. As both Gomez and Morticia Addams catch each other in lies, Lucas’ parents Mal and Alice also experience a lapse in their love as a result of the issues that arise. Wednesday and Lucas struggle to balance their own differences while attempting to maintain peace between their respective families.
At many points throughout the musical, the ancestors, played by the ensemble, joined the main cast to perform songs, such as “When You’re an Addams,” “Full Disclosure” and “Just Around the Corner.” Many songs also highlighted the main cast in order to advance the story and emphasize the changes in relationship dynamics.
“‘Crazier than You’ was my favorite part of the show. It was really nice to see Mal and Alice have their moment alongside Lucas and Wednesday,” senior Madhav Shibu said.
The set for the musical was painted in with the help of Stage Crew members, National Art Honor Society members and student volunteers.
“Stage Crew’s role is everything and anything,” Stage Crew adviser Mr. D’Ammassa said. “Aside from moving props, there is always someone controlling the light board, someone who is helping cast and crew get ready during rehearsals and the day of the show, and two people who are backstage and communicating with the light and sound board.”
Stage Crew members also played a vital role by serving as makeup artists for the ancestors. Prior to each rehearsal and show, they would show up an hour early to paint the faces of all twenty ensemble members.
”It was really fun because it was nice to do makeup on someone else for once, and it was super creative,” senior Rasandi Fernando said.
The musical ends with the song “Move Toward the Darkness,” and the entire cast acknowledged that true love conquers all, including the differences between the families.
“The musical was about love. Not just romantic love, but the deep love family has for each other,” White said.
As the preparation and performances of the musical came to an end, senior members of both the cast and stage crew reflected on the time and effort they spent on their time working with NHP Theatre.
”Taking my last bow was so emotional. It really felt like a chapter of my life was coming to a close,” Sehn said. “I cried so much because I’m going to miss everyone so much, but I’m also looking forward to new adventures!”