The Addams Family A New Musical

Hot Shot! Addams Family Stars Sara Gettelfinger and Douglas Sills Chow Down on Cincinnati Famous Chili

They might be creepy and kooky, but the stars of The Addams Family are also hungry! Sara Gettelfinger and Douglas Sills, who star as Morticia and Gomez, respectively, in the national tour of the hit Broadway musical, recently enjoyed delicious local eats backstage at the Procter & Gamble Hall at the Aronoff Center for the Arts.

hey might be creepy and kooky, but the stars of The Addams Family are also hungry! Sara Gettelfinger and Douglas Sills, who star as Morticia and Gomez, respectively, in the national tour of the hit Broadway musical, recently enjoyed delicious local eats backstage at the Procter & Gamble Hall at the Aronoff Center for the Arts.

Retooling The Addams Family for the road

When "The Addams Family,'' the musical, opened on Broadway in April 2010, expectations ran high. The eccentric characters were familiar to generations, who may have been introduced to the franchise through the popular mid-1960s television comedy, the 1990s feature films, or the late Charles Addams's original cartoons for The New Yorker, which he began drawing back in the 1930

When "The Addams Family,'' the musical, opened on Broadway in April 2010, expectations ran high. The eccentric characters were familiar to generations, who may have been introduced to the franchise through the popular mid-1960s television comedy, the 1990s feature films, or the late Charles Addams's original cartoons for The New Yorker, which he began drawing back in the 1930s.

Addams retools for road Post-Broadway changes please critics

After opening to scary reviews in Chicago in 2009 and worse ones in Gotham in 2010, legiters might have expected the folks behind Broadway musical "The Addams Family" to close the crypt door quietly and fade away into oblivion.

Instead, the creative team made like Dr. Frankenstein and overhauled the piece completely before launching it on the road in September.

The surprising result: It's alive. And the show's unusual post-Rialto transformation reps an increasing understanding among legit producers that a Main Stem production doesn't have to serve as a show's final cut.

Douglas Sills Makes Gomez His Own for National Tour of The Addams Family

Douglas Sills, a Tony Award nominee for The Scarlet Pimpernel, is touring the country as Gomez in the revised version of the Broadway musical The Addams Family.

As Gomez Addams in the national tour of The Addams Family, Douglas Sills is creepy and kooky but in a weirdly dashing, oddball Latin lover way. In the revamped version of the Broadway production, Sills doesn't go after the laughs; he earns them by portraying Gomez with great sincerity and debonair, leading-man appeal.

Reworked for national tour, Addams Family has bigger snap

Three times turns out to be the charm.

[W]hile national tours tend to be carbon copies of the Broadway edition, THIS touring production has been quite radically reworked and ideally cast. And in the process, the show has finally found its true self. Now, in something of its third incarnation, the show is far more involving, far funnier, far more charming, far sexier and far more focused on Morticia and Gomez. Best of all — and in the spirit of all those knotty contradictions so deftly embodied by the variously twisted members of the Addams family — it is at once more energetic and more relaxed in every way.

Successfully remade 'Addams Family' adds the charm missing from Broadway version

"The Addams Family" is not the first musical whose first national tour has been infinitely better than the Broadway production that gave birth to it: such past shows as "Big" and "The Civil War" were also greatly improved. But in most of these rare cases, different directors have retooled existing material. It’s hard to think of another show that has been revised so heavily and, for the most part, successfully, by its admirably indefatigable original authors and composer.

'Addams Family' musical explores idea of 'normal'

Ask anyone intimately involved with a Broadway production, and they’ll tell you it’s the result of endless hours of tough reworking, refiguring, rewriting and challenging the status quo.

All of that doesn’t typically happen after the Broadway debut.

Sure, there will be minor tweaks between any show and its national tour. But such was the love for Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday and the rest of the Addams clan that the creators of The Addams Family musical couldn’t let less-than-stellar reviews rest.

They bring a completely overhauled “Version 2.0” to Nashville this week, complete with a new storyline, new songs, new choreography and new orchestrations.

Tony Nominee Douglas Sills on Hitting the Road in a Dramatically Different Addams Family

Douglas Sills made a splashy Broadway debut 14 years ago in the title role of Frank Wildhorn’s musical version of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Tall, dashing and hilarious, the big-voiced actor nabbed a Tony nomination for his performance as French aristocrat-turned-swashbuckling superhero Percy Blakeney. Since then, Sills has worked mostly from Los Angeles, with extended periods helping to run a family business in his native Detroit. Earlier this year, Jerry Zaks, who directed Sills in a 2003 Broadway mounting of Little Shop of Horrors, asked the star to hit the road as Gomez in a revamped version of The Addams Family—and luckily for audiences around the country, Sills said yes. The show and its leading man are getting great reviews, and the star reflected on his return to musicals during a recent chat with Broadway.com.

Cortney Wolfson reveals her backstage must-haves

In The Addams Family, daughter Wednesday has a lot to put up with when her boyfriend’s parents come to visit her creepy, kooky family. So when Cortney Wolfson isn’t playing her onstage, she needs a serene place backstage to wind down. Wolfson took Broadway.com on a tour of her dressing room, where she keeps healthy and maintains her high vocabulary.

Addams Family plies its musical charms

The Addams Family, by all accounts, has been rehabilitated.

Addams Family musical is weird and wonderful

The Addams Family is enjoying a healthy afterlife — no surprise there, really — in the perkily quirky national tour...

The musical inspired by Charles Addams’ iconic characters couldn’t get a break from critics on Broadway but deserves one in the heavily revised version developed for the road.

With greater emphasis on oddball lovebirds Gomez and Morticia, played by the ideally cast Douglas Sills and Sara Gettelfinger, this tighter Addams Family delivers enough solid entertainment to recommend it — and even suggests the clan’s special world enough of the time to satisfying fans of the characters’ previous incarnations.

Review: The Addams Family provides ghoulish glee

When I caught up with the show in W. Palm Beach last week, I joined in with the rest of the audience in going back to that not-so-kinder, hardly-gentler time when men were monsters, girls were ghouls and hands were disembodied, but you could still snap your fingers along with that catchy theme song.

That’s the first thing you hear, by the way, before composer Andrew Lippa cleverly co-opts it into his tuneful score, which has acquired a whole lot of show-stopping tunes with laugh-out-loud lyrics since it originally opened.

Full Disclosure! The Addams Family cast share some skeletons in their closets

In the musical comedy The Addams Family, the kooky clan abide by an ancient Addams tradition: Full Disclosure. The game requires that everyone sip from a sacred chalice and confess something they’ve never told anyone. Chaos ensues in the Broadway show... Members of the cast agreed to a round of Full Disclosure with the Post‘s Melissa Leong, revealing the skeletons in their starry closets. Click below to read more

Proctors: presenting, creating

In 2006, Proctors became a partner in Elephant Eye Theatrical, an unusual company because it includes 15 theaters from across the country and Canada. They work with Elephant Eye CEO Stuart Oken, a former executive at Disney Theatrical Productions, to create new musicals.

"The Addams Family" was their first production to open on Broadway, and now it's the first Elephant Eye show to play at Proctors. If it weren't for Proctors' involvement in Elephant Eye, says Philip Morris, Proctors' CEO, Capital Region theater-lovers wouldn't have the chance to see the show now.

Addams Family at Proctors

You won’t have to leave your memories at home if you visit “The Addams Family” at Proctors. And that’s a good thing.
The musical comedy is based on Charles Addams’ actual cartoon panels for the New Yorker, rather than having its roots in subsequent adaptations. So, here and there there are knowing winks to John Astin, Raul Julia, Jackie Coogan and Ted Cassidy, but overall this show operates on its own terms.

Creepier, kookier 'Addams Family' musical heads to Shea's

Between a Broadway run and a national tour, it isn't unusual for a musical to undergo a minor face-lift. In recent appearances at Shea's Performing Arts Center, shows like "Mary Poppins," "Young Frankenstein" and "Shrek" have shown marked improvements over their Broadway predecessors.

But for the "The Addams Family," a musical that has gone under the knife more times than its producers can count, the changes are particularly drastic. When the touring version of the production opens in Shea's on Tuesday night, it will have a new central conflict, added choreography, retooled orchestrations and three brand-new songs.

Becoming Lurch

The Addams family is not normal. Or is it?

Before cast members take the stage, they must transform from clean-cut into ghoulish and a bit comical. Grandma becomes a wild-haired eccentric, and Uncle Fester starts looking like Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers movies.

And Lurch, the family's slow-motion, gloomy butler, becomes, well, Lurch. In real life, Tom Corbeil, who plays the part, is handsome, pleasant and performs regularly with opera companies across North America.

A wild night with The Addams Family

Not too many plays follow the usual warning to silence all cellphones with a request that no firearms, nooses, guillotines or flamethrowers be used during the performance — then adds with a chuckle that their use during intermission is strongly encouraged.

But that’s the dark, wacky world of the Addams Family, familiar to most people from the mid-1960s television show that started with an unforgettable four-note harpsichord rhythm followed by two finger snaps.

My Space: Brian Justin Crum of The Addams Family Tour Shares Five Must-Have Backstage Items

Broadway.com talks to Brian Justin Crum, Lucas Beineke, who finds himself in the creepy and kooky home of America’s favorite gothic family. Yet while he’s offstage, Crum makes his dressing room a cozy nook where he can be reminded of his friends back home and maintain his fresh breath. Crum took Broadway.com inside his backstage space to show off his five must-have items.

Uncle Fester & The Addams Family Are on Their Way to Houston

A lot of actors work out a lot to get and keep in shape after capturing an important role. Actor Blake Hammond, who plays Uncle Fester in the touring company of the musical The Addams Family, had to man up for a trip to the barbershop.

The Addams Family 3.0

It’s possible to heal a dysfunctional family. All it takes is willingness and time. Okay, and money. But if that family is The Addams Family, then you’ve also got to figure out who gets custody of Lurch and how you figure out the visitation rights for the disembodied hand. A messy situation, yes?

The Addams Family at the Arsht Center through October 30

"People have always been fascinated by the dark side of things," says actor Douglas Sills, one of the stars of The Addams Family. There's a jovial dread that surrounds this macabre creation, which began as a simple cartoon that satirized the American family in The New Yorker 73 years ago.

NiteTalk: Blake Hammond Resurrects Uncle Fester

They’re creepy and they’re kooky. Mysterious and spooky. They’re altogether ooky. And they’re spending the week leading up to Halloween in the Ziff Opera House at The Arsht. Yes, we mean The Addams Family, who really are a scre-am. Niteside asked Blake Hammond about resurrecting Uncle Fester.

"Addams Family" is charming for all ages

Get your Halloween season off to a creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky start with "The Addams Family," currently haunting Ovens Auditorium.
And yes, while the production is - to borrow lyrics from the finger-snapping TV theme - all of those things, it's also full of charm, wit and surprises that explain why adults and children alike will be enthralled.

"Addams Family" is creepy, spooky - and fun

Blake Hammond has performed in eight Broadway shows and somehow always ends up playing strange characters.

He is currently Uncle Fester in the touring musical of The Addams Family.  “It’s odd; you think I tend to get cast in these crazy things,” Hammond said laughing. “That’s what is fun about musicals. If you imagine it you can play it.”

N.O.-launched tour of 'Addams Family' full of camp, charm and surprises

Walking into the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, you think you have an idea of what’s about to unfold in this musical version of “The Addams Family.”  And yes, while the production is creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky, it’s also full of charm, wit and surprises that explain why it’s likely to be a family-friendly hit as it takes off on a national tour.

EXCLUSIVE: Singing New Tunes, The Addams Family Gets Major Makeover for National Tour

The popular Broadway musical The Addams Family has new branches in its family tree for the recently launched national tour. Producer Stuart Oken and director Jerry Zaks discuss new plot points, new songs and the history of the show.

'Addams Family' is still altogether ooky

The Halloween season gets off to a bright (or dark?), shiny (or cobwebby?) start at the Fox Theatre, as talented singers and dancers portray characters created by the brilliant cartoonist Charles Addams. After all these years, they remain altogether ooky.

Oh, snap: 'Addams Family' takes classic cartoon to the Fox stage

The creators of the musical said from the beginning that the show would take its inspiration from the cartoons. It would not be based on the 1964-66 TV show that starred Carolyn Jones and John Astin, nor the 1991 movie that starred Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia, nor the other movies, TV shows and cartoons.

ADDAMS FAMILY coming to New Orleans

The 2011-2012 season at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts in New Orleans opens in September with another coup: THE ADDAMS FAMILY will kick off its first national tour since it opened on Broadway last year.

ADDAMS FAMILY returning to Chicago

THE ADDAMS FAMILY is returning to Chicago for Christmas. The first national tour of the Broadway musical based on the much-loved cartoon will return to the city of its birth, Broadway in Chicago.

ADDAMS FAMILY comes to the Fox next season

THE ADDAMS FAMILY creators went back to basics for this musical. Although the ghoulish Addamses have done well on screens both small and silver, this show grew straight out of the decades of cartoons that Charles Addams drew in The New Yorker magazine, said Fox Theatricals producer Mike Isaacson. St. Louis is just the second city on the show's tour.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY Booked for the Bushnell (Snap, Snap)

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, the Broadway musical based on the drawings of New Yorker cartoonist Charles Addams, will play the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts next year.

The touring production will play Hartford Feb. 21 to 26, 2012.

ADDAMS FAMILY National Tour Dates Announced!

The national tour of the new Broadway musical comedy THE ADDAMS FAMILY, based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, announces the first leg of its tour route through the New Year...

Bebe Neuwirth Launches The Addams Family Themed Nail Polish

Bebe Neuwirth will host the launch of Moritcia's Nails, a brand-new limited edition set of three Morticia Addams-inspired nail polishes, created by Neuwirth and Essie Cosmetics. The launch party will take place on Thursday, July 15 at 2pm at the Eventi Hotel.

Playbill.com's Brief Encounter with Basil Twist

Meet puppeteer Basil Twist, whose colorful work is seen in Broadway's The Addams Family.

Andrew Lippa on The Addams Family "Snap Snap"

2010 Tony nominee Andrew Lippa talks about his score for The Addams Family. Watch his interview on playbill.com below.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: FROM ILLUSTRATION TO THE STAGE

On Friday, May 14, Addams Family creators Andrew Lippa, Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman will share devilish details about developing an original musical that puts the “fun” in funeral. Stop by Borders at Columbus Circle to learn how this trio brought Charles Addams’ classic cartoons to life, and then see your favorite characters in the flesh for a special performance and signing with the cast.

Frank Rizzo of the Hartford Courant reviews The Addams Family

"The audience got it. It roared at the dialogue. Marshall Brickman's masterful hand in search of a laugh is unmatched."

"4 Stars! UPROARIOUS!" Check out the rest of John Simon's Review on Bloomberg News

"A glitzy-gloomy musical entirely worthy of the macabre drawings by Charles Addams. You’ll conclude that the stage was their destiny!”

The Addams Family National Tour Announced

The Addams Family will begin a national tour in September, 2011 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts in New Orleans, LA. A complete tour schedule will be announced later this year.

The Addams Family Cast Album Including Bonus Tracks Will be Recorded on April 19

The cast of Broadway's The Addams Family will be in a Manhattan recording studio on April 19 to create the cast album of the new musical. A release date of June 8 is expected.

First Look: Cast Photo in Vanity Fair

Acclaimed photographer Mark Seliger, who has shot more than 100 Rolling Stone covers and multiple Vanity Fair covers, shot the first ever "family" portrait of THE ADDAMS FAMILY on October 1 for Vanity Fair. The photo can be found in the December issue of Vanity Fair!

Addams Family Now in Rehearsal; Full Cast Announced

Rehearsals begin Sept. 8 for the new musical The Addams Family, aiming for a fall world premiere in Chicago followed by a Broadway opening in April 2010. Complete casting has now been announced for the show inspired by the ghoulish characters created by illustrator Charles Addams.

Behind-the-Scenes Video at Vanity Fair

You can catch the first photo of the Addams Family cast in the December issue of Vanity Fair. Now, you can also get a sneak-peek behind the scenes at the photo shoot.

ADDAMS FAMILY Cast Album Will Be Released in June

Decca Broadway will record the original cast album of the new Broadway musical The Addams Family, now playing previews at the Lunt-Fontanne toward an April 8 opening. The disc will be available everywhere in June 2010.

Addams Family musical, coming to Chicago, reveals stars and story

Surrounded by Charles Addams ’ sweetish ghoulish renderings of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley and, of course, Wednesday, the Chicago-based producer Stuart Oken revealed more details Monday afternoon about his current baby: A new Broadway musical based on "The Addams Family."

'Addams Family' Musical Snaps Up Broadway Theater

The Addams Family has chosen the Lunt-Fontanne Theater as its Broadway haunt. In a news release on Wednesday, publicists for “The Addams Family,” the coming musical based on the macabre Charles Addams cartoons, said the show would begin previews there on March 4, with an official opening of April 8, following an out-of-town run at Chicago’s Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theater.