Westhill High's Addams Family: Spooky & Spectacular!
Is it possible for a high school production to capture the essence of a beloved story while simultaneously showcasing the burgeoning talent of its students? Westhill High School's recent staging of "The Addams Family" not only achieves this feat, but it also transcends the typical high school play, transforming into a captivating theatrical experience.
The air crackled with anticipation. The house lights dimmed, and the audience at Westhill High School settled in, ready to be transported to a world where the macabre is embraced and the unconventional is celebrated. The subject of the evening was the musical comedy, "The Addams Family," based on the iconic characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams. The musical, a tale of love, family dynamics, and the clash between the Addams' eccentric world and the "normal" outside world, promised a delightful dose of the macabre, and Westhill High School delivered on that promise in spades.
The production, which ran at 7 PM and Saturday at 2 and 7 PM, was a testament to the creativity and dedication of the students and faculty involved. The set design, hauntingly beautiful, immediately set the tone, transporting the audience to the gothic mansion of the Addams family. The costumes were equally impressive, capturing the unique style of each character, from Gomez's suave attire to Wednesday's darkly elegant ensemble. But it was the performances that truly shone. The cast, comprised of a diverse group of students, brought these iconic characters to life with a blend of humor, heart, and remarkable talent. The witty antics of Wednesday and Pugsley, the macabre charm of Gomez and Morticia, and the unforgettable kookiness of Uncle Fester all contributed to a performance that captivated audiences and left them wanting more.
Beyond the technical aspects, the production was a celebration of creativity, family, and acceptance. The Addams Family, at its core, is a story about embracing differences and finding love in the most unexpected places. This message resonated deeply with the young actors and the audience alike, making the show a truly memorable experience. Its worth noting that this wasnt just a play; it was an event, a moment where the community came together to celebrate the arts and the talents of its youth.
The success of the production was also evident in the smaller details. Lana, for example, expressed her excitement for the production, and her enthusiasm was palpable, showing the personal investment each student had in bringing this story to life. Lilian, a freshman at Westhill High School, brought experience from previous productions like "Matilda," "Something Rotten!," "The Wizard of Oz," and "The Pajama Game." Her involvement added another layer of depth to the cast, her past roles proving her commitment to the stage.
The play also saw the participation of Paul Ferris, a rising junior. Paul, who played Lumiere, was participating in his third summer youth theater production. Previous experiences included The Pajama Game, where he served as Prezs assistant, and The Addams Family, where he played Thing.
The behind-the-scenes efforts are always crucial to a successful production. The cast and crew of "The Addams Family" extended gratitude to Joel, Matt, Jenny, Brian, and the entire crew and orchestra. Without their hard work, the magic of the performance wouldn't have been possible. Their tireless work behind the scenes added to the overall success, ensuring every aspect of the show ran smoothly.
This wasn't the only performance at Westhill High School. The Northstar Playermakers, a distinguished high school drama club, had plans to present Reginald Roses timeless play, "12 Angry Jurors." In November, Westhill High School also hosted a production called "Murder by Ten."
The school has a rich history of theatrical productions. Students of Westhill Senior High School posed for a photo at a preview of their 2020 musical, "Bye Bye Birdie," for the Town of Geddes senior citizens. This highlights the school's commitment to providing opportunities for its students and engaging with the community. Previous productions, like "Pippin," further established Westhill High Schools dedication to the performing arts.
Other details from the event include specific information about the schools address, 4501 Onondaga Blvd Syracuse, NY 13219, and the phone number. The address for Onondaga Hill Middle School, 4860 Onondaga Road Syracuse, NY 13215, was also made available.
The Westhill High School's rendition of the Addams Family is more than just a musical; it is a celebration of creativity, family, and acceptance. For those who were fortunate enough to attend, it was an evening of laughter, chills, and a renewed appreciation for the power of high school theater. The production demonstrated the power of community, hard work, and artistic vision. It also reminded us that sometimes, the most extraordinary performances come from the most unexpected places.
In a separate, but no less exciting, event, Chichester Musicals announced an event in Boothwyn, PA, scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025.
| Character/Role | Student Name (If Available) | Description/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gomez Addams | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | The patriarch of the Addams family. |
| Morticia Addams | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | The matriarch of the Addams family. |
| Wednesday Addams | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | The daughter of Gomez and Morticia. |
| Pugsley Addams | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | The son of Gomez and Morticia. |
| Uncle Fester | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | Gomez's brother. |
| Grandma | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | Morticia's mother. |
| Lurch | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | The Addams' butler. |
| Thing | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | A disembodied hand. |
| Mal Beineke | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | Wednesdays boyfriends father. |
| Alice Beineke | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | Wednesdays boyfriends mother. |
| Lucas Beineke | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | Wednesdays boyfriend. |
| Ensemble | (Needs to be filled based on the cast list) | Various roles, including ancestors. |
*Note: The cast list should be added. Information needed to add to this table is the student names playing each role.
For additional information, see the official school website: Westhill High School Website
