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Home , Addams Family Values, Krysta Rodriguez, Pugsley Addams, Rick Elice

Information Pack

for The South Coast Choral and Arts Society’s production of

May 3-18 2019 Victor Harbor Town Hall

Book by & Rick Elice Music and Lyrics by Based on Characters Created by Licensed by ORiGiN Theatrical™

IN THIS PACK Welcome (page 2) The Team (page 2) History (page 3) Songs (page 3) Synopsis (page 4) Characters (page 5-6) Production Schedule (page 7) Further Research (page 7) Auditions (page 8) CONTACT What to do now? (page 8) [email protected]

WELCOME Hi there! Let’s start off by saying congratulations for downloading or picking up a copy of our Information Pack. You’re already about 23% more prepared for your audition than you were 14 seconds ago. Now, let’s move on to the stuff you need to know if you want to pull off the other 77% of this process and land the part of Wednesday. Or Fester. Or whoever.

This pack is not supposed to be intimidating. But it is jam-packed full of information we think will help you prepare for your audition. It’s the kind of stuff we always look for when we audition for shows. If there’s something we missed, or if you have any questions, feel free to drop us a line at: [email protected]

Important things to note:

• All roles auditioned for are on an unpaid basis. • Diversity is encouraged, and all ethnic groups are welcome to audition. • Everyone involved in the show is expected to become a financial member of SCCAS for the 2019 calendar year. ($25 to be ratified at the 2019 SCCAS AGM) • The season of will be performed at the Victor Harbor Town Hall, from 3-18 May 2019. • Rehearsals will be on Wednesday and Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, starting 20 January 2019. (See Production Schedule for more details) • If you are successfully cast in The Addams Family, you will be required to be available for the entire rehearsal period and show season. Due to the nature of this show, rehearsals will be intensive, requiring discipline, professionalism and a high level of energy and commitment from the outset. Any foreseeable unavailability’s must be listed on your registration form. • A major revision to the plot and songs occurred after the initial Broadway run. If you are familiar with the show from the Broadway recording there are several differences. While the big songs are still the same, several songs were cut, added or altered. The full list of songs in the licensed version is listed further on in this pack.

Ok. Now that that’s sorted, let’s dive in. THE TEAM Jonathan Ogilvie (Director) has been involved in local theatre since 2012, performing with SCCAS and Hills Musical Company as well as taking on various backstage and administrative roles. Jonathan has directed two shows with SCCAS, Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella and the Pirates. He feels extremely privileged to return to the director’s chair for The Addams Family, and is excited to be working with a great team to put on this comical family show.

Jack Doherty (Choreographer) has been working in theatre for three years and in that time, he has worked in almost every position theatre has to offer. Beginning as a backstage hand in Zest’s production of Beauty and the Beast, Jack has appeared in many productions, notably the role of Pippin in SCCAS’s production of Pippin, and most recently in the Therry Dramatic Society’s production of Holiday Inn. Jack is currently undertaking formal dance and vocal training and is incredibly excited to take on the role of choreographer of SCCAS’s The Addams Family.

Emma Muhlack (Musical Director) has been performing since she was old enough to memorise and recite poetry, and has an extensive list of theatre credits. She has also competed extensively as a classical vocalist, has acted as band leader and ensemble director for various community music events and organisations, and was co-MD for Zest's Wicked. You may recognize her as the bassist for CentreStage, and she has played in the orchestra for Pippin and Cinderella and the Pirates. She will most likely be in the pit again for this show.

Timothy Wormald (Musical Director) has been performing and working in orchestras for a decade as both musician and conductor for around 15 productions, including Mary Poppins, Hairspray, Annie Get Your Gun, and Pippin. He is the house drummer for Victor Harbor's CentreStage, and this is his third SCCAS show.

Georgia Martin (Production Manager) has loved musicals ever since she was a child, being brought up on shows like Singing in The Rain and Kiss Me Kate. She had roles in a number of shows at school, but finally returned to the stage in Cinderella and the Pirates and Les Misérables. While not on stage, Georgia is a middle-school science teacher.

2 The Addams Family: A New Musical – Information Pack HISTORY The characters in the Addams Family were created in 1938 by cartoonist Charles Addams. They were created as a satirical inversion of the ideal American family: an odd, wealthy aristocratic clan who are seemingly unaware – or do not care – that other people find them bizarre or macabre. Since their panel-cartoon origin they have been transferred to a variety of mediums. In 1964 there was a live action television series, which was followed by two television movies and three additional TV series (some live-action, some animated). The franchise was revived in 1990 with a full-length, feature film and its sequel staring , Raúl Juliá and . An animated movie is planned for release in 2019. Since their creation, the Addams family have also appeared in numerous video games, books, M&M’s advertisements, Scooby-Doo TV shows, and the best-selling pinball game of all time.

The musical version of the Addams Family opened on Broadway in 2010, after a tryout in . Writers Marshal Brickman and Rick Elice had previously collaborated on . The original Broadway cast included Tony winners and , as Gomez and respectively. By 2013 the show had toured the US, Europe and Argentina, and opened in Sydney. Most recently, The Addams Family toured the UK, staring Carrie Hope Fletcher, Samantha Womack and Les Dennis.

The musical may have had a relatively short run on Broadway, but it has gathered an impressive following among amateur theatre groups and schools. In 2017 it was the most-performed musical in American high schools, beating favourites like Beauty and the Beast and The Wizard of Oz.

Although the musical is quite new, it has the feeling of an old-school, family-friendly musical. The storyline is lighthearted, the tunes catchy and the humor uproarious. The shows narrator, , has a vaudeville-style flair to his performance, and regularly breaks the fourth wall. Each of the named characters gets their turn in the spotlight, and there are several large song-and-dance numbers for the ensemble. The Addams Family is perfect for all ages, from those who remember the TV series or movies, to children meeting them for the first time. SONGS Overture – Orchestra When You're an Addams – The Addams Family, Ancestors Fester’s Manifesto – Fester Trapped – Gomez Pulled – Wednesday, Pugsley One Normal Night – Ancestors Secrets – Morticia, Alice & Female Ancestors What If? – Pugsley, Grandma Full Disclosure (Part 1) – The Company Waiting – Alice Full Disclosure (Part 2) – The Company “ I think of all the days you've known; Just Around the Corner – Morticia, Ancestors The Moon and Me – Uncle Fester All the ways you've grown. Happy/Sad – Gomez See you on your own, and then- Crazier Than You – Lucas, Wednesday, Mal, Alice Not Today – Gomez I'm feeling happy and sad again.” Live Before We Die – Gomez, Morticia - Tango de Amor – Gomez, Morticia, Ancestors Move Toward the Darkness – The Company

3 Photo: Nathan Lane and Alice, who drinks and reveals how unhappy she is in her SYNOPSIS relationship (Waiting). The family are shocked and Mal The musical does not follow the plot lines of any of the prepares to leave. Wednesday stops him, revealing she movies or TV series based on the characters. It is an and Lucas are getting married. (Full Disclosure, Part 2). Just original story, using the same characters. as the panic rises, Fester stops the show and the Act 1 Ancestors whip up a storm to keep the families from parting. During an annual visit to their family graveyard, the Addams Family summon their late ancestors’ spirits and Act 2 celebrate being a part of the Addams clan (When You're Wednesday intends to run away, but Lucas stops her and an Addams). After the family leave, Fester explains to the asks her to think before she does things. She refuses and Ancestors and the audience that Wednesday has fallen in tells him to act impulsively for once. In Morticia’s boudoir, love with a “normal” teenage boy, Lucas Beineke (Fester's she yells at Gomez about keeping such a big secret from Manifesto). her. She tells him to leave, before pondering the wonders As Gomez spends an afternoon practicing fencing with of death (Just Around the Corner). Lurch, Morticia arrives announcing that Lucas’s family are Fester emerges on the lawn and sings to the moon about coming to dinner that night. Wednesday arrives with a his desire to be with her (The Moon and Me). Gomez runs freshly killed goose and Morticia leaves to start preparing into Wednesday who is storming off. He tells her to sit and dinner. Alone, Wednesday confesses to Gomez that talk with him. She reveals how confused loving Lucas has Lucas has proposed to her, and she wishes to say yes - made her feel and he comforts her telling her about his but cannot until the families get along. She begs Gomez confusing paternal love for her (Happy/Sad). Lucas appears to keep the engagement a secret from Morticia to which from the shadows announcing he’s open to embracing the Gomez reluctantly agrees (Wednesday's Growing Up). unexpected for her (Crazier Than You). Watching on, Mal Gomez ponders alone for a moment until he is rejoined begins to remember how young and impulsive love made by Morticia. She asks if there is something wrong with him. The Ancestors reveal Alice to him and he leads her to Wednesday. He lies, but she suspects he is hiding remember the good old days (Crazier Than You, Reprise). something (Trapped). Gomez and Lurch are planning a make-up gift for Morticia Wednesday tortures Pugsley in the playroom whilst when Fester bursts in and announces he’s seen Morticia revealing her blossoming enjoyment of non-Addams heading for the gate to leave. Gomez rushes out to speak customs (Pulled). Overhearing, Morticia is horrified and to her one last time. She refuses to stay with him, saying suggests cancelling the dinner, but Gomez begs her not she could never love a man who kept secrets from her. to. Morticia insists on playing 'The Game' during dinner, He reluctantly agrees and begs her for a final dance. much to Wednesday's dislike. Meanwhile, the Beinekes Apologizing and realizing she has become too much like arrive at the Addams household (One Normal Night). her mother, Morticia calms down (Live Before We Die). The families awkwardly meet, and Wednesday emerges in Celebrating their newly rekindled love, they dance (Tango a bright yellow dress, much to the horror of Gomez and De Amor). Morticia. Gomez and Mal Beineke discuss how the The rest of the family emerge, once again in the graveyard. Addams got their fortune. In Morticia's boudoir, Morticia Mal and Alice thank the Addams for rekindling their and Alice Beineke talk about their marriages, how marriage. Wednesday apologizes to Morticia for lying and Morticia is openly honest with her husband, whilst Alice keeping secrets. She accepts and gives her blessing for the keeps secrets from hers (Secrets). marriage to take place. Gomez reveals he is going to take Wednesday tells Pugsley to leave Lucas alone. Distraught, Morticia to Paris, much to her delight. Grandma enters he finds Grandma and asks about some of the potions in with Pugsley and makes him confess to stealing the her cart. He snatches a bottle of Acremonium from it Acremonium and poisoning Alice. The family all thank him (What If?). for bringing them together. Wednesday and Lucas embrace their future hopefully, whilst Gomez and After dinner, 'The Game', Full Disclosure, ensues during Morticia, and Mal and Alice kiss (Move Toward the which Gomez tries to tell Morticia he's sorry through a Darkness). thinly veiled metaphor; Fester reveals he has feelings for the moon; and Grandma admits she wishes to undergo a total makeover (Full Disclosure, Part 1). Morticia encourages Wednesday to have a go, and Pugsley drips in the Acremonium. The cup gets accidentally passed to

4 The Addams Family: A New Musical – Information Pack CHARACTERS (Female, 18-21) All listed ages are stage ages. Wednesday is an attractive girl who has the same dry wit Gomez Addams (Male, 40s-50s) and ‘sensibility’ of her mother. Finds love with a ‘normal’ boy (Lucas) and wants to introduce his family to hers. A passionate man of Spanish descent who takes great Experiences the youthful drama that comes with first love. pride in his family and revels in all it means to be an Lucas can actually put a smile on her face and that is saying ‘Addams.’ He struggles with having to keep his daughter’s something. An interesting and exciting role for a young secret from his wife, whom he adores more than death. actress with a powerful voice and strong pop belt vocals. Requires a strong stage presence and an ability to Skills: dance/learn the tango. − Skills: Needs a strong pop voice − Dry comedic actor − Strong vocal ability − Strong dancer/mover − Charismatic actor with good comic timing − Soprano / A5-E5 − Good mover Audition Piece: One Normal Night − Tenor / B♭2-G4 Audition Dialogue: p10-11, 76-78 Audition Piece: Trapped (Male, 12-14) Audition Dialogue: p10-12, 106-108 Young actor who plays 12 years old. A charming boy who Morticia Addams (Female, 40s-50s) loves being tortured by his sister. He wants to ensure he A woman who is in shape, attractive, leggy, the strength won’t lose his sister to her new boyfriend, so he takes of the family. She holds the balance of power in the family matters into his own hands. and often seems like the only ‘emotionally mature Skills: member’ of the clan. An easy comedic actress with a − High vocal ability (his voice has not yet broken) sensual, dry wit. Feels her husband is hiding something − Good mover from her and will use any tactic to lure the secret out. A − Boy soprano / A3-E♭5 demanding character role requiring good characterization, Audition Piece: What If a commanding stage presence and good dance skills. Audition Dialogue: p59-61 Skills: − Strong vocal ability Grandma (Female, 102) − Dry comedic actor She is a feisty 102-year-old woman. Fun and quirky, but − Strong dancer/mover don’t mess with Grandma. A challenging role requiring very good acting. − Mezzo-soprano / G3-B♭5 Skills: − (A strong alto could pull it off) − Convincingly play a 102 year old Audition Piece: Just Around the Corner − Character singer (G4-F5) Audition Dialogue: p13-14, 106-108 Audition Piece: When You’re an Addams Uncle Fester (Male, 30-50) Audition Dialogue: p59-61 The androgynous family member who serves as the musical’s narrator. He is larger than life; an energetic, Lurch (Male, 20s-50s) joyous, child-like presence. A challenging role providing A very tall male character, the Addams’ butler who knows the narrative glue with the Ancestors. all. A constant presence! He speaks in moans and groans Skills: without becoming a cartoon version of himself. His − Strong vocal ability movement is always very slow and shambling. Character − Vaudevillian actor actor with bass vocals to E♭. − Able to engage the audience Skills: − Good mover − Limited singing required, but he’s a low bass. − − Preferably prepared to shave head (negotiable) Able to converse via grunts − − Tenor / C3-C5 Bass / E♭2-E4 Audition Piece: The Moon and Me Audition Piece: Move Towards the Darkness Audition Dialogue: p6-7 Audition Dialogue: p33-34

5 The Ancestors will range in ages. These are exciting CHARACTERS (CONT.) character/ensemble roles requiring good singing, acting Lucas Beineke (Male, 18-25) and dancing/movement skills. The challenge for the Attractive young man. Fell in love at first sight with Ancestors is to be both individual characters yet one Wednesday Addams and plans to marry her. Experiences dynamic, interactive ensemble. Close, co-operative, and the youthful pain and drama of young love and struggles dynamic teamwork will be required. with the differences between his family and the Addams Skills: − family. A challenging role requiring good ‘straight man’ Wide range of vocal parts (SMATBB) − comedic skills. Good movers/dancers − Skills: Dance training is a bonus − − Needs a strong pop voice Able to work as an ensemble, but still display − Strong dancer/mover individual characteristics. − Tenor / C3-C5 Audition Piece: When You’re an Addams (in Workshop) Audition Piece: One Normal Night Audition Dialogue: p53, 76-78 Booth Singers Alice Beineke (Female, late 30s-50s) We may utilize booth singers for The Addams Family. Booth singers are backstage and sing along with the cast Mother of Lucas, devoted to her family so she puts aside onstage to augment the vocals. her own desires. A quirky character who often speaks in Skills: rhyme. While at the Addams’ dinner party, she drinks a − Strong vocals potion that causes her to let her hair down and speak her − Ability to sight-read sheet music truth. Alice sings one of the show’s most memorable songs. Skills:

− Strong vocal ability − Good comedic actor Tip − Moves well We are not looking to replicate the movies, TV series, or − ♭ Soprano / A 3-G#5 any other iteration of the characters. When creating the Audition Piece: Secrets, Waiting musical (and the 1990 movie) the creators and actors Audition Dialogue: p84-85 looked to Charles Addams’ original drawings. This should Mal Beineke (Male, 40s-50s) be your first stop when finding your character. Yes, you can take inspiration from Anjelica Huston, or Christina Stuffy father of Lucas and exasperated husband to his Ricci, or whoever, but don’t just impersonate them. These rhyming wife, Alice. At one time was a follower of The are very well-known characters, but start with Charles Grateful Dead but has lost that side of himself. Always Addams’ drawings and the musical script, and go from looking out for his family. there. Don’t be afraid to audition with your take on the Skills: character, not ’s. − Good actor who can sing − Good mover − Tenor / C3-A4 Audition Piece: Crazier Than You Audition Dialogue: p84-85

The Addams Family Ancestors (Chorus) A quirky bunch of deceased ancestors who are visiting the Addams’ family graveyard for the annual gathering of all family members (living, dead, and undecided!) to celebrate what it is to be an Addams. They are at first reluctantly trapped by Fester into helping the young couple to be ‘officially engaged’. With Uncle Fester, the Ancestors provide the narration of the show and act as a mobile ‘Greek Chorus’. Each Ancestor is a character in his/her own right and there are opportunities for several cameo roles.

6 The Addams Family: A New Musical – Information Pack

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE Auditions Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December 2018, VH Lutheran Church Read-Through Sunday, 20 January 2019, VH Lutheran Church Rehearsals Wednesdays 7:30-10:00pm, starting 23 January 2019, Adare Uniting Church

Fridays 7:30-10:00pm, starting 25 January 2019, Lutheran Church

Sundays 1:00-5:00pm, starting 24 February 2019, Lutheran Church

From 31 March all rehearsals will be at the Town Hall.

Please be prepared to attend all rehearsals. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be provided once cast. Production Week 28 April to 2 May You will be required every night for production week. Performances Friday 3 May, 7:30pm Saturday 4 May, 2:00pm & 7:30pm Friday 10 May, 7:30pm Saturday 11 May, 2:00pm & 7:30pm Wednesday 15 May, 7:30pm Friday 17 May, 7:30pm Saturday 18 May, 7:30pm FURTHER RESEARCH Whilst we have tried to squeeze as much information in this pack as we can, we encourage you to go and do your own research regarding the show and the characters. Remember that there are three versions of the show; The Chicago tryout, The Original Broadway, and the US Tour. The licensed version that we are doing is the US Tour. If you see any references to Bernice the giant squid, you’re in the wrong place.

Here are some things we recommend checking out:

− The artwork of Charles Addams – These should be your first stop. If you do a Google Images search for “Charles Addams Family” you’ll find the original cartoons that inspired the franchise. − The Addams Family & – Movies that came out in the early ‘90s, starring Raúl Juliá and Anjelica Huston. Great way to get to know the characters. − The Addams Family (1964 TV Series) – This is the original TV series. But there have been many other TV adaptations. Another great way to get to know the characters. − The Addams Family Musical – Put that into a YouTube search and see what you come up with*. We will be staging the show differently, and may interpret characters differently than other groups, but the content will be the same. *Note: SCCAS does not support the distribution of unlicensed recordings of live performances. − Cast Recording – The only official cast recording is the Original Broadway Cast, which is not our version of the show. However, most of the major songs are the same (When You’re an Addams, Pulled, Just Around the Corner, etc.), so it’s definitely worth a listen. − Wikipedia, stageagent.com, guidetomusicaltheatre.com – All of these sites have great synopses of varying lengths.

7 AUDITIONS Everyone wanting to audition must register, either at Information Night, or via www.sccas.org.au. Once registered, you will be emailed an Audition Pack, which will include your audition song, dialogue and an Actor Registration & Release Form that must be brought to your audition.

All auditions and call-backs will be held at the Victor Harbor Lutheran Church, 21 Adelaide Rd. Please arrive at least 10- minutes early, and be prepared to wait for your audition.

Ensemble Workshop Audition (1½ hours) 9:30-11:00am OR 10:00-11:30am, Saturday 1 December 2018

Anyone auditioning for ensemble only is required to attend a workshop-style audition. During the workshop you will learn a song and perform your part for the audition panel.

During your audition you will also participate in a dance workshop (see below).

Solo Auditions (5-10 min in a 1-hour window) 6:30-9:00pm, Friday 30 November 11:30am-4:30pm, Saturday 1 December

Anyone auditioning for a named character is required to perform a solo audition. Your audition will consist of a song and section of dialogue from the show. You will also have to participate in a dance workshop. You will be allocated a 1- hour window in which your audition will take place (including the dance workshop). Although we will aim to keep to the schedule, please be aware that you may have a wait time before your audition.

Dance Workshop (30 min in a 1-hour window) Everyone is required to participate in a combined dance workshop, led by choreographer Jack Doherty. This is to assess your level of movement and dance ability. We do not expect everyone to perform complex dance movements, but we do expect you to be willing to learn basic steps. Your dance workshop will be run within your allocated timeslot. Call-backs 4:30-7:00pm, Saturday 1 December

Everyone auditioning for a named character must be prepared to attend call-backs if asked. You will be required to prepare an additional song and dialogue excerpt.

If you are required for call-backs we will let you know, either at the end of your audition or via text/email shortly after. If you are not asked to attend call-backs, this does not mean you did not get the role. There are a lot of people auditioning, and we will consider everyone for the role(s) they choose. WHAT TO DO NOW? If you want to be involved in SCCAS’s May 2019 production, The Addams Family, here’s what you need to do:

1. Register for your audition. You can either register in person at Information Night, or on our website, www.sccas.org.au from the 15 November 2018. You will be asked to provide a first and second preference for your audition time slot. 2. Wait. After we receive your registration, we’ll email you an Audition Pack for your chosen character within 48- hours. The email will also confirm your audition time-slot. 3. Practice. Your Audition Pack will include the song(s) and dialogue section(s) you will need to present at your audition. 4. Fill in the Actor Registration & Release Form. (If under 18, make sure you get a parent/guardian to sign as well.) 5. On audition day: Arrive early. Bring your signed Actor Registration & Release Form and a copy of your audition material. Be prepared to wait for your audition.

We look forward to seeing you on the day and wish you all the best in your audition!

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