The Addams Family Somewhere around 1937, the Addams Family first saw the dark of night in a one-panel print cartoon of an unnamed Morticia, a bearded Lurch, and a vacuum salesman talking up his merchandise, surrounded by spider webs and bats. Charles Samuel Addams published about 1,600 works, many for The New Yorker, yet only about 150 of them featured the beloved creepy and kooky characters for which he is most remembered...The Addams Family.
The beloved television series, starring John Astin and Carolyn Jones, depicted an Addams clan that had to deal with real family issues, like struggling to get Wednesday and Pugsley to go to school and Fester’s romances. This is why they have endured; they are, above all else, a family. Even though they have a zombie for a butler, a cousin covered in hair, and a dismembered hand in a box named “Thing,” they are actually quite relatable.
Despite their surprisingly short television run, the Addams Family has endured for decades, eventually making it to Broadway in 2010. Charles Addams’ kooky characters were a brilliant match for Andrew Lippa’s fun score, and the show has become a hit for theatre companies all over the country.
We love the Addams Family because they embrace their strangeness, which we should all do. The message is clear: Don’t be afraid to be different! Stay true to yourself! Follow your heart at all costs! Don’t go into a dark basement alone!
Thank you for joining us we take a walk on the mysterious, spooky, and all-together ooky side. Snap, snap!
4 West Ottawa Theater Musical Numbers Act 1 Overture/Prologue……………...... Orchestra When You’re an Addams...... Addams Family, Ancestors Fester’s Manifesto………………...... Fester, Ancestors Two Things……………………...... …….....……..Gomez Wednesday’s Growing Up………...... ……...... ….Gomez Trapped………………...... ……...Gomez, Ancestors Pulled……………...... ……..Wednesday, Pugsley One Normal Night………...... ……………..Company But Love……………...... Fester, Ancestors Secrets…………...... ……...... Morticia, Alice, Ancestors Gomez’s What If?...... Gomez What If?...... Pugsley, Grandma Full Disclosure (Part 1)...... Company Waiting…………………………...... ………...Alice Full Disclosure (Part 2)...... Company 10-minute Intermission Act 2 Opening Act 2...... Orchestra Just Around the Corner……………...... Morticia, Ancestors The Moon and Me……………...... Fester, Ancestors Happy/Sad…………………...... …………………………..Gomez Crazier Than You………………...... Mal, Alice, Wednesday, Lucas Not Today………………………...... ………………….Gomez Live Before We Die………...... …………...Gomez, Morticia Tango de Amor……………..…….....….Gomez, Morticia, Ancestors Move Toward the Darkness……………………………...... Company Time and Place
Present Day New York City, New York
The Addams Family 5 Gomez………………..…...... ….Characters ALEX DANNELS* Morticia…………………...... ………...... SUZY PARKER* Wednesday………………...... …MARISSA SANCHEZ Lucas…...……………...... NATE GROENHOF* Fester…………...………...... ….GEORGE ILES* Grandma……………...... …...... GLORIA HUNT* Lurch...... HAYDN BJORK Pugsley...... …...... …………... EMMETT DEUR* Mal…………...... ……...... JONATHAN McCABE* Alice...... TESSIE MORALES* Ancestors MARISSA COLE* ZACHARY SHOEMAKER* MAX GIBSON* CONNOR SHORT* BELLA KEPHART* MEKIAH SIMMONS* KYLE MAGENNIS IAN SNOAP FIONA McCABE EMMA TRACY HAYDEN RUTAN ANNA VANKAMPEN* Pit Orchestra Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, & Flute....R. CARLOS MARROQUIN-LOZADA Clarinet, Flute, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax...... MASON OUZTS Soprano Sax Alto Sax, Tenor Sax...... JOSHUA ELWOOD Trumpet, Flugelhorn...... TATE SZILAGYI Trombone, Bass Trombone...... ETHAN DEUR Violin...... NICK RADAKOVITZ Violin...... ASHLYN GRAHAM Cello...... EBONY ROACH Bass...... DONOVAN FORTNITEGAMER MEEUSEN Guitars, Accordion, Ukulele, Flute, Piccolo...... SAMUEL AVENDANO Drum set...... DAVID LaDUKE Percussion...... THOMAS DUMMER Piano...... MRS. JENNIFER FLORIP Keyboard...... SUE GAINFORTH* Conductor...... JAY L. GAINFORTH* * Member of the International Thespian Society Troupe #5081 6 West Ottawa Theater Student Crews Assistant to the Director Backstage & Stage Manager JILLIAN ANNABLE IZZY BALBUENA CHARLIE DEWAARD BRAYDEN CHAYER JACKSON FIELD DANIELLE GLOVER Floor Manager RENEE KINSLER LILY BARTELS ANNA McCOY LEEZA JONGEKRYG LUCAS McCOY TEGAN McDONALD* Set Painting & Props TIMOTHY McDONALD TYLIEA BETHKE MELISSA RAMOS BRENNA CARITHERS* KENNETH ZWAGGERMAN TENLEY CRAWFORD ound ASIA DUNTON S OLIVIA FELICELLI CADEN MIKA JANE HOPPE AINE SNOAP* LILY MALDONADO Costumes KAITLYN MEYER KATHLEEN CAYABYAB LIBBIE PILARSKI SOPHIA KOON TESLA PIOCKRELL PAIGE VOSS Video Direction & Camera Operator Dance Captain MASON RUTAN EMMOREY STRAIT Set Construction Hair & Makeup MAX GIBSON* ALEXIS AYERS GEORGE ILES* JAEDYN BRANDERHORST-SAUCEDA MASON RUTAN RAMIE SANCHEZ EMILY CONLON ADDISON CORELL Lights KAMRYN DUMAS SHYLAH DOZEMAN KIRA GUERRIN ANGELINA ONKEOSY* MEGAN JOHNSON SAM REED RAEGAN LANTZ MAURA TRACY JESSICA PAUL SAVANNAH REED* Promo Video ELLIE DYKEMA Ushers KIRA GUERRIN MAYA ALMAZAN ISABELLA ANDERSON Concessions HANNAH DICK EMILY BERZOLD BIANCA KROLL MOISES CAMPOS-CRESPO ZOE LONGSTREET KAITLYN HECK RACHEL MESSER LAKIESHA NOVISS Projections SHYLAH DOZEMAN The Addams Family 7 Patrons of the Arts The generous contributions of the Patrons of the Arts helps pay for memberships and participation in the Michigan State Thespian Festival as well as students’ enrollment and activities in the International Thespian Society.
The International Thespian Society (ITS) is the Educational Theatre Association’s student honorary organization. ITS recognizes the achievements of high school and middle school theatre students.
Donor Levels Friends ($25) Angels ($50) Stars ($75) Directors ($100) Producers ($125+)
Producers THE CONLON FAMILY THE DANNELS FAMILY DAN HUBER THE ILES FAMILY MARK & SARAH PARKER THE FRED AND LYNN RUTAN FAMILY FUND Directors DAVID & MICHELLE BJORK
Stars THE McCABE FAMILY Angels THE HUNT FAMILY THE KEPHART FAMILY Friends DUANE & LYNN VANKAMPEN
8 West Ottawa Theater Production Team Director & Choreographer...... JOE HUBER* Music Director...... ERIN STIER Pit Orchestra Director...... JAY L. GAINFORTH* Costumes...... JANE FRAUENHEIM Set Construction...... JOHN ARMSTRONG* Technical Director...... BRUCE SNOAP* Box Office/Publicity & Playbill...... DONALD CURRY Hair & Makeup...... CINDY BEAUCHAMP* Dance Captain & Hair & Makeup...... JILL JURCZYK* Scenic Artist & Properties...... CLAIRE BOUWKAMP Friends ($25) Angels ($50) Stars ($75) Directors ($100) Producers ($125+) Production Coordinator...... DARLENE VEENSTRA* Volunteers PAUL ANDERSON ABBY GUERRIN ELIZABETH MORALES JOAN BOONE JESSICA HUNT MARK MORALES TOM CALLAHAN PAUL ILES MARK PARKER KERI CONLON SHARON ILES ANGELA REED JACKIE DEUR LISA KEPHART AMEE RUTAN STEVE DEUR SARAH McCABE MIKAYLA SINGLETARY* KAREN DUMAS LAUREL McCOY BETH SNOAP RYAN DUMAS JANELLE McDONALD DEBRA TAYLOR ELIZABETH ELWOOD BETH MAGENNIS LYNN VANKAMPEN
Specail Thanks HOPE COLLEGE THEATRE DEPARTMENT Managers and staff at Washington Ave. FAMILY FARE JOE & JULIE McKEEVER - Coyote KATIE MILSTEAD - Props DALE PIERSON - Photography MEGHAN UNDERWOOD - Poster Design DARLENE VEENSTRA ULIANA ZURITA PHOTOGRAPHY
9 Cast Biographies Haydn Bjork (Lurch): Haydn is making his high school musical debut! Last season Haydn was on crew as a spotlight operator for Grease: School Version. He enjoys playing piano, making music, and drawing. For Haydn, the best part about being in The Addams Family is spending time and working with wonderful people. He looks forward to attending the Thespian Festival this winter. Haydn would like to think his vocal teacher Nicholas Loren for encouraging him to participate in this musical and helping him every step of the way.
Marissa Cole (Ancestor): Marissa’s previous high school productions include Clue: On Stage (Mrs. White), Grease: School Version, The Miracle Worker (Anne Sullivan), Peter Pan, and Crazy For You. She thinks the best part about The Addams Family is becoming friends with the people she sees every day and bonding over the show. Marissa enjoys playing with her dog Baxter.
Alex Dannels (Gomez Addams): Alex was most recently in Hope Summer Repertory Theater’s production of Cinderella. He has performed in many WO Theater productions including last season’s Clue: On Stage (Colonel Mustard). When not on stage, Alex enjoys fishing, and playing video games, and hanging out with friends. Alex would like to thank Nicholas Loren, his vocal coach for helping him perform to the best of his ability. He also thanks Mr. Huber for helping him develop his character and for being one of the best directors. Finally, Alex thanks his family for always supporting him.
Emmett Deur (Pugsley Addams) Emmett was last seen on stage in Grease: School Version (Ensemble). His favorite parts about this musical are the choreography and building strong relationships within the cast. He looks forward to growing as an actor. Emmett enjoys being in the school band and also looks forward to improving his skills on the euphonium. Emmett thanks his parents for supporting his theatre activities. He thanks his brother for driving him to rehearsal each day, and Mr. Huber and Ms. Stier for giving him this amazing opportunity.
10 West Ottawa Theater Max Gibson (Ancestor): Max is thrilled to be in The Addams Family. Max has performed in Clue: On Stage (The Motorist, Agent) Grease: School Version (Ensemble), Peter Pan (Pirate), Crazy For You (Pete) and has also been seen on stage in Alice in Wonderland Jr., Aladdin Jr., Into the Woods Jr., Oliver!, and The Music Man. When he is not on stage, Max enjoys swimming and working on cars. Max would like to thank his parents and everyone who has come to see him perform.
Gloria Hunt (Grandma) Gloria has participated in many theatrical productions and has acted, crewed, and played in pit orchestra. One of her favorite productions was when she played John Greenwood in an original musical theatre duet with Tegan McDonald at Fischer Theatre in Detroit. Gloria loves playing cello, reading, attending church and youth group. She thanks her family for supporting her love of theatre. Gloria also thanks God for giving her this opportunity. She thanks the cast for being a great family, the crew for making this show amazing, and all of the directors for making this show something to be proud of.
George Iles (Fester): George is no stranger to West Ottawa Theater and has performed in 9 productions. His high school credits include Clue: On Stage (The Cop), Grease: School Version (Ensemble), Peter Pan (Pirate) and Arsenic and Old Lace (Officer Klein). George has also performed in several Young Americans shows. Outside of theatre, George enjoys sailing, playing and recording music. He is currently auditioning for jazz and theater colleges. George thanks his family in England for always encouraging him to do what he loves.
Bella Kephart (Ancestor): Bella has previously performed in Grease: School Version (Marty), Into the Woods, Jr. (Cinderella), and The Lion King, Jr. (Nala). When not on stage, Bella enjoys rock climbing, reading, and singing. She would like to thank her family. She thanks her dog for being her furry support system during times of emotional turbulence. Finally, Bella thanks her mom for helping her deal with problems. “I LOVE YOU MOM!” “LET’S GO KICK SOME HONEY BUNS!” -Mushu, Mulan
The Addams Family 11 Kyle Magennis (Ancestor): Some of Kyle’s favorite productions have been Alice in Wonderland Jr. (White Rabbit), Oliver! (Ensemble), Into the Woods (Young Child), and Grease: School Version (Ensemble). Outside of theatre, Kyle enjoys dancing, playing violin, reading, and camping. The best part of The Addams Family is the cast and how they come together to put on this awesome show. Kyle will be on the West Ottawa Varsity Dance Team for a second year and looks forward to going to Philmont Scout Ranch this summer.
Jonathan McCabe (Mal Beineke): Jonathan’s West Ottawa Theater credits include Grease:School Version (Vince Fontaine), Peter Pan (John Darling). Next fall, he will be headed to college to pursue an education in the health sciences. His ultimate goal is to become an aeromed flight nurse. Jonathan would like to thank his voice teacher, Jean Lemmenes, for her teaching, support and encouragement. He also thanks Miss Jo-Ellen Ming for years of direction and being the reason he started theater in the first place. It all started with The Secret of the Sandbox. As always, Jonathan thanks his family for supporting all his varied interests and activities!
Fiona McCabe (Ancestor): Fiona has performed in many plays and musicals at West Ottawa Theater, Holland Community Theater, and TrueJEM Productions. In her free time, she likes to draw, play ukulele, and play video games. Fiona is looking forward to being on the West Ottawa JV Competitive Dance Team. She thanks her musical theater dance teacher, Jess Carr. Many thanks to Jean Lemmenes, Fiona’s voice and ukulele teacher, for encouraging her to audition for The Addams Family. She thanks Miss Jo-Ellen Ming for teaching her theatre from the very beginning and always believing in her! Finally, Fiona thanks her family for their support.
Tessie Morales (Alice Beinecke): Tessie’s most recent stage appearance was in Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Dodo, Royal Painter). Some of her West Ottawa credits include Clue: On Stage (Cook), Grease (Frenchy), and Seussical, Jr. (Ensemble). Tessie likes to sing, bake, and drink peppermint tea. She is looking forward to Thespian Festival and the WOSWE Holiday Tea this December. She thanks Mr. Huber, Ms. Stier, and the entire production staff for helping this show come alive. She’d also like to thank her family, her friends, and her voice coach, Nicholas Loren, for providing her with endless love and support. 12 HAYDN MARISSA ALEX EMMETT BJORK COLE DANNELS DEUR
MAX NAT E GLORIA GEORGE BELLA GIBSON GROENHOF HUNT ILES KEPHART
KYLE JONATHAN FIONA TESSIE MAGENNIS McCABE McCABE MORALES
SUZY HAYDEN MARISSA ZACHARY CONNOR PARKER RUTAN SANCHEZ SHOEMAKER SHORT
MEKIAH IAN EMMA ANNA SIMMONS SNOAP TRACY VANKAMPEN
Suzy Parker (Morticia Addams): Suzy takes the stage for her final high school musical at West Ottawa. Her previous show credits include Grease: School Version (Jan), Peter Pan (Toodles), and Into the Woods Jr. (Baker’s Wife). Suzy enjoys hanging out with her sisters, taking photos, and making omelets. She would like to thank Ms. Stier, Mr. Huber, Donald, Jill, and Mrs. Beauchamp for taking the time out of their days to make this show possible. “I am so grateful for the dedication and patience they have in everything they do.” Suzy also thanks her wonderful family; always there to support, love, and make her laugh.
Hayden Rutan (Ancestor): Hayden was most recently in Grease: School Version. He has also performed in Peter Pan (Pirate) The Lion King Jr. (Simba), Into the Woods Jr. (Ensemble), and Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Ensemble). Hayden enjoys biking, reading, and playing Minecraft. He looks forward to being a senior next year. He plans to study biomedical engineering in college. Hayden would like to thank his parents for having his back. He thanks his brother and sisters for their support. Lastly, Hayden thanks his dog.
Zachary Shoemaker (Ancestor): Zachary is excited to make his WO Theater debut in The Addams Family. Other theatre credits include Bye Bye Birdie (Policeman, Ensemble) at Shadblow Theatre and crew for numerous West Ottawa productions. Zachary is Drum Major for West Ottawa Marching Band and when not on the field he plays trombone in Symphony band. He also sings in Vocalaires. For Zachary, the best part about being in this production is performing and making lasting memories.
Anthony Connor Short (Ancestor): Connor has been involved with West Ottawa Theater for 6 years. He has acted, crewed as the assistant to the director, and played in pit orchestra. Connor enjoys working with Mr. Huber. “His expertise is like none other and his joy and energy inspires me.” Connor will be attending the University of Michigan or Pennsylvania State University for nuclear engineering on a US Navy scholarship. Connor thanks his family, especially his parents for teaching him how to be a great young man. He thanks his closest friends for laughing and joking. He also thanks his dog, Sam for being excited to see him come home after school.
15 Mekiah Simmons (Ancestor): Mekiah was previously on stage in Grease: School Version (Ensemble). She says the best part about the musical is everyone is always free to be themselves without fear of judgment. “Theatre is a great experience!” Mekiah is captain of the dance team she looks forward to competitions, which start in December. She is also excited about WOSWE Holiday Tea next month. Mekiah would like to thank Ms. Stier and Mr. Huber for dedicating their time and effort into helping put together another amazing show. “It takes a lot of time, patience and love. So thank you!”
Anna VanKampen (Ancestor): Anna is thrilled to be a part of The Addams Family! Her previous shows at West Ottawa include Into the Woods Jr., The Lion King Jr., Grease: School Version (Miss Lynch), and Clue: On Stage (The Reporter). Anna’s favorite part about this show is working closely with friends and creating strong bonds within the cast. “We are a positive, tight-knit group of people, which has really made putting this show together exciting.’’ Outside of theatre, Anna enjoys painting, baking, and singing in choir. She looks forward to attending Thespian Festival in December. Anna would like to thank the girls in her car for being so gracious and patient Every time she forgot her script and had to ‘quick’ run home and grab it before rehearsal. “Love you guys!”
Zachary I am so proud of your accomplishments. I know you’ll continue to do amazing things!
Love, Mom
16 West Ottawa Theater Patron Messages Addams Family Cast & Crew – Your performance was a scream! Congratulations on your creepy kooky and spooky show. Mr. Huber, Ms. Stier, production team and staff - amazing job, as always. Thank you for your hard work! –The Conlon Family
We are so proud of you Mekiah! –Your family Emmett – You’ve been preparing your while life for the role of a little brother – you nailed it! Break a leg! Love: Mom, Dad, Drew, & Lorri
Gloria – You’re our favorite creepy and kooky Grandma! – Mom, Dad, and David
Haydn, don’t actually break a leg. It’s overrated – Matthew Ethan – We’re so proud of you and excited to hear you in the pit. Break a slide! Love: Mom, Dad, Drew & Lorri
Emmett – We’re so excited for you and glad we get to see you on stage! Love, your Indiana Family
Proud of you Crocky, Keep doin’ yo thang #GrindTimePrimeTime Ethan – We’re so excited for you and glad we get to hear you play! Love, your Indiana Family
Tegan & Timothy - Have a dynamite show! - Mom & Dad Good Luck Haydn! I know you’ll kill it. Wish I could be there – SPC Ethan Bjork
Suzy: When you’re a Parker, you have a very special duty. It’s family first and family last. Break a nail!
Haydn – We are so happy “You Rang?” You got this! Love, Mom, Dad and Stuart
Great Job Nate, so proud of you! Love, Mom From the McDonald Family to The Addams Family Cast, Crew & Pit - Congratulations on a great show!
Bella: We are so sad we couldn’t make it, but we know you will be amazing! – Poppy and Meemaw
Haydn, I’m voting you awesome at everything you do, so “You got this, buddy” I’m so proud of you! Love Gram
Give an electric performance Uncle Fester, we love you George from your “Addams family grandpa & grandma Frump” Nan & Pops XX”
The Addams Family 17 Jonathan McCabe We are so proud of all of your hard work at West Ottawa High School, on stage and off! We look forward to seeing what you will do next! Love always, Mom, Dad, Fiona, and Michael
TEGAN Pursue your passions with all your heart. We are so proud of you. Love Mom, Dad, Erin & Timothy
18 West Ottawa Theater Creative Endeavor: *Exists* Haydn, Lurching forward: You rang? Pretty sure this is perfect casting. Love Aunt Diana
Nate G. – So proud of all your accomplishments! You make us so proud! Grandpa & Grandma O.
Anna your hard work and commitment to drama is awesome! Grams & Gramps Headley
When you’re a Dannels.. snap snap.. We are so proud of you Alex! Love Mom, Dad, David & Kayleigh
Break a leg, Fiona! Wish I could be there in person...Love, Michael “There’s Mummy and there’s Daddy and baby...” oh well, George you may have ruined the Iles family song but you were worth it. Incredibly proud of you always. YSF Georgeous XOXO Lil
Congratulations on your performance, Jonathan! We have loved watching you on stage all these years...love you! Mom and Dad
Anna - We love your passion for the stage! Great job! Love Mom & Dad Alex, You’re creepy and you’re kooky, mysterious and spooky. You’re all together ooky! Love Grammy
Bella Kephart: Please fracture a limb, DAHLING! We love you! – Mom, Dad, Selah, and Caedmon
Suz – You might be the Mother of the house, but you’re still the baby in ours. – Love you! The Fam
Best wishes, break a leg George - all our love Nan and Papa You’re Creepy and Kooky Gomez! Wish I could be there, break a leg. Love Aunti Stefanie
Fiona...you are mysterious and spooky as Eleanor Addams and we love it! Congratulations on your first high school theater production! Love from, Mom and Dad
Jonathan...break a leg as Mal! Congratulations! Michael Kyle - Looking forward to seeing all of your hard work pay off. Break a leg! We love you! Love Mom & Dad
Alex, so anxious to see you stir the pot!! Love Gamma and Papa
The Addams Family 19 MAX GIBSON All the world’s a stage! Can’t wait to see where you NATE land. So Proud of you! Nate, Love you, Mom and Dad I am so proud of all your accomplishments over your 18 years... There is nothing that holds you back. You are an amazing young man and I am so very proud to be your mom! Love you so much!
Mom
20 West Ottawa Theater George We have been thrilled to enjoy all of your drama performances at West Ottawa. We can’t wait to see Uncle Fester come to life - with all our love from your No. 1 fans Mum & Dad XX
Connor Congratulations on all of your incredible performances! We’re so proud of you! Love Mom, Dad and Lorali
The Addams Family 21