'They're Creepy and They're Kooky'

by Brynly R.

Maybe you've seen the tv show and heard the lyrics; maybe you even snap your fingers at the appropriate places when you hear the song, "They're creepy and they're kooky; mysterious and spooky; they're all together ooky--The Adams Family." And maybe you were privileged to attend the live production of "The Addams Family" earlier this month at The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center.

The Addams Family is a musical written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice based on the cartoons of Charles Addams. Our local production was directed by David Cotton-Zinn and produced by Emily Moore former RCB theatre teacher and current employee of the Robinson Grand. Another RCB alumna, Kim Bell, choreographed the show. The Addams Family was sponsored by West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and the Culture Foundation of Harrison County.

The cast of the Addams Family was comprised of 25 talented local performers from Harrison, Marion, Taylor and Monongalia counties. Some of the main characters were Gomez played by Brandon Leroy, Morticia portrayed by RCB alumna Marissa Bailey, Wednesday played by Maryn Seamon, Pugsley played by Jack Santee, Fester played by Brian Nichols, Lurch played by Gabriel Radcliff, and Grandma played by Michelle Stewart-Stover.

RCB preforming arts students had the opportunity to attend a day performance. Madison S. said, “I really enjoyed the choreography because I’m a dancer. I thought the actors did an amazing job. I thought all the actors had beautiful voices.” RCB student and student performer Aubree M. remarked that “it was really fun and all the cast and crew were really nice. It was a good experience.”

Everyone seemed to enjoy the recent production of "The Addams Family." The community is fortunate to have the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center.