The Addams family sit in various positions, appearing strong and stoic as they are ready for anything that comes their way. Beneath this rigid demeanor, however, lies a crazy, abnormal family that gets thrown into a frenzy once they learn about Wednesday’s new “boyfriend”.
Full-Disclosure: On Nov 8-9, the theater production of ‘The Addams Family’ had the audience pulled in new directions, exploring the “what ifs” of life alongside the kooky, peculiar family that was formed on and off-stage.
“Ever since the Netflix show ‘Wednesday’ came out I was like — this is me,” Bella Gager, a senior, said.
Gager played the role of Wednesday Addams, a seemingly emotionless teenager that surprisingly falls in love with Lucas Beineke, an average teenager from Ohio. Though she’s been a part of many shows since her freshman year, this production was a bit more important than most.
“This is my first lead,” Gager said. “I wish I had it earlier, but I’m really happy that this is the show I got my first lead in because I love it.” As a senior, this role was her last chance to prove to the audience, and herself, the full extent of her true potential. During freshman year, Gager hadn’t been brave enough to test the waters and audition for an acting role. However, as she gained confidence through experience and singing lessons, she was able to climb her way up the ladder of success and land her first main lead in a production.
“Wednesday allowed me to show everybody what I could actually do because I had never gotten that opportunity before,” Gager said.
Surprisingly enough, Gager wasn’t the only one getting her big break. Ese Odijghoro, a senior as well, stumbled through the doors of theater production for the first time since her freshman year. She used to be in regular theater arts, a class different from theater production as it only teaches you the basics of acting and technical work.
“Honestly, I think both classes are good, but [theater productions] is better, in my opinion,” Odijghoro said. “You actually have to work on shows, and you do more stuff involving production of theater.”
Even though Odijghoro found her love for theater so late in her high school career, she is grateful she at least got to experience what it is like to be a part of the theater family.
“I stopped a lot of good things when I got to high school, and I regret it,” Odijghoro said. “But then I was like, you know what? Maybe it’s actually going to be fun if I try it again my senior year, and I did, and it’s actually really fun.”
While these members found the success they had been relentlessly striving for, others were granted unexpected opportunities. Lorelei Wickman, a sophomore, was part of the ensemble when she received the role of Alice Beineke, the cheerful mother of Lucas Beineke who is secretly depressed because of the lack of love she receives from her husband. Though Wickman was delighted to take on the role, there was one small problem. She was given this role a week before the show was going to play.
“Things happen. This is live theater,” Wickman said. “[But] when I have three days to understand a complete song and not have time for voice lessons, it’s a little hectic.”
Even though she knew what was being asked of her was not going to be easy, her determination never wavered. Wickman memorized her lines with ease and meticulously learned the new dance numbers as best as she could. During the process, however, she struggled with her solo song, “Waiting,” and was tough on herself throughout the rehearsals leading up to the official production.
“I think we are all our toughest critics,” Wickman said. “If you weren’t perfect, then you weren’t good.”
Even though all of her cast members were astonished to see the level of ability Wickman had to craft her complex character and nail the choreography in a matter of days, she felt frustrated when she wasn’t able to perform to the ability that she set her own mind to. Nevertheless, when showtime came just around the corner, her passion for her role came through and she knew it was time to do her character justice.
“Alice is such a fun character that’s so underrated because nobody knows her,” Wickman said. “I think it also gives a message to the audience that we don’t have to pretend to be someone for people to like.”
Throughout their separate journeys during this production, each member of the Cypress Woods Theater Company found themselves back at the same point, ready for the lights to come on and the Addams family theme song to start playing. Gager believes that it’s easier to put on a great show when the people around you help create a strong foundation built off trust and friendship.
“It was always a dream that I never thought would become a reality,” Gager said. “But now that it is, I’m just really grateful for my CWTC family and this show has a special place in my heart.”
