The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
‘The Addams Family’ visits The Kate
Classic to hit stage this weekend
OLD SAYBROOK — They’re creepy, they’re kooky, and they’re coming to Old Saybrook. A Shared Stage Productions, a program of Vista Life Innovations, is bringing “The Addams Family” to The Kate May 18, 19 and 20.
Under the direction of professional theater director, designer and educator Martin Marchitto, the production stars a unified cast of performers from the greater shoreline theater community alongside students and members of Vista Life Innovations, a community-based program supporting the personal success of individuals with disabilities.
“It has been an exciting journey to explore this script and find new and exciting choices that will make our production unique to our cast and their talents,” said Marchitto, an adjunct visual and performing arts professor at Manhattan College.
A musical comedy written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice with lyrics by Andrew Lippa, “The Addams Family” brings to life the kooky and macabre world of Gomez, Morticia and the entire Addams clan as they face a peculiar challenge: teenage love.
The story centers on an 18-year-old Wednesday, who has fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—whom she's invited over for dinner. Everything will change for the Addamses on that hilariously fateful night as they welcome Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents into their home.
“The audience will definitely enjoy the amazing energy this cast is bringing to the stage,” said actor Neil Fuentes, who plays the role of Gomez.
Fuentes, a New Haven resident, is among eight community actors sharing the stage with 14 Vista students and members.
Although the show packs a comedic punch, it also carries an important moral, Marchitto said.
"Not only is this production funny, it beautifully captures the importance of family and acceptance of our unique differences," he said.
“The Addams Family” hits the stage Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 19 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m.. Tickets are $35 and available on The Kate’s website or by calling the Box Office at 860-510-0453.
Vista Life Innovations is a 501©3 nonprofit organization accredited by the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). With campuses in Madison, Westbrook and Guilford, Vista’s mission is to provide services and resources to assist individuals with disabilities achieve personal success. Visit www.vistalifeinnovations.org for more information.