THE ADDAMS FAMILY: A GHOULISH TREAT AT ENCORE THEATRE OCTOBER 15-25

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate and Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com

October 21, 2015 (Spring Valley) - The Addams Family is basically a romantic comedy with a pop of ooky. A kooky family, which when it comes down to thick and thin has a strong bond like most families and will stick together no matter what. 

Young Actor'sTheatre in Spring valley always does an amazing job of family entertainment, and this show is no different. It's the perfect pre-Halloween experience. Bring out the kids and share some silly macabre fun.

The story is about little Wednesday all grown up and in love. She invites her boyfriend and his parents to dinner and ask them to act normal. She tells Gomez Lucas her boyfriend wants to marry her, but not to to tell Mortica. That's a difficult task for Gomez to keep a secret for Mortica, but he agrees, and the fun begins.

The cast is spooktabulous. There is a scene where they all sit down around a table for dinner--all eight of the principals, then something goes awry and each has a different expression on their face, perfectly in character, showing expressive signs of great actors. Director Gerardo Flores you knocked this one out of the cemetery.

Josef Emmenegger played Gomez with such charisma and timing he reminded me of a young Antonio Banderes. Bella Snyder played Wednesday in this, her 16th show with YAT, and she just keeps getting better and better. This was my favorite role for her yet. Morticia was played by Shannon Pedergast, who nails the pout. David Limon, as Fester, an audience fvorite. He was fabulous. The adorable Ryan singer played Pugsly. Caleb Williams played Lucas. Kevin Davidson played Mal, and I just love him. Mary Rose Vadebonoseur did a fantastic job as Alice. Lovable Grandma was played by the talented Astrid Pett. Then we have Lurch played by Harrison Shoef, who could not have been more perfect.

Of course, the ensemble who played the ghostly ancestors were great--especially when they dance. All the dances are creepily fun. Of course the show would not be complete without a tango from Morticia and Gomez. What a fantastic performance by all the dancers, thanks to Jonathan Hoagland.

I love the program cover and the way the actors from the play was juxtaposed into a family portrait. totally cool. My favorite number was Full Disclosure.

You can still catch the show from October 22 - October 25, with five more performances. Please check out yatsandiego.org for more information or call 619-670-1427.

Let you inner monsters come out and play. Come to the Encore theatre, 9620 Campo Road and you will leave with a smile on you r face and the theme some running through you head.