Displaying items by tag: De Haddad

They're creepy and they're kooky, Mysterious and spooky, They're altogether ooky, The Addams Family.

Yes, ooky.

BrightSide Theatre’s production of The Addams Family Musical at the Theater at Meiley Swallow Hall feels like stepping back into the wonderfully odd world of a family we’ve all grown up with. There’s an immediate charm in seeing Gomez and Morticia - the passionately devoted, darkly elegant heads of the Addams clan - presiding over their spooky, loving household with the same theatrical flair that made them iconic. With a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, the show’s blend of gothic quirk, musical comedy warmth, and big-hearted family chaos lands with a personal, familiar joy that makes this staging especially inviting. And right at the center is Wednesday Addams, their sharp tongued, deadpan daughter whose unexpected leap into romance sets everything spiraling.

In this musical comedy, Wednesday has fallen in love with Lucas Beineke, a sweet, decidedly “normal” young man from Ohio. Determined to prove she’s ready for something real, she asks her parents to host a dinner so the two families can meet - but she also begs Gomez to keep her engagement a secret from Morticia. That single request throws Gomez into a hilarious moral crisis, while Morticia senses something is off and the rest of the Addams household prepares for an evening guaranteed to go sideways. When the straight-laced Beinekes arrive, their collision with the gloriously eccentric Addamses sparks a night of confessions, misunderstandings, unexpected alliances, and more than a few supernatural surprises. What unfolds is a heartfelt, funny, and delightfully macabre exploration of love, loyalty, and the beautifully strange ways families learn to accept one another - quirks and all.

BrightSide’s production thrives on the strength of its performers, and this cast brings the Addams world to life with personality, precision, and a magnificently off-center spirit.

Scott Kelley and Samatha Keret (rear) as Gomez and Morticia and Ancestors in Brightside Theatre’s The Addams Family Musical. Photos by CM Stage Photography.

At the center of the production are Scott Kelley’s Gomez Addams and Samantha Keret’s Morticia Addams, who anchor the show with an easy chemistry that makes their partnership feel lived in and genuinely affectionate. Their banter and romantic interactions are fantastic - playful, sharp, and full of the kind of idiosyncratic mutual understanding that makes their marriage the emotional core of the evening. Kelley gives Gomez a warm, slightly frantic presence, the kind of theatrical bravado that feels both funny and sincere. Keret, with her beautiful voice and cool, elegant presence, matches him beat for beat, creating a dynamic that feels both grounded and pleasantly heightened. Together, they knock their roles out of the ballpark.

The ensemble - from the Addams clan to the buttoned-up Beinekes, along with the ghostly Ancestors who linger in the house until Wednesday’s journey toward love sets them free - brings strong energy and cohesion to the production, giving the show a vibrant foundation for some standout performances.

Lauren Mathews’ Wednesday Addams is terrific, offering a Wednesday who is smart, guarded, and brimming with the dry, deadpan wit audiences expect - but also carrying the emotional uncertainty of someone stepping into adulthood faster than she planned. Her performance captures a teenager caught between loyalty to her wonderfully strange family and the terrifying possibility of real change. Because the story ultimately revolves around love - romantic, familial, and everything in between - Mathews becomes the hinge of the entire narrative, and she handles that responsibility with clarity and confidence.

Collin Borisenko’s Uncle Fester adds a welcome dose of sweetness and eccentricity, leaning into Fester’s gentle oddball nature without tipping into caricature, while Amy Arbizzani’s Alice Beineke provides some of the evening’s biggest laughs as a tightly wound suburban mom whose unraveling becomes a comedic highlight. Arbizzani’s timing - and her ability to really belt when the moment calls for it - turns her musical outbursts into genuine showstoppers.

BrightSide’s creative team shapes this production with care and a clear affection for the material. Under De Haddad’s direction, the musical moves with clear, unfussy ease, balancing the story’s humor and heart while keeping the unconventional Addams world feeling cohesive and inviting. Shane Brown’s choreography adds light, well placed movement that supports the storytelling without crowding the stage, giving each number a clear, character focused lift. Phil Videckis leads the music with steady assurance, keeping the score’s personality and emotional beats aligned with the action. Cheryl Newman’s costumes offer a thoughtful blend of familiar Addams silhouettes and clean, stage ready designs, while Kurt Ottinger’s lighting brings subtle shifts in mood and color with just enough theatrical shadow to frame the world effectively. The production’s scenic design, crafted by Ariel Mozes, provides a space that feels both spooky and welcoming - a home that fits the Addams tribe and the story unfolding within it. One of the production’s most engaging details is the way the Ancestors drift in and out of the family portraits, turning the walls of the Addams home into a living gallery that observes the action as it unfolds.

Pugsley and Wednesday Addams (Carson Kelley and Lauren Mathews) in Brightside Theatre’s The Addams Family Musical. 

This is a funny show that is all about love, and BrightSide delivers that humor with a light, playful touch that keeps the audience laughing. And even when some of the jokes are predictable, they still land, because the delivery, timing, and sheer Addams‑style absurdity make the familiar feel fun rather than tired. I did wonder whether comedy born sixty years ago would still resonate with today’s crowd, but the production blends the classic Addams deadpan with a few modern winks - including some sly innuendo and contemporary asides - that make the jokes feel fresh without betraying the spirit of the original. The crowd was a mix of longtime Addams fans and newer generations, something made instantly clear when the familiar theme kicked in - a handful snapped right on cue while others clapped along. It was a fun blend of reactions, and the overall effect showed that the humor lands for everyone.

Big musical moments like When You’re an Addams burst with playful choreography and gothic silliness, setting the tone right from the start. Later, Full Disclosure turns a family dinner into a brilliantly chaotic spectacle, layering jokes, reveals, and ensemble energy in a way that feels both sharp and amusingly messy. Morticia’s Just Around the Corner is another highlight - a charming bit of dark humor built around her cheerful pun that “death is just around the coroner… get it?” delivered with exactly the kind of melodramatic glint the character thrives on.

For so many of us, The Addams Family began in grainy black and white reruns on TV - the kind you’d stumble upon on a quiet afternoon, or watch curled up on the couch, instantly pulled into that wonderfully odd little world. Those episodes became part of childhood in a way that sticks, shaping our sense of humor and giving us characters who felt strange, sweet, and strangely familiar all at once. Seeing the Addamses still make people smile today - onstage, in full color, with all their offbeat charm intact - is a reminder of how enduring they are. Decades later, they’re still beautifully weird, still welcoming, and still capable of bringing out that same simple, shared joy.

BrightSide Theatre’s The Addams Family Musical is recommended, offering a spirited, nostalgic, and thoroughly enjoyable night out for audiences of all ages. The production runs October 2–18, 2026 at the Theater at Meiley Swallow Hall at North Central College, located at 31 S. Ellsworth St. in Naperville. With an estimated running time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission, it’s an evening that delivers plenty of laughs, charm, and quirky family fun - a welcome return to the wonderfully weird world of the Addams clan.

https://brightsidetheatre.com/the-addams-family/

Brightside Theatre's latest production, Jekyll And Hyde In Concert is a truly mesmerizing experience. And if you are a Chicago resident like myself, this theatrical performance is well worth the not-so-long trek to the burbs. The musicians and the impressive array of talented singers delivered a performance that seized my attention from the very start and held me spellbound throughout. With cozy table seating on the floor and traditional theater seating in the rear, there isn't a bad spot in the house. The acoustics are superb, and the singers frequently stroll through the audience, creating an immersive and intimate experience.

Jekyll and Hyde In Concert rejuvenates the eerie narrative of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. This musical retelling masterfully brings the enthralling story to life on stage, showcasing the complexity of human nature through riveting songs and dynamic performances. The plot centers on the esteemed Dr. Henry Jekyll, whose attempt to distinguish the good from the evil within himself results in the birth of the malevolent Edward Hyde. As Hyde's horrifying deeds escalate uncontrollably, Jekyll battles with the monster he has unleashed, culminating in a heart-wrenching and inevitable end. The concert format accentuates the stirring score, featuring unforgettable pieces that illuminate the internal and external struggles of the characters. With its powerful melodies and expressive lyrics, the audience is drawn into the mesmerizing and dark world of Jekyll and Hyde, promising an unforgettable theatrical journey.

Picture a theater abuzz with excitement as the audience prepares for an "on book" concert performance of Jekyll And Hyde. The performers, each clutching their scripts and scores, take their places at music stands arranged across the stage. Behind them, a full orchestra sits poised, instruments at the ready. Magical.

As the orchestra dives into the stirring opening notes, the performers join in, bringing to life characters such as Dr. Henry Jekyll, Lucy Harris, Emma Carew, and Sir Danvers Carew with their powerful vocals and deep emotion. The "on book" format adds an intimate, unpolished charm to the performance, allowing the audience to focus on the music and the performers' interpretations. Throughout the concert, the orchestra's lush harmonies and soaring crescendos amplify the drama and intensity of the story, creating a gripping and immersive experience. This fusion of live orchestration and on-book singing offers a distinct and unforgettable rendition of the cherished musical.

Gerald Kelel masterfully leads this concert, seamlessly transitioning between the roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, executing each note with precision and authority. Rachel Carreras as Lucy Harris and Julie Ann Kornak as Emma Carew also deliver standout performances, showcasing their impressive vocal range. Veteran stage actor Stan Austin shines as Sir Danvers Carew, bringing intensity and robust vocals to the role. While the entire cast is brimming with talent, both Molly Bremer and Sean Rhead each have their moments to highlight their remarkable vocal prowess. This is just a brilliant piece of theatre in concert form that was such a pleasure to watch.

This particular performance of Jekyll And Hyde In Concert is a highlight of Brightside Theatre’s Concert Series, following the company’s spectacular run of Dracula. Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass has skillfully curated the upcoming season, featuring Beetlejuice Jr., Pippin, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, promising an exhilarating 2025.

Brightside Theatre, nestled in the heart of Naperville's historic downtown district, is a professional non-profit theatre company dedicated to enlightening, educating, and entertaining audiences. Established in 2011, it holds the distinction of being the only professional non-profit theatre in Naperville. Brightside Theatre's diverse offerings include comedies, inspirational stories from around the globe, mainstage productions, a musical theatre concert series, and a free Summer in the Parks Series. They also provide educational programs and summer camps for young performers. Recognized with multiple awards, Brightside Theatre has been named the Best Entertainment Venue by Naperville Magazine for five consecutive years.

RECOMMENDED!

Jekyll And Hyde In Concert

About: Conceived for the stage by Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden

Music by Frank Wildhorn, Book and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse

Directed by De Haddad

Musical Direction by Phil Videckis

2 hours 15 minutes including intermission

Where: Madden Theatre, North Central College, 171 Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm from January 17 through 26, 2025.

Tickets: $37 for Adults and $32 for Seniors and Students

Show and Theatre Information: http://www.brightsidetheatre.com/