The Addams Family as presented by Bray Musical Society

BRAY MUSICAL SOCIETY 

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

17TH – 20TH APRIL 2024

MERMAID ARTS CENTRE, BRAY CO WICKLOW

PUBLIC ADJUDICATION

The Front of House team of Bray Musical Society's "The Addams Family" production was perfect. Friendly, welcoming, and attentive to the patron's needs, ensuring everyone had a pleasant experience. Their organization is to be noted. I particularly loved the Foyer with its decoration and the paintings of the Beineke’s and The Addams family at the end of each arm of the staircase draped in all sorts of decoration and fitness. There was a smooth and efficient flow of the audience entering and exiting the theatre. The Front of House team's efforts contributed to the audience's positive experience and helped set the scene for a successful production. 

The Director was Ms Emma Thornton. Ms Thornton did an impressive job on casting and character development, especially with the front line. The cast played their respective roles well, and their performances were very good. The vocals were remarkable, and the costumes were visually appealing, bringing the characters to life. However, a few areas of the production could have been improved. The sets were too minimalistic for the stage's width, length, and depth. Specifically, adding more details and filling the stage with more set, particularly in the scenes where Gomez is alone on stage or Gomez and Wednesday; indeed, in many of the scenes where just one or two of the main characters were centre stage, more set and attention to detail with furniture, gothic windows, a balcony, a mezzanine would have been so beneficial and visually more appealing to the eye for the audience. Despite some areas that could have been enhanced, the Director's work brought the characters to life and created a visually captivating production. With some adjustments to the set design and a smoother start to the show, this production had the potential to be even more successful. 

The Musical Director, Ms Elizabeth Gregan, and her Orchestra, positioned under the stage with Ms Gregan conducting from the pit, were undoubtedly a highlight of this production. The Orchestra's beautiful sound was a testament to their professionalism and attention to detail, which Ms Gregan led with impeccable precision. Overall, the Musical Director and her Orchestra were a significant factor in the success of this production. I want to give this lovely orchestra recognition for their beautiful tone, sound, and contribution to the show, which was undoubtedly outstanding. Their presence and performance added a layer of depth and richness to the production, making it a truly memorable experience.

The Choreographer was Yvonne Prendergast. Ms Prendergast's role as the choreographer was an essential aspect of the production's success. Her creative and engaging choreography added a lovely lightness and good pace to the show, and the cast danced their movements with precision and energy. The ensemble numbers were visually stunning, and the movements were well-coordinated and precisely executed. I was genuinely captivated by the variety of dance styles and the excellent execution of the choreography. Ms Prendergast's contribution was commendable and I look forward to seeing more of her work in the future.

The Stage Manager was Greg Egan. Considering the vast stage for the cast, I felt the sets were too minimalistic during the production. I felt that more detail could have been added to the sets, especially in the scenes where only one or two principal characters were on stage, making the stage look too bare and vast. 

On the other hand, the sets in the ensemble numbers were visually good and worked well in the production. The vast stage offered so much potential for creativity and detail, and I felt that more could have been done to enhance the production rather than take away from it. 

The lighting design was very good. Excellent lighting cues, which enhanced the production's overall atmosphere. The lighting changes were well-timed and seamlessly executed, which complemented the mood of each scene. Using colours, shadows, and spotlights such as “The Game” created a gothic and eerie ambiance, which was so lovely. The lighting effects, particularly in the dance numbers, were visually successful. 

The sound design was also superb. Thanks to the Sound Team, the sound quality was spot on, the sound effects were well-timed and solid, and the sound where an audience doesn’t have to strain to hear is a vital part, in my opinion, of any production success. The balance between the live orchestra and the actors' voices was perfect, and the vocals were clear and audible throughout the performance.

I am thrilled to provide an adjudication on the fabulous costumes in "The Addams Family" production. When the company went to hire costumes, they found that none were available. However, I was incredibly impressed by the company's get-up-and-go attitude and their ability to source and create their costumes for the production. This was a win-win situation, as the costumes were stunning and added a gorgeous freshness and change to the usually hired costumes. The authenticity and attention to detail in the costumes were truly remarkable. 

From Morticia's elegant gown to Gomez's impeccably fitted suit, each piece was visually stunning and truly brought the characters to life on stage. I was particularly impressed by Ms. Beineke's vibrant yellow dress, which added colour and energy to the scene. The costumes were visually stunning and a testament to the company's hard work, commitment to the show, passion, and dedication. The costumes were gorgeous and authentic, and I am in awe of the creativity and attention to detail that went into sourcing and creating these lovely costumes. The result was awe-inspiring. The costumes added a layer of depth, and I was delighted to see the company's efforts pay off so beautifully on stage. The result was nothing short of fantastic. You should all be so very proud. 

The make-up and hair of the entire cast in The Addams Family were truly impressive, and I can't help but appreciate the hard work and dedication that must have gone into crafting each character's appearance. The make-up of the front line and the ancestors was particularly striking, and it was evident that the make-up and hair team had taken great care to ensure that every detail was perfect. The make-up and hair team's dedication and hard work were commendable; their efforts undoubtedly contributed to the production's success. 

Props were very good in most scenes. The creepy portraits, their attention to detail, and other props used during the production were skilfully chosen, creating an eerie and immersive atmosphere that truly brought the show to life. Grandma's trolley was a detailed vision, and I loved that every potion and bottle was complete and very authentic. The time it must have taken to build this one prop made it simply the best prop on the set. The props here and their detail contributed significantly to the production's overall success. Great job, props team!

Tim Forde played the part of Gomez Addams. A commendable performance, Mr Forde brought a lot of energy and charisma to the role, delivering the character's witty lines with excellent timing. The chemistry between Gomez and Morticia was evident, and the actor's strong stage presence added to the production's overall charm This role suited you very well, Mr Forde. I looked forward to seeing you on stage with your eccentricity, darkness, fun, and charm. 

Joanne Keeling played the part of Morticia. Ms Keeling was a calm and serene matriarch exuding an alluring and slightly intimidating gothic charm! Ms. Keeling delivered a strong performance as Morticia Addams, beautifully capturing the character's elegance and allure. Gorgeous facial expression remained the same throughout the show except for one moment when Ms Keeling attempted a smile – badly! Ms Keeling's vocals were impressive, and the on-stage chemistry with Gomez was palpable. Ms. Keeling's character demonstrated beautifully through her acting that she was deeply devoted to her family. Lovely role, Ms Keeling. 

Conor Martin played the part of Fester Addams. Mr. Martin brought so much warmth and humour to the role, and I particularly loved his scenes with the Ancestors, which were delightful. Mr Martin’s vocals were impressive, and his Makeup and physical appearance were perfect. Your singing of “The Moon and Me” was so lovely. Mr Martin was a quirky character with a ghoulish delight in experiments and inventions, and his stage presence was superb. But Mr Martin’s scene with the moon won me over. His dry wit and devilment were so well done, and the audience lapped up this character and what Mr Martin himself brought to this role. Superbly cast and performed Mr Martin.

Emily Farrell played the part of Wednesday Addams. Ms Farrell, as Wednesday, had a deadpan wit and melancholy personality. I loved how her talent in acting showed her intelligence, cunning fascination with death, and the darker sides of life, and I loved her costume, black dress, and hair and makeup, which were mainly of note. Ms. Farrell captured the character's rebellious spirit, and her vocals were excellent. 

Sam Gannon played the part of Pugsley. The portrayal of Pugsley Addams by this young man was delightful. He was mischievous and a little naïve, but he also portrayed a love for dangerous and unusual experiments. Mr. Gannon brought a lot of energy and humour to the role, and his solo “What If” was a huge moment, alone on stage spotlighting a solo; singing his heart out was one of the show's highlights for me. An absolute Star. 

Catherine Gregan played Grandma. She wore a fabulous costume with wild, frizzy hair and gypsy-like attire. You acted so very well with her playful impishness despite her age. Her somewhat senile behaviour added so much to the production, and Ms. Gregan shuffled about menacingly and with great wit. She superbly played the role. Well done, Ms. Gregan. 

James Scott played the part of Mal Beineke, who did a great job bringing this character to life.. He had a solid and resonant voice that commanded attention, and his acting as husband and the chemistry with his on-stage wife, Alice Beineke, was also noteworthy. He acted in this role very well. 

Amanda Anderson played the part of Alice Beineke. Ms. Anderson's portrayal of Alice Beineke was acted dramatically and later with true abandon, which was very good indeed. Ms. Anderson's vocal performance was beautiful, with a clear and powerful voice, and her chemistry with her on-stage husband, Mal Beineke, was also noteworthy; I enjoyed what Ms Anderson brought to this role. 

Dylan Anderson played the part of Lucas Beineke. Mr. Anderson's portrayal of Lucas Beineke was very well played beautifully, showing us the character of a young man struggling to find his place in the world and torn between his love for his girlfriend, Wednesday Addams, and his loyalty to his family. With a solid and confident voice, Mr. Anderson's vocal performance was excellent. 

The Chorus Master was Elizabeth Gregan. The Chorus members put in a lot of hard work and dedication, which showed in their performance. Their harmonies were delightful, complementing the soloists and the Orchestra perfectly. The Chorus members' energy and enthusiasm throughout the production were impressive, adding to the show's overall quality and professionalism. Highlights being “Full Disclosure,” “Just around the Corner,” and the showstopping “Move Towards the Darkness” and “Secrets” to mention but a few. A glorious sound, everyone. 

I saw a fabulous society here and a lovely camaraderie; hang on to that; it's not easy to find or hang on to. But here is a gorgeous unity that exists within this beautiful society. This is a significant factor in the success of any production and should be nurtured and cherished. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Megan Fawsitt, Chairperson of the Society and the Committee, and you all for your hard work and dedication. It was a pleasure to attend the show, I sang all the way home! I wish you all the best for your future and encourage you to strive for excellence. 

Caroline Daly Jones 

Sullivan Adjudicator 2023/24