WHS choirs proudly present the musical, The Addams Family

Tickets are on sale now for performances on March 13, 15, and 17 (7 p.m.) and March 18 (2 p.m.)

The Addams Family Musical has a fun story for all audiences. Wednesday Addams has grown up and found love. This relationship, with a young man from a seemingly respectable and ordinary family, tests the strength of the Addams family. Everything changes when the Addams host a dinner for Wednesday’s boyfriend and his “normal” family. Secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face the one thing they’ve always managed to avoid: change.

 Choir director, Mike Turner shared that there’s a considerable amount of research that goes into choosing a musical. After reading through a number of scripts, Turner had narrowed the possibilities down to about three different shows. In the end, The Addams Family won out because it is well written, overflowing with wit and humor, and has such a good underlying message about families.  With its fair share of  “laugh out loud” moments, the story is the perfect combination of humor and a strong universal message.

 Turner shared that he knew right away that this would be a musical where Weiser students would shine. 

 “The music is fun, the story is great, and it’s just so incredibly funny. It really hits all the marks as it explores the changes families go through when children and parents grow older. It just resonates with me. I think we all see a little bit of ourselves in the Addams,” Turner said.  

 The show stars Roma Walker as Morticia Addams, Rian Yamaguchi as Gomez Addams, Whitney Turner as Grandma Addams, Ella Terry as Wednesday Addams, Mollie Price as Pugsley Addams, Brayden Walker as Lurch, Karsten Walker as Mal Beineke, Larell Chandler as Alice Beineke, and Riggin Roberts as Lucas Beineke. 

 The musicals take a substantial amount of preparation and rehearsal time. Turner began doing the foundational work in the fall, and the choirs and musical theatre class auditioned just after the Christmas musical. They have been working hard at it ever since. 

 Turner shared that the musical is truly a collaborative effort between the choirs and the musical theatre class. In addition to the musical, the choirs are preparing for a concert, choir festival, and solo competition. And many of the students are also involved in other extracurricular activities. The musical class provides that desperately needed rehearsal time, and the time and space to further delve into the art of acting. Twenty-six of the 40 cast members are in the musical theatre class, and 30 of the 40 cast members are also in choir. 

 “In the end, it’s really the marriage of the two that makes our musicals so good. The students are honing their vocal and performing skills in choir, and bringing it all together with the acting during our rehearsals in musical theatre. The dual participation of our students really helps each class make the other better,” Turner said. 

 Turner also shared that there are many volunteers that help the show come together behind the scenes. Julie Chandler is once again providing the amazing costumes for our show. Her eye and attention to detail are second to none. Jim Brush has helped in a big way with the set construction and getting lumber and supplies. Gwen Toomalatai has also returned to lend her amazing skills with the set painting. WHS art instructor, Miranda Stansbery, has been helping with many of the props, both large and small. Turner said most of all, he wants to thank his wife, Sheleigh Turner,  who helps with just about everything: painting, makeup, props, and he truly couldn’t do it without her.

 Tickets are $8 for all ages and can be purchased now at https://weiserhs.seatyourself.biz. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to performance.