In the world of OHS theater, students are rehearsing lines, practicing singing and running through choreography in preparation for this semester’s musical. The second musical in the last 20 years, “The Addams Family” is in the works.
“’The Addams Family’ kind of seemed like a perfect fit,” theater director Isabelle Zurcher said. “We had the kids for it. We knew that we’d be able to fill all of the roles we needed to.”
Though the production is just starting to get rolling, those involved have already started rehearsing every day after school for two hours, but that time will be increasing eventually.
“So far, we’ve only had like a week of rehearsals, so we are learning choreography right now, which is dancing,” Kyle Brand (10) said, “and I just go home, and I run over the dances a few times just to get it in my head.”
Those who participated in last year’s musical, “Seussical,” felt that it went well and was a hit with the audience, so the cast and crew are hoping for a similar reaction this year.
“The sets have gotten bigger. We have more funding. Now we have a bigger reputation, and we definitely want to keep that reputation,” Matt Kennedy (12) said. “I think it’s going to be bigger, better and more legendary.”
“Seussical” was the first musical Zurcher had ever directed. With the program’s experience, however, they are planning on making “The Addams Family” even better.
“I think if the show is more fun to look at, that will attract more people,” Brand said.
The decision to perform was driven by a desire to do something different from typical musicals and fun shows, while still maintaining a comedic element. The production team believed the show would be a good fit for their students and the time frame available, ensuring they could cast all the necessary roles.
“I’m really excited for the choreography and just the songs in general, because it’s gonna be a lot more cutthroat and more professional,” Stella Kolb (10) said.
A new face to the cast will be Mackenzie Christopher (12), who has been in choir for seven years and has always had an interest in theater, but has just now decided to join the theater program for the first time.
“I love the teacher. Me and her go way back,” Christopher said. “We’ve known each other for a long time, so I just think it’d be a fun experience to try.”
The theater program will be performing “The Addams Family” Nov. 21-23.
Dave Woehrle • Nov 25, 2024 at 9:16 am
Thoroughly enjoyed it. My first time attending one of the theater programs performances. We had come to see Matt K perform and see what the program had to offer the students. The complete cast and crew gave a professional performance which looked like a exciting experience..