The Buzz

The Licking Heights Theater Club is preparing to return to the stage with their second production of the year - The Addams Family. The comically macabre storyline follows the dark and creepy Wednesday Addams who’s fallen in love with a young man from a respectable family. Her parents, however, have never met him. And to make matters worse, Wednesday confides in her father, Gomez Addams, forcing him to do something he’s never done before: keep a secret from his wife Morticia. The story comes to a head on the night when the Addams family hosts a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. This musical’s bizarre characters and delightfully humorous storyline are sure to keep audiences entertained. The production’s main characters include Issac Russell as Gomez, Gillian Bender as Morticia, Anaya Espinosa as Wednesday, Lily Hunt as Pugsley, Issac Moutoux as Fester, Magnolia Lees as Grandma, Cliff Daniels as Alice, Hudson Shamell as Mal, Landon Abram as Lucas, and Emmanuel Roberts as Lurch.

Ms. Whetstone, the director, has expressed her excitement with putting on this production; she’s chosen this show for a variety of reasons. During the year, Ms. Whetstone tends to choose “one production for [herself] and one for everyone else,” she mentions. She’s excited that the Addams Family (a stark contrast to The Mystery of Edwin Drood from earlier this year) will be a family-friendly and well-known musical for audiences of all ages to engage with, noting  that the show will be perfect for touring at the elementary schools soon. “I love doing a well known show and changing expectations,” Ms. Whetstone says after stating that she’s looking forward to shattering preconceived notions. From a director’s standpoint, Ms. Whetstone is looking forward to the special effects, makeup, and the opportunity to use other resource material for inspiration. 

Anaya Espinosa, who’ll be playing Wednesday in this show, shares Whetstone’s enthusiasm. She began her theater journey on the paint crew for“The Wedding Singer" .  However, she notes that what she really wanted to do was audition. She made her debut as a member of the cast during Urinetown, last fall. For Anaya, being in theater has been a great experience; she’s loved getting to know new people, experience new things, and bring all sorts of stories to life. She highlights the importance of  “doing it scared" and facing your fears in order to truly end up where you want to be. From a cast member’s standpoint, Anaya is excited to spend time with her fellow castmates, work alongside her peers, and to “show everyone what we’ve got.”. 

     Both Ms. Whetstone and Anaya think that you should look forward to notable characters and a flashy, humorous show. Ms. Whetstone has mentioned that she’s got some things up her sleeve for this production, so make sure to be there and get ready to have your preconceived ideas shattered! The show dates are March 12th, 13th, and 14th at 7PM. Buy your tickets today!