A captivating, brilliantly performed, devilishly funny dinner show served up by the very talented Blenheim Musical Theatre team.
The fun begins with the instantly recognisable spooky melody and snap of fingers, a harbinger of the deliciously macabre musical comedy that awaits.
Based on the characters created by Charles Addams in his single-panel gag cartoons, follow this ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things ghoulish and grim.
Directed by Liana Bell, the show opened on Halloween, a suitable night indeed to showcase the incredible talents of a cast who perfectly capture the essence of these complex characters.
Logan Croad as Lurch moves brilliantly against the larger-than-life characters, somehow maintaining a straight face among the laugh-out-loud scenes.
Justin Thomas as Gomez is powerful, funny, and brilliant at guiding the show. He manages to appease both his wife Morticia, played by Shelley Durkin Zintl and daughter Wednesday, performed by Viola Minghetti.
Shelley brings a brilliant blend of classy horror to the role. Graceful, sharp-witted and with impeccable comic timing, she is a delight to behold.
Viola too is a star with her powerful voice and talent bringing depth to the character. Her chemistry with Lucas Beineke played by Brett McPhail is faultless and brings real life to their love story. The pair bring wickedly funny scenes to life, bouncing off each other effortlessly.
Anne Vawter plays a perfect ditzy Alice Beineke who comes alive when her drink is poisoned at the ending of the first act, brings yet more star power to the stage with a performance not to be forgotten.
Andrew Simon as Fester was a standout. He played well to the audience and his love symphony to the moon at the start of the second act had the audience in stitches and sparked a huge cheer from the crowd. Fester's larger than life role was complemented by an ensemble of Ancestors who supported the main cast beautifully and helped bring the whole story to life, or death as the case may be!
Pugsley was portrayed brilliantly by Arthur Saad-Ciprano-Pinherio he performed his solo brilliantly and delivered an excellent performance throughout. His scenes with Grandma, played by Margie Fletcher were outstanding.
The attention to detail in the set was second to none with movable picture frames, a smoking fire, and many smaller touches giving life to the entire performance.
Huge congratulations to Liana Bell and team. This wonderful, witty show has been more than a year in the making, and it shows. Polished, perfect and an utter joy to watch.
