The Gretna High School theater program will present something familiar and something new at the same time, with the production of “The Addams Family” this spring, which will be led by first time Director Catie Hays. “The Addams Family” is well-known throughout pop culture, with over 15 different show, movie and play variations. GHS will soon take on the task of capturing a new storyline, which several students and cast members are excited about.
“Honestly, it’s more fun than I thought it would be,” junior Mary Jane Kushiner said. “My favorite part about being in the musical is honestly the relationships I’ve built between seniors and sophomores. I would say we have a lot of fun at rehearsals.”
“The Addams Family” introduces a unique and new narrative compared to other adaptations of the Addams. The story centers around Wednesday Addams, played by junior Mary Jane Kushiner, who falls in love with a boy named Lucas Beineke, played by senior Elijah Wombacher who comes from a very normal family, unlike Wednesday. As they navigate through their secret engagement, they face the challenge of trying to get their families to get along. Whilst keeping this a secret from her mom, they plan a dinner for their two families to meet, which is where the story unfolds.
“It’s a lot different than last year,” sophomore ensemble member Brielle Hydeen said on the contrast between this year’s production and last year’s, “Beauty and the Beast”. “It’s spooky and creative.”
This spring marks the first time English teacher and now Head Director Catie Hays is leading a musical theater production, however she has had a bachelors degree in musical theater for 11 years and has been involved in professional theater across the country and the Rose Theater in Omaha. Hays will work with both choir teachers Katelyn Wallace and with vocals and blocking throughout the process.
“ My initial thing was just, oh my gosh, I can’t believe I get to finally (direct); I’ve been waiting for so long, but one of my other kind of initial expectations is I am a big person on collaboration,” Hays said. “ I couldn’t wait to work with a team to not just do this, even though I am technically the head director, like, I couldn’t wait to be part of a team. And I have only been proven right that (Wallace and Mathew) are incredible partners and this show is gonna be outstanding.”
In addition to the cast, the set will have a large role in this performance. Most of the play will take place in the Addams, “spooky and gothic mansion.” They will make gravestones and trees to create an eerie atmosphere that is seen in other movies and adaptations. The costume designs for the show will also closely resemble the original Addams Family cartoon, so most of the cast will be wearing various shades of black. Morticia will wear a long black v-neck dress, Pugsly will be in stripes, Gomez in a classic suit and Wednesday in a plain, black dress. While many of the costumes will be purchased or rented, most of the ensemble members will find antique or historical costumes at Goodwill or other thrift stores.
In terms of timing, the show is expected to run for about two and a half hours, including a 15-minute intermission. The first performance will take place on May 1 at 7 p.m., with additional showings on May 2 and 3, also at 7 p.m., and a final show on May 4 at 2 p.m. Hoping for a good turnout, the cast and crew have been rehearsing several days a week since late February.
“It’s a lot bigger of a commitment, specifically a time commitment,” Wombacher said. “I have a lot more obligations to rehearsals and also memorizing lines and just knowing what to do and having more responsibilities is a lot different (than the last three years).”
Beyond just the performance, Gretna High school will also be competing in the Nebraska Theater Academy (NTA). The 10 lead actors will be judged, which helps the possibility of the cast and ensemble winning awards for their performances, as well as the give them the opportunity to perform one of their large numbers at the NTA showcase on Saturday, May 31. Hays emphasized that the show is not just for fun, but also a serious opportunity for students to be recognized for their talents.
Additionally, each of the leads were able to try out for the Jimmy Awards through the Nebraska Theater Academy, with two members of the main cast being invited to callbacks on April 13 this spring. Senior Clayton Angland, playing Gomez Addams, and junior Mia Onwiler, playing Alice Beineke, were selected to participate in the singing and dancing audition.
“I went into it not really expecting it, so getting a callback was kind of unexpected,” Onwiler said. “It was exciting because there’s not really a whole lot of people who get to experience that. Whether I make finals or not, it was a really cool thing to experience.”
