by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC
The creepy, mysterious and oftentimes kooky Addams Family is preparing to take the Kansas City Kansas Community College stage this fall in “The Addams Family: A New Musical.”
Directed by Charles Leader, the musical is at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 14 and 15 at the KCKCC Performing Arts Center, 7250 State Ave. There is also a 2:30 p.m. matinee Oct. 16.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students, children and senior citizens. The production is free to all KCKCC faculty, staff and students with valid identification.
The Addams family was originally created by cartoonist Charles Addams and was later developed into a television series in the 1960s. Following the show were animated series as well as features films in the 1990s. The musical was created by “Jersey Boys” authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and Drama Desk Award winner Andrew Lippa, premiering in 2010.
The original story follows Wednesday Addams and the new love of her life, a smart young man from a respectable family. However, no one in her family has met the new man in Wednesday’s life. Wednesday decides to tell her father about the relationship, and then begs him not to tell her mother, forcing Gomez to do something he has never considered before – keep a secret from his wife.
Dagney Velazquez, a faculty member in mathematics at KCKCC, plays Morticia Addams, “an intelligent and sensuous woman with a dry wit.” Velazquez said Morticia is used to being in control and can be intimidating to those who dare to cross her.
“She has a confidence that borders on vanity. She loves her family passionately, but expects them to follow her command,” she said. “Morticia is an iconic role that I just couldn’t pass up. She’s strong, graceful, confident and just a little bit sly, all qualities I aspire to. The best part, though, has been the opportunity to work with and get to know the students and community members involved in the production. Even on those long, long rehearsal nights, they made it a joy to be there.”
The cast includes – Dagney Velazquez, Morticia Addams; Joaquin Dorado Mariscal, Gomez Addams; Nicole Brunetti, Wednesday Addams; Robert Hill, Pugsley Addams; Shane Gillaspie, Uncle Fester; Patrick Boarman, Lurch; Sara Menez, Grandma Addams; Erich Kump, Lucas Beineke; Katie Holladay, Alice Beineke; Ian Fletcher, Mal Beineke; Rose Vang, Ancestor; Siemera Hines, Ancestor; Katherene “Kat” Garry, Ancestor; Alayah Janey Womack, Ancestor; Skyler Re Garcia, Ancestor; Chris Donte Benson, Ancestor; Fred Rucker, Ancestor; Gary Enrique Bradley-Lopez and Ancestor.
“It has been extremely fun, challenging work. The cast and crew are incredible to work with, and we have spent hours laughing together,” Velazquez said. “This show will be fantastic. The script is hilarious, and the talented cast makes it come to life. And the set – that alone makes the show worth watching.”
Group rates are available. For reservations and information call 913-288-7106.