The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater in Pleasant Grove is hosting a production of The Addams Family musical comedy. According to a October 28 report, the production under the direction of Jennifer Hill-Barlow incorporates cinematography, elaborate sets, and creative special effects into the live performance.
Executive creative producer and scenic designer Kacey Udy stated that the production uses practical effects filmed in the theater rather than AI. The crew expanded and raised sections of the stage to bring the audience closer to the performance. Cinematographer Josh Beck used film noir as inspiration, creating mockups with stock footage and Lego figures to demonstrate sequences for filming.
The production features several film sequences, including one involving Fester's flight to the moon. Actor Joseph Paul Branca, who plays Fester, noted that filming the scenes took several days. Branca mentioned that he had previously kept the song "The Moon in Me" in his audition repertoire. He also noted that the audience's energy helps guide his performance, which includes more than 100 possible ad-libs for fourth-wall-breaking moments.
Sylvia Henderson portrays Wednesday Addams with a deadpan demeanor. Henderson described the experience of maintaining her character's intimidating stare while interacting with fans in the audience who are dressed as Wednesday.
The production of The Addams Family will be deceased Oct. 31.
