Casper College is set to present nine performances of the musical The Addams Family at the Thomas H. Empey Studio Theatre from Oct. 22 through Nov. 1. The production uses the theatre’s unique round‑in‑the‑round layout, placing audience members on all sides and creating an intimate, immersive experience.
Cast and creative team
Students fill the principal roles, with Riley Petruso as Wednesday, Joe Bucher as Gomez, Joelle Saldana as Morticia, Ryan Morgan as Lurch, Felisa Clarito as Fester, Maury Boswell as Grandma, and Brody Houck as Pugsley. The Beinecke family—Alice (Ariel Grange), Mal (Tucker Mau) and Lucas (Kylor Heck)—join the Addams clan, while a nine‑actor ensemble portrays resurrected Addams ancestors.
Musical director Kevin Lawson says the show offers a fresh family‑centric take on the beloved story. Director Joel Shura notes that the production “pulls the rug out” from under familiar characters, giving audiences a new perspective on the iconic family.
Design and production challenges
The round theatre presented a logistical puzzle: without a traditional backstage, actors and props must enter from all four corners, and set pieces need to be visible from every angle. Stage manager Alexander Maher explains that “you can’t have a full set … and everyone needs to be able to see.”
Prop manager and sound director Brie Srb spent months crafting a dark, gothic palette of reds, purples, blacks and grays. The goal was to evoke the Addams atmosphere without leaning into a Halloween aesthetic. “We wanted it to be realistic,” Srb said.
Costume designer Chandler Dean blended the classic looks with new, quirky details. Morticia’s wardrobe remains elegant and draping, while the ancestors wear macabre, distressed attire that ties traditional Addams elements to fresh, playful twists.
Themes and audience takeaways
Beyond the humor, the musical emphasizes family—both blood‑related and chosen. Cast member Sadie Verow, who plays an ancestor, says, “Family is definitely a huge theme. Not just blood‑related family, but your chosen family, who you want to spend your life with.”
Actor Ryan Morgan, portraying Lurch, adds that the show encourages audiences not to fear change, a message that resonates as the characters navigate the clash between the Addamses’ eccentric ways and the Beineckes’ Midwestern sensibilities.
Community response
Tickets are selling quickly, and the production is nearly sold out. Organizers encourage anyone interested to check online listings for remaining seats. Local residents can expect a night of witty songs, lively dance numbers, and moments of tension that showcase the talent of Casper College’s theatre program.
“The round will create a more intimate setting for the audience, who will be up close and personal to the performances on stage,” Shura said, highlighting the unique connection between performers and viewers.
With its blend of classic characters, modern design, and heartfelt themes, the musical promises a memorable cultural experience for Casper’s families and arts enthusiasts alike.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
