Uwharrie Players prepare for ‘The Addams Family Musical’

Don your dark attire and get your snapping fingers ready because The Uwharrie Players is gearing up for its summer musical about your favorite kooky, spooky, all-together ooky family.
“The Addams Family Musical” will be presented July 26-28 and Aug. 2-4 at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center. Based on the TV show, this musical adaptation tells an original story of Wednesday Addams who decides to introduce her new “normal” boyfriend Lucas to the family. Uncle Fester enlists the help of the Addams’ ancestors to call an end to the young budding romance when chaos ensues and the two families find themselves admitting deep secrets and coming together in ways they never would have imagined.
“The Addams Family Musical” tells the story of love and friendship through adversity, with a comical and macabre, yet poignant spin.
While family chaos will dominate the mainstage on opening night, familial bonds have strengthened the rehearsal process along the way. Anyone who has been involved with a musical can speak to the “family” that is created amongst the camaraderie of the cast. This production of “The Addams Family Musical” features a couple of real-life family members as well.
Suzanne Holshouser, who plays Grandma Addams, first appeared with The Uwharrie Players in the 1978 production of “South Pacific.” Suzanne is joined on stage this summer by her children, Darby and David Shaw.
“I’m thrilled to be sharing with my kids what my parents shared with me: a love for theatre and community,” says Holshouser, daughter of the late Sam and Sara Holshouser, both original members of The Uwharrie Players. “I know doing this summer project together is making Sam and Sara smile. I have always loved performing but nothing beats the pride I have watching my kids shine onstage. It’s just the best thing ever.”
Suzanne’s daughter Darby Shaw is a Theatre Arts major at Appalachian State University. When asked what the process has been like for her, she says, “Being able to share the stage with my family this summer is the most beautiful experience that I could have asked for. Growing up, Mom always told David and me the stories of being on stage with her family, and I continue to think about how lucky I am to be able to do the same with both my mom and brother.”
Darby was seen in last summer’s “Bright Star” and Suzanne was last seen in “Southern Fried Nuptials” this past spring and “Honky Tonk Angels” last fall.
Another family featured in this musical is the father/son duo of Dennis and Isaac Welch from Salisbury.
“This is my fourth show with my son,” noted Dennis, who plays Uncle Fester. “It has been fun to see [Isaac’s] theatrical skills blossom along with his comfort level with being on stage. It also allows us to bond doing something we both love and will be able to look back on for years to come.”
With as much work that goes into surmounting a full-length musical production, it is comforting, if not essential, to have family and friends by your side. This show boasts 23 cast members, 16 production crew members, 10 orchestra musicians and countless front-of-house volunteers.
“The Addams Family Musical” is directed by Heather Wilson-Bowlby, music directed by Angela C. Moore, choreographed by Donna K. Owens and stage managed by Bella Parrish.
The cast consists of Robert Nipper (Gomez Addams), Shelby Anderson (Morticia Addams), Dennis Welch (Uncle Fester), Suzanne Holshouser (Grandma Addams), Evynn Rose Grignon (Wednesday Addams), Bailey Brown (Pugsley Addams), David Shaw (Lurch), Zac Baker (Lucas Beineke), Matt Thompson (Mal Beineke) and Maegan Sloan (Alice Beineke). The Addams Ancestors are played by Quinn Almond, Todd Basinger, Keely Beane, Aleaha Enamait, Maggie Garrido, Ruth Ann Harris, Hadley Herrin, Briana Bergamasco Martinez, Tyler Poplin, Darby Shaw, Gracien Treece, Sadie Wally and Isaac Welch.
“The Addams Family Musical” is at 7:30 p.m. July 26-27 and Aug. 2-3 and 3 p.m. July 28 and Aug. 4 at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center. Tickets are available at Livi Bug’s Boutique in Downtown Albemarle, online and at the door. There will be a special buy one, get One ticket night at the door on July 27. More information is available at TheUwharriePlayers.org.

The post Uwharrie Players prepare for ‘The Addams Family Musical’ appeared first on The Stanly News & Press .