Home

Displaying items by tag: Charles Addams

BrightSide Theatre has announced cast and crew for THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL - the kickoff production of BrightSide's 15th Anniversary season. The gloriously ghoulish characters created by Charles Addams for THE NEW YORKER Magazine - Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, and Grandma; along with their servants Lurch and Thing - will take the stage of the Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall from October 2 – 18. BrightSide's De Haddad will direct, with music direction by Phil Videckis and choreography by Shane Brown. The musical, which ran for 22 months on Broadway in. 2010 and 2011 after a 2009 tryout in Chicago, has remained an audience favorite ever since. 
 
This wickedly funny musical with book by Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman (JERSEY BOYS), and songs by Andrew Lippa (THE WILD PARTY, BIG FISH), follows Wednesday Addams as she falls in love with a perfectly respectable young man from a very normal family. When the two families meet for dinner, secrets are revealed, expectations are challenged, and hilarity ensues. Filled with unforgettable characters, catchy songs, and laugh-out-loud comedy, this Broadway hit celebrates what makes every family unique.

Haddad's cast will be led by Scott Kelley of Schaumburg as Gomez and Samantha Keret of Naperville as Morticia. Kelley's most recent appearance among his many leading roles with Brightside was as Max Bialystock in this past summer's THE PRODUCERS. Keret is making her Brightside debut. Lauren Mathews of Chicago, who appeared in Brightside's THE PRODUCERS, will play Wednesday. Colin Borisenko of Chicago, a veteran of the city's renowned improv comedy scene, will be Uncle Fester. Dona Mullen, who hosts a jazz radio show in WDCB-FM and has played such iconic stage roles as Ouiser in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, will be Grandma. The family's taciturn butler, Lurch, will be played by Nahuel Redoba, who has performed at the venerable Fireside Theatre in Wisconsin.
 
Appearing as Wednesday's boyfriend Lucas Beineke will be Matthew Andresen of Kenosha, Wisconsin (BrightSide's PIPPIN and PHANTOM IN CONCERT). John McNally of Itasca (Frank-n-Furter in BrightSide's THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW) and Jeff Award winning actress Amy Arbizanni of Naperville have been cast as Lucas' parents Mal and Alice.
 
The ensemble of Addams ancestors will be Michelle Bolliger of Roselle, Hannah Decker of North Aurora, Ashley Chavez of Downers Grove, Chris Frewen-Peña of Bolingbrook, Sydnee Howes of New Lenox, Peter Kattner III of Chicago, Katelynn Pitzafero of Barrington, and Emily Sherman of Chicago. Understudies are Michelle Bolliger (u/s Morticia, Alice), Hannah Decker (u/s Wednesday), Chris Frewen-Peña (u/s Gomez, Mal), and Peter Kattner III (u/s Lucas). 

The production team will include Cheryl Newman (Costume Designer), Kurt Ottinger (Lighting Designer), Ariel Mozes (Scenic Designer), and Evan C. Summers-Oslund (Stage Manager).

Tickets for individual shows are $37.00 for adults and $32.00 for students and seniors. Season subscriptions and individual show tickets are sale at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497).  

THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Orchestrations by Larry Hochman
Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams
Director: De Haddad
Music Director: Phil Videckis
Choreographer: Shane Brown
October 2 - 18, 2026
Fri & Sat @ 7:30pm | Sun @2pm
The Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville
 
THE ADDAMS FAMILY is a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before—keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.

Published in Now Playing

Operation Mincemeat: A Smart, Scrappy Musical That Shines When Its Cast Takes the Wheel

01 October 2026 in Theatre in Review

In the 2019 film Yesterday, a struggling musician wakes up in a world where The Beatles never existed. A similar…

Backyard Theatre Company’s Red Bike - Berger Park Coach House Theatre - Through October 24th

30 September 2026 in Now Playing

Red Bike is an intimate, movement‑driven play that follows a young person navigating a town transforming faster than they can…

SANCTUARY STORIES - A JOURNALISM THEATER PROJECT October 9-18 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture

30 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Through music, documentary video, sound, photos and live actors, “SANCTUARY STORIES: A JOURNALISM THEATER PROJECT” captures in words and images…

Red Theater presents the world premiere of CHURCH HURT October 24 - November 21, 2026

30 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Red Theater is thrilled to announce the cast and production team of the world premiere of Church Hurt by Brynne…

Ballets Jazz Montréal Makes Chicago debut at THE AUDITORIUM Saturday, November 7th

30 September 2026 in Upcoming Dance

The Auditorium (Chicago's landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) continues its 2026-27 Dance Season titled North American…

A Red Orchid Theatre Opens 34th Season with Chicago Premiere of HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING October 29 – December 6, 2026

29 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

A Red Orchid Theatre is pleased open its 34th Season, exploring the theme of "world on fire," with the Chicago…

Lookingglass announces new leadership team

29 September 2026 in Theatre Buzz

Lookingglass Theatre Company today announced a new leadership structure that brings together four longtime members of its acclaimed ensemble and…

Steppenwolf’s Topdog/Underdog: When History Deals the Cards

28 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

Susan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog, the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, is the kind of play that changes depending on when—and how many times—you…

MAMMA MIA! and HADESTOWN Return to Chicago in Spring 2027

28 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is excited to announce two fan-favorite shows are returning to our stages this year: MAMMA MIA! and…

'I’m Going to Marry You Tobey Maguire,' Full of Laughs, Ends With a Fizzle

25 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

Here’s a play that should be really good, based on its reputation alone. Written by Chicago comedy writer Samantha Hurley,…

ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE LIFE AND TRIALS OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG 2027 NATIONAL TOUR - tickets now on sale

25 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Innovation Arts & Entertainment, along with Broadway In Chicago, are thrilled to announce single tickets for ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE…

League of Chicago Theatres announces "It's Theatre Season" and celebrates the industry's impact

24 September 2026 in Theatre Buzz

The League of Chicago Theatres announces the return of It's Theatre Season, a campaign inviting Chicagoans and visitors to discover…

Steppenwolf Theatre Continues 51st Season with World Premiere of ADIRONDACK CHAIR CIRCLE October 22 — December 6

24 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to launch its 51st Season with the world premiere of…

Lookingglass’ Kowalski Ignites a Battle of Wits Between Two Icons

24 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

Lookingglass Theatre’s production of Kowalski offers a gripping, fictionalized glimpse into the first meeting between two theater greats: Tennessee Williams…

Writers Theatre continues its 35th Anniversary Season with explosive, high-stakes boxing drama The Royale October 22 – November 29

23 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues…

Detroit ’67: A Basement Becomes a City on the Brink

23 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

Detroit was burning in the summer of 1967, inside one basement, life was still  going on. That contrast is at…

Now Boarding: Bonnie’s Last Flight, a Sky‑High Comedy with Real Heart

23 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

Rivendell Theatre Ensemble closes its milestone 30th season with Bonnie’s Last Flight, a sly, sky‑high comedy set during a flight…

Teatro Vista Productions announces season

22 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Teatro Vista Productions, the Midwest's only Latine-led Equity theatre company, led by Executive Director Lorena Diaz and Artistic Director Wendy…

Step Right Up and Ride the Cyclone (The Musical) at Metropolis Arlington Heights

22 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

If anyone has ever told you to buckle up and enjoy the ride, they were talking about life—and even if…

Funny ‘Prayer Circle’ Is Loaded With Laughs 

22 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

Erik Gernand is resident playwright at Redtwist Theatre, and his Prayer Circle is absolutely laugh-out-loud funny. The strength of this…

Steppenwolf Presents GRACEFUL WARRIOR: AN EVENING WITH GARY SINISE - Tuesday, November 24, 2026

22 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present Graceful Warrior: An Evening with Gary Sinise on Tuesday, November…

Acclaimed Mexodus musical makes Chicago premiere November 7-21 at Studebaker Theater

22 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Studebaker Theater, P3 Productions and Audible, in collaboration with Teatro Vista Productions, present the Chicago premiere of the groundbreaking, award-winning new hip-hop musical Mexodus, written and performed…

Arts in the Dark Parade moves to Columbus Drive due to dynamic growth, Oct. 24

21 September 2026 in Theatre Buzz

LUMA8 and the City of Chicago return with the 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly celebration…

American Blues Theater hosts its annual costumed fundraiser HALLOWEEN BOO BASH October 25th

21 September 2026 in Theatre Buzz

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents Halloween Boo Bash, its annual costumed fundraiser benefiting artists' wages…

Definition's How We Got On: A Mixtape for the Stage

21 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

What happens when three young people discover hip-hop and realize they might have something to say? Idris Goodwin’s How We…

Open Space Arts Presents BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY October 23 – November 8

21 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Open Space Arts presents BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY, a three-week theatrical exploration of LGBTQ+ theater created during and in response to…

Northlight Delivers a Headline-Making, Hilarious Front Page

20 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

Northlight Theatre opened its new venue with Jeffrey Hatcher’s smart, rejuvenated adaptation of The Front Page. Commissioned by Artistic Director…

Chicago Shakes' Play On!: With a Syncopated Harlem Beat

20 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

There are some productions you watch, and then there are productions that make your heart swoon and your toe tap.…

Overshadowed's Flame of Fire Finds Humanity, Strength, and Forgiveness in a Tragic Chapter of Missionary History

19 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

Overshadowed Productions’ Flame of Fire revisits one of the most polarizing true stories in mid‑century missionary history, and the result…

The Attic at Goodman Theatre Redefines Memoir Through Breathtaking Physical Storytelling

19 September 2026 in Theatre in Review

At intermission, I sent Ken, Buzz Center Stage’s managing editor, a text: “So thankful I made it!! It’s intermission, and…

 

         20 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 2084 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.