The Riverside High School Theater will present the musical, The Addams Family on March 21-24 in the high school auditorium, 300 Country Club Drive, Ellwood City. (information about the show and how to get tickets can be found at the end of the cast features).
A cast and crew of over 100 students from the school district will participate in the production directed by Brent Rodgers. This is the 61st Anniversary of Theater at Riverside.
We caught up with some of the leads in the show for a cast Q&A. Today’s Q&A is PART ONE in a three-part series about The Addams Family Musical. Featured tomorrow will be part 2 of the cast Q&A and part three will feature a review of the show and gallery of show photos.
Jacob Storey
Part in Musical: Gomez Addams
Current Grade: 12th
Been in musicals/plays since: 2020
Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Security Guard), Happy Days (Ralph Malph), Matilda (Mr. Wormwood),
Bye Bye Birdie (Reporter/Shriner), 1776 (Dr. Josiah Bartlett, Damn Yankees (Mr. Applegate), and Urinetown (Executive).
Favorite Song in this musical: I would have to choose either “Full Disclosure” or “Just Around the Corner.”
What interested you in this role: What really interested me about Gomez was just how different he was compared to other characters I’ve played recently. Unlike Mr. Wormwood (who cares little for his family) and Mr. Applegate (who only cares for himself), Gomez is completely loyal and devoted to his family, especially his wife and daughter. He puts his family first and last, and will always see to it that the people he loves are satisfied, even if it leads to promises being broken.
What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: Absolutely my foil! I use it numerous times within the show, and I can’t wait to show it off!
What’s the hardest part about your role: The hardest part for me was getting the voice down, as well as blending it in with my singing. I try to keep Gomez’s accent consistent throughout the show, including through songs and interactions.
Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: This role has shown me that, even if you don’t think you can accomplish certain things, you absolutely can. The dancing, singing and acting all intimidated me at first regarding this role, but as I continued to practice, I slowly became more confident. Now, I can’t wait to put on this show as Gomez!
What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I really think people are going to love just how big and entertaining these numbers are. The lyrics will be stuck in your head by the time the curtain closes, and the choreography will really catch your attention too! The set is also amazing, it beautifully captures the aesthetic of the Addams Family!
What is unique about this musical: I absolutely have to say the set and the costumes. The set is absolutely gorgeous, and every single cast member has a unique costume. Be sure to keep an eye out for small “Things”!
If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: My answer for this constantly changes and I believe will change again soon enough, but right now my dream part is to be Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone!
What other activities are you involved in: At Riverside, I am involved in our school’s Chorus, our Chamber Choir, our Choir Council, I am the president of Tri-M, the secretary of the National Honor Society, I am a senior editor in the yearbook, and in past years I have taken part in Forensics and Mock Trial.
Future plans: I plan to attend Slippery Rock University in the Fall. I will be majoring in Secondary Education with a focus in History, and I will be minoring in Theater. Upon graduation, I hope to direct musicals at the school I am employed at and hopefully inspire people the way I was inspired at Riverside.
Anything else you would like to add: I can’t wait for everyone to see our show, and I want to thank everyone who helped in any way, shape or form with this show. You’re all going to love it!
Morgan Myers
Part in Musical: Morticia Addams
Current Grade: 11th Grade
Been in musicals/plays since: I started participating in plays in my 9th grade year of high school.
Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: So far at Riverside, I’ve been in Matilda the Musical, where I was a member of the ensemble, and Damn Yankees, where I took on the absolutely wild role of Sister Miller. During my first summer at the Newcastle playhouse, I played Aysha in Children of Eden.
Favorite Song in this musical: Though I really enjoy every song in the show, I’d have to say that One Normal Night has a special place in my heart! It’s a wonderfully weird blend of back and forth harmonies with a delightfully chaotic twist.
What interested you in this role: Morticia has always been my favorite member of the Addams family! Her poise, grace, and quick wit are all things I hope to exude in my day-to-day.
What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: Morticia’s dress has these beautiful batty sleeves. It has been so fun implementing them into my character and her movements.
What’s the hardest part about your role: Well, she is a very beloved character! People are usually familiar with at least one piece of Addams Family media. Since she is so iconic, it has been very tricky measuring up to the surplus of great qualities that other actresses have played into her while implementing my own tastes.
Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: Morticia has taught me to know my own worth. Her allure is her complete unabashed acceptance of herself, claws and all. I struggle to embrace my unconventional traits, I hope to be more like her one day!
What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I just know that the audience will be enraptured by the fun that we have, and the heart that we put in the show (pun intended).
What is unique about this musical: The Addams Family has this extravagant ability to unite people on the things that are taboo, strange, and.. not normal. We can all find kinship in our grim and ghastly fascinations. Its comedic punch ornaments a darkly sentimental story about growing as a family.
If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: So far I’ve just learned to love what my directors give me, haha!! I do have a soft spot for villainesses and crooked characters. I really lucked out this year!
What other activities are you involved in: I take part in the Riverside Chamber Choir, Calvin Church’s Choir, National Honors Society, Envirothon, singing lessons, and any art project I can get my hands on!
Future plans: I plan on attending a university, I’m not really sure where I’d like to go yet.
Anything else you would like to add: I hope you love this show as much as the cast and I do!
Ellis Rebholz
Part in Musical: Uncle Fester
Current Grade: Senior
Been in musicals/plays since: 2016
Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Seussical, How to Succeed, Happy Days, Matilda, Damn Yankees (all of these were at Riverside)
Favorite Song in this musical: Moon and Me
What interested you in this role: Fester is usually comic relief, and I like to make my friends laugh
What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: The banjolele
What’s the hardest part about your role: Switching from being hunched over to proper posture
Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: Not yet
What do you think the audience will like about the musical: The comedy that is pushed throughout the show
What is unique about this musical: It has more of a gothic style than anything I’ve seen at Riverside
If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: The Cat in the Hat from Seussical. I think I could do justice to the Cat’s humor and Wackiness, and I would also like to go back to the show that started it all.
What other activities are you involved in: I was the Mascot for Riverside during the past three football seasons. I also participate in Riverside’s Chamber Choir.
Future plans: After I finish college at Geneva, I would like to become a voice actor.
Don’t miss the show:
- Thursday March 21-7:30 p.m.
- Friday March 22-7:30 p.m.
- Saturday March 23–7:30 p.m.
- Sunday March 24–2:00 p.m. *MATINEE
All tickets for these performances are $12.00 and can be purchased HERE.
If you have questions, you can contact The Addams Family HOTLINE at 724-758-7512 Extension 1264 or email the Producer at vhudspath@rbcsd.com.
The Addams Family is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
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