This spring, ASIJ’s theater program leans into the delightfully strange with its production of The Addams Family, a musical where the eerie meets the hilarious and chaos is never far behind.
At the heart of the story is Wednesday Addams, famously devoted to the dark and macabre, who finds herself in the most unexpected situation: she’s in love! Her romance with someone from a completely different, “normal” world sets the stage for an unforgettable dinner between two families who could not be more incompatible. What begins as a polite evening quickly spirals into a whirlwind of secrets, tension, and perfectly timed comedic disaster.
On stage, the cast transforms these iconic characters into something both familiar and refreshingly their own. But beyond the spotlight, the production is powered by weeks of collaboration. For the past two months, students and teachers have been working to shape every detail—from lighting and sound to props, pit orchestra, and stage management—creating a performance that depends just as much on precision backstage as it does on presence under the lights.
Two of the stage managers, Hanna and Miku, offered a glimpse into what audiences can look forward to. Hanna mentioned the scene transition into the Central Park scene as a standout moment, where music, movement, and backstage timing combine for a seamless but visually striking shift. Miku highlighted the full-cast tango number, emphasizing the sheer coordination behind a scene where every performer shares the stage, each movement carefully balanced to create a sense of controlled chaos.
When reflecting on their favorite parts of the show, both highlighted the experience beyond individual scenes. Hanna described the process of working with new team members as one of the most rewarding aspects, bringing fresh energy and new connections into the production. Miku noted Uncle Fester’s “The Moon and Me” as a personal favorite, with its umbrella choreography capturing both the humor and heart of the musical.
Move towards the darkness and step into the world of the Addams Family for an evening where the strange seems familiar, the chaos feels playful, and nothing goes quite as expected. Showtimes are April 22 and 23 at 3:20 pm, April 24 at 5:00 pm, and April 25 at 3:00 pm.
