Those of you who saw THE ADDAMS FAMILY in Chicago or on Broadway saw a different version of the musical than this new touring company presentation. The central conflict is new, there’s added choreography, retooled orchestrations, and three brand-new songs. Diane and I loved the TV version starring Carolyn Jones and John Astin back in the Sixties. And, of course, we loved the Charles Addams’ cartoons in The New Yorker. We’ll see if this musical can bring Morticia and Gomez to life on the stage tonight.
I hope you guys like it. I loved the TV series but we skipped the overblown Broadway version (currently starring Brooke Shields, of all people).
This touring version is supposed to be different from the Broadway version, Jeff. We’ll see if it’s any better tonight.
Have fun. Live theater is always a risk but I seldom regret it. Especially on a Wednesday night when it’s a real treat.
I love Live theater, too, Patti. We bought the Season Ticket package for Sheas Performing Arts Center this year and THE ADDAMS FAMILY was included.
I agree with you, Patti. There have been a few shows over the years we’ve hated enough to walk out of at intermission, but relatively very few. One early one I remember was called FAME (this was before the tv series), with a soap opera actress (at that time) imitating Marilyn Monroe. About ten minutes before the intermission I started giggling uncontrollably at just how ludicrous it all was.
But then, we’ve walked out of Olivier Award winning plays in London too.
Overall, though, we still enjoy going to the theater or we wouldn’t be doing it 25 times a year, as we have the last three years.
Fame
Written & Directed by Anthony J. Ingrassia
John Golden Theatre, (11/18/1974 – 11/18/1974)
Preview: Nov 8, 1974 Total Previews: 8
Opening: Nov 18, 1974
Closing: Nov 18, 1974 Total Performances: 1
We saw the first preview, November 8.
One last one: here is the New York Times obituary.
Sorry to hear about Anthony J. Ingrassia, Jeff. Diane and I attend about half the number of plays you and Jackie do. We used to go to Toronto to see plays on a regular basis, but the Toronto theater scene has fewer offerings lately.
I enjoyed it when I saw the pre-Broadway in Chicago but my friend Sally was disappointed. Good but not great. They have to go a long way to top Carolyn Jones and John Astin.
Yes, I remember your review of the pre-Broadway version of THE ADDAMS FAMILY in Chicago, Beth. That got changed when it actually hit Broadway. And now this touring version has more alterations. I really don’t know what to expect tonight.
* * Shudder * *
We’re hoping for the best, Rick.