ANC’s “The Addams Family” wins three Philadelphia Independence Awards!

Over the last two weekends in April, 35 ANC students performed “The Addams Family '' for over 1000 patrons at 5 shows at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center. “The Addams Family” is comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, featuring an original story that’s every father’s nightmare: 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. Everything changes for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

ANC once again was a part of the Philadelphia Independence Awards. Theater Professionals attended performances as adjudicators, scoring the show in 24 different categories. “The Addams Family” was nominated for 5 awards: Lead Actor (Padraic Frazier), Supporting Actor (Tait Asplundh), Makeup (Hilani Wahl, Windsor Smith & Crew), Sound (Corbin Larsen, Tova Laren & Zion Nobre) and Scenic Design (StageCraft Class). “The Addams Family” took home three awards: Supporting Actor, Makeup and Scenic Design.

Senior Aurelia Sullivan commanded the stage as Morticia Addams, and “seemed absorbed into the role - her gliding movements, her quick, almost birdlike motions, all fit the character perfectly.” Junior Padraic Frazier as Gomez Addams “had the audience in the palm of his hand with his charisma and impeccable comedic timing!” Wednesday Addams was played by sophomore Isabel Waelchli, whose “vocals rang out crystal clear (clear as a bell), captivating the ears of all in attendance.” Sophomore Porter Brown played her brother, who was “fully committed in his portrayal of Pugsley Addams, always seeming like a petulant little brother.” Tait Asplundh shone as Uncle Fester, fearlessly embracing “his inner goblin, completely immersing himself in his truly glorious role of Uncle Fester. Tait is truly a triple threat on stage: singing, dancing, acting.” Grandma was played by Zachary Ruth, who “committed to the physicality and character voice, and was a hoot to watch.” Senior Solomon Nobre “rounded out the Addams family perfectly and was absolutely hilarious as Lurch!”

The Beineke Family was portrayed by senior Gareth Mergen (Mal), junior Ariadne Vlachodionysopoulos (Alice) and junior Coleman Boyesen (Lucas). The PIA adjudicators had this to say about them: “Coleman, Ariadne, and Gareth were delightful as the Beineke Family.”

 “Coleman Boyesen brought particular charm and energy to the role of Lucas!” “Ariadne was a very charismatic Alice.”

Overall this touching, hilarious show was loved by audiences of all ages! 15 seniors total graced the stage and the ANC Performing Arts program will miss them next year! Over 60 students were involved in this production, either on stage or behind the scenes.

Check out photos from the production here.