Directors Note:
Welcome to The Addams Family School Edition! As we gather here to experience this incredible journey together, I want to take a moment to reflect on the heart of this show: the idea of what truly makes a family and what it means to be “normal.”
At its core, The Addams Family is a celebration of love, acceptance, and the quirky, unique bonds that tie people together. We see a family that is unconventional, mysterious, and wonderfully weird, but the truth is, every family has its own eccentricities. What makes a family isn’t perfection or fitting into a particular mold—it’s the love, support, and understanding we share with one another, no matter how different we might seem on the outside.
In the world of The Addams Family, “normal” is turned upside down. The Addamses teach us that being “normal” is often just a matter of perspective. As Morticia says, “Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly.” In a world that often encourages conformity, the Addamses remind us that what truly matters is being true to ourselves and embracing the things that make us unique. Through their comedic struggles, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable songs, we are reminded that family means embracing each other, flaws and all, and that sometimes, the “weird” parts of us are the ones that make us the most beautiful. So, as you watch the show tonight, I encourage you to think about your own family—what makes it special and what makes it yours.
Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of the Addams family. We hope you leave with a reminder that there’s no one right way to be a family—and that being “normal” is entirely up to you. Always remember that it’s family first and family last and family by and by! Stacy Ross
Book
By:
MARSHALL BRICKMAN and RICK ELICE
Scenic Design: Dan Ross
Music and Vocal Director: Stacy Ross
Choreographer: Lee and Stacy Ross
Stage Manager: Vaida Lahey
Music and Lyrics
By: ANDREW LIPPA
Costume Design: Tammy Long and Stacy Ross
Makeup Supervisor: Bri Getter
Assistant Choreographer: Ava Crawford
Lighting Design: Annette DeYoung
Originally produced on Broadway by Stuart Oken, Roy Furman, Michael Leavitt, Five Cent Productions, Stephen Schuler, Decca Theatricals, Scott M. Delman, Stuart Ditsky, Terry Allen Kramer, Stephanie P. McClelland, James L. Nederlander, Eva Price, Jam Theatricals Mary LuRoffe, Pittsburgh CLO/ Gutterman-Swinsky, Vivek Tiwary/Gary Kaplan, The Weinstein Company/Clarence, LLC, Adam Zotovich/Tribe Theatricals By Special Arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical
Sound Design: John Sayers
Fight Choreographer: Noah Hill
Assistant Stage Manager: Yannik Slocum
The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/ or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)’s rights and actionable under United States copyright law. For more information, please visit:
https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
Director: STACY ROSS
About The Musical
Originally produced on Broadway by Stuart Oken, Roy Furman, Michael Leavitt, Five Cent Productions, Stephen Schuler, Decca Theatricals, Scott M. Delman, Stuart Ditsky, Terry Allen Kramer, Stephanie P. McClelland, James L. Nederlander, Eva Price, Jam Theatricals Mary LuRoffe, Pittsburgh CLO/Gutterman-Swinsky, Vivek Tiwary/Gary Kaplan, The Weinstein Company/Clarence, LLC, Adam Zotovich/Tribe Theatricals By Special Arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical
THE ADDAMS FAMILY School Edition is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. (866) 378-9758 www.theatricalrights.com
Acknowledgements
There are so many people that I need to take a minute to thank. Without them, this show would not be possible. I am so grateful for the wonderful community of people that come together to help make all of the things that pop into my head a reality.
Thanks to Mr. Alberstett and the Durand School Board for supporting our drama program. I am grateful to be a part of a school district that celebrates the arts the way that Durand does.
Thank you to Mr. Lombardo and Mrs. Rufener for being such incredibly supportive administrators.
Thanks to the Durand Music Boosters for running the concession stand for our musicals. I am so grateful for all that Megan and Kelly have done over the last few years for all of our music and theater programs.
We are so thankful that Lynn Meyers is willing to give up a portion of the gym for our stage extensions. She is also willing to lose her entire classroom one day for our all day rehearsal.
Brooke Eisenbise and her art students for helping to make our set pieces look amazing. Emily Newcomer for being my constant source of support in the building - and also letting me borrow tools, materials, and Susan. I love you huge!
To the entire maintenance team in Durand who always ask “what can we do for you?” right after they have finished doing something to help.
To all of the parents who sign up to help build sets, put makeup on kids, sell concessions, monitor kids backstage, take care of lights (Annette and Matt) and sound (John), provide donations of props and more, and cheer for your kids always - thank you.
Lee, thank you for making time to help choreograph the tango. You have talents that far surpass mine and I am grateful for your willingness to share them.
Dan, there aren’t words. There would be no set without you and your willingness to help me design and build them. You are my calm in the chaos of what this job can be and you support me in doing what I love even when it means you get less of me than you deserve. I hope you always know how thankful I am for all that you do, who you are, and how you love me. I love you with every fiber that is me.
of Davis
Individual Sponsors:
Stage Manager:
Anneliese and Mike Stoos
Set Designer:
Eric and Emma Rude-Doll
Beverly and Jerry Wise
CAST SHOUT OUTS
We are so proud of Nevaeh for working so incredibly hard, not just in her first year in a Drama club production, but in everything she does! Keep up the magnificent work and we cannot wait to see you grow in your artistry. We love you so much! -Mom & Dad
Alex, we are so proud of your hard work! You put in lots of extra hours and we are amazed! Thanks for sharing the stage with your sister. Love, Mom, Dad, Ethan, Evan and Ariana Ari, we are so proud of you! Have fun and enjoy the stage with your brother!-Love, Mom, Dad, Ethan, Alex and Evan
Macy Potter & Ava Potter we are so proud of you both! -Love, Mom and Dad
Kuturah Rude-Doll we are so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished so far. We can’t wait to see you shine. -Love Mom and Dad
INTERESTED IN SEEING YOUR NAME IN OUR PROGRAM AS ONE OF OUR SPONSORS? CONTACT STACY ROSS AT SROSS@CUSD322.ORG OR BY CALLING 815-248-2171, EXT. 314 TO DISCUSS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES. OUR PROGRAM IS GRATEFUL FOR ANY SUPPORT OF ANY AMOUNT.
Crew
Cast Bios:
Kahlan Day, Senior
Kahlan is thrilled to be a part of The Addams Family cast but is sad that it will be her last program at Durand High School. She would like to thank everyone that has ever supported her through her high school career. Kahlan hopes you enjoy the show!
Leah Wilkinson, Freshman
Rylee Wainwright, Senior Rylee Wainwright, Senior Rylee is excited to be in her second show here at Durand. She previously was involved in Steel Magnolias as Ouiser. Rylee is excited to play the role of Fester Addams. She would like to thank her family, friends, and Mrs. Ross for all they have done to support her. She hopes you enjoy this creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky show!
Thank you to my family and friends that have supported me and helped me when I was at my lowest. I am thankful that they have raised me to who I am today.
Abbigail Campbell, Senior
This is Abby’s fi rst time performing in a musical, however she has been on crew for the past two shows. She is THRILLED to be a part of the production. Abby would like to thank Mrs. Ross, Jenelly Hartman, and the rest of the cast and crew for making the show as great as it is. Enjoy the show!
Alex Flores, Senior
Alex is excited to be playing the role of Gomez Addams. He has recently been seen as Mufasa in The Lion King Jr. and Mr. Krabs in SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical. He would like to thank his friends and family for their constant support and congratulate the cast and crew on their hard work.
Aliyah Stoltz, 6th Grade
Aliyah is excited to be in the ancestor ensemble of The Addams Family. She hopes you enjoy the show.
Andrew Wilsey, Senior
Andrew has been a part of the musical the past two years and is excited for his last musical in high school playing Lucas Beineke. He is very thankful for everyone who has supported him and been with him from the start.
Ariana Flores, 5th Grade
Thank you Mrs. Ross for letting me be on stage one last time with my brother Alex as Young Wednesday! Big thank you to Mrs. Ross, Alex and my mom and dad!! Enjoy the show!!!
Autumn Carey, Senior
Cast Bios:
Autumn is thrilled to be a part of The Addams family for her fi fth and fi nal show. Autumn was a part of the crew for The Little Mermaid, she was Timon in The Lion King, Sandy Cheeks in Spongebob The Musical, and M’Lynn Eatenton in the play Steel Magnolias. She is thankful for her castmates, friends, family, and their endless support. Lastly she hopes you all enjoy the show!
Ava Crawford, Senior
Ava is very excited to be a part of this year’s musical The Addams Family. My years performing at Rock n Roll Institute have prepared me for the role of Morticia Addams. Besides theater and music, I’m also involved in softball. I hope you enjoy the show.
Bael DeYoung, Senior
Bael is thrilled to be taking the stage for the 29th time in The Addams Family, playing Wednesday Addams!! 17-year-old senior Bael has been a part of theater since kindergarten. Bael wants to recognize and thank incredible people that made this happen. A special shoutout goes to Mrs. Cox and newest friends, Abby, Jenelly, and Autumn, for helping them break out of their shell and embrace extroversion. Bael may be saying goodbye to Durand productions, but the curtain will never truly close on their passion for theater.
Devin Sayers, 8th
Devin is very excited for the musical this year. This will be his 4th musical so far. He has been working very hard. He would like to thank Mrs. Ross, his siblings, and his parents for helping him.
Hayden Stadler, 8th
Garrett Sayers, 5th Garrett is so excited to be in his second musical here at Durand and being asked to play this special role. He is honored to be one of only two 5th graders this year. He would like to thank his mom, dad, and his sister.
Hayden is super excited to be featured as Pugsly in this year’s show!! She has previously been on stage for The Little Mermaid (ensemble), The Lion King (ensemble), and The SpongeBob Musical (ensemble). She would like to thank Mrs. Ross, her parents, and the whole team!
Isaiah Bradford, Senior
Isaiah is excited to play the role of Lurch in this year’s Addams Family musical. This is Isaiah’s fi rst time being in a musical. Isaiah is very thankful to be in the Addams Family musical and would like to thank the cast, the crew, and most importantly his family.
Jenelly Hartman, Senior
Jenelly Hartman, Senior
Jenelly is ECSTATIC to be acting in her fi rst and last musical! She served as the Assistant Director for this year’s fall play, Steel Magnolias and ran projections for last year’s musical, SpongeBob. She also took the stage last year, acting in many different roles for 30 Reasons Not To Be In A Play. Jenelly is so thankful for Mrs. Ross, her dad, Abby Campbell, and the wonderful cast and crew for making this an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the show!
Cast Bios:
Jesse Biesemeier, Alumni
Jesse, who is a Durand alum and current musical theatre major at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is happy to fi ll in for the role of Lurch. Some of his favorite past roles include: Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid), Brandon Cates (Getting Sara Married), Metellus Cimber (Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar), and Scrooge (A Christmas Carol). He is also currently in RVC Starlight’s production of Ragtime. Please enjoy the show that all the performers have worked so hard to put on for you. Jesse hopes you enjoy The Addams Family and come away from it knowing how much work the Durand Theatre Department has put into the show.
Keegan Meyers, 6th
Keegan is very excited for his third appearance on the Durand Drama Stage. He was previously seen as part of the hyena ensemble in The Lion King Jr. and as Larry the Lobster in The SpongeBob Musical. He would like to thank his family for their love and support, and the cast and crew for helping to put on an amazing show!
Kuturah Rude-Doll, 8th
Kuturah is 14 years old and loves to express herself through various forms of art. Kuturah is delighted to have another opportunity to be in the theater department this year as a part of The Addams Family musical. This is Kuturah’s second time in a musical, having played the role of Plankton last year in The SpongeBob Musical.
Lauren Jendusa, 7th
Lauren is excited to be playing an ancestor in this year’s production and enjoys being a part of the musicals every year. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Macy Potter, 6th
Macy has been involved in Durand performances since 4th grade. Macy enjoys being on stage and has the dedication needed for playing the best role she can. Macy would like to thank Mrs. Ross for the opportunity as well as her parents and sister for their support.
Michael Lahey, Freshman
Michael is excited to take the stage this year in the role of Mal Beineke. He would like to thank all of you for coming and he hopes you enjoy the show!
Ava Potter, Sophomore
Ava started her stage performance in 5th grade. Ava is well versed in stage performance and the dedication involved. She would like to thank Mrs. Ross as well her parents, family and friends for their continued dedication in her success.
Nevaeh Heatherly, 6th
Nevaeh is excited to be a part of the ancestor ensemble. When she grows up, Nevaeh would like to attend NYU to become a zoologist.
Teagan Murray, 6th
Aliyah is excited to be in the ancestor ensemble of The Addams Family. She hopes you enjoy the show.
Tatiana Rivas, Senior
Tatiana is glad she gets to do the musical this year, playing the role of Alice Beineke. This is her 2nd year in the theater program. She could not be more excited to do this. Tatiana wants to thank her family, friends, and most of all Mrs.Ross for pushing me far.
Veronica Misek, Freshman
Veronica is excited to continue her theater journey as an ancestor in The Addams Family Musical. She has previously appeared in The Spongebob Musical as Karen the Computer, The Lion King as Zazu, the ensemble in The Little Mermaid, and in 30 Reasons Not to be in a Play. She would like to thank her family for always coming to her shows, her parents for always driving her to rehearsals, and Mrs. Ross for being the amazing director that she is.
Vaida Lahey, Junior
Cast Bios: Crew Bios:
Vaida is happy to continue her role backstage as the stage manager for The Addams Family, having also been stage manager for Steel Magnolias this past fall. Prior to that, Vaida has helped build sets, work stage crew, and served as assistant stage manager for The SpongeBob Musical.
Yannik Slocum, Senior
Yannik is happy to step into the role of assistant stage manager for this production after working various crew jobs in past shows. Last year, Yannik brought sound effects to life as the Foley Guy in The SpongeBob Musical. He hopes you enjoy the show.
Keighley Murray, Sophomore
Keighley Murray is a Sophomore at Durand High School. She is excited to be a part of the crew for The Addams Family. She has previously been seen in Durand’s “SpongeBob Musical” as Perch Perkins as well as “Shrek the Musical”, which never got to see the stage due to Covid. She is thankful for her parents for all they do. They always support her in whatever she decides to do. She would not be where she is now without their guidance. Keighley hopes that you have a good time and enjoy the show!!
Ariana Rivas, Senior
Ariana is trying something new this year and using her talents behind the scenes as a crew member. In past years, Ari was seen as Shenzi in The Lion King and as Pearl in The SpongeBob Musical. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Torie Sheldon, Senior
Torie has been a staple behind the scenes of the musicals during her high school career in Durand. She hopes you enjoy the show.
Lizzie Rodriguez, Freshman
Lizzie is excited to be a part of The Addams Family crew helping to make the cast look creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky as a part of the makeup team. She hopes you enjoy the show.
Bailey Rainwater, Junior
Bailey is excited to try something new this year by joining the crew of the musical. She is going to put her artistic talents to use turning our cast into the various characters that you will see on stage.
Allyson Tullis, Senior
Allyson was happy to lend her artistic talents to helping make foam insulation look like anything else.
