“The Addams Family” creeping up at St. Patrick’s Catholic Academy

They’re creepy and they’re kooky!

St. Patrick Catholic Academy is gearing up to present its own production of a famous musical based on everybody’s favorite eccentric family, “The Addams Family Young@Part.”

The production, directed by Susan Huizinga, musically directed by Camille Johnson and choreographed by Heather Gault, will feature talented performers from the St. Patrick’s Drama Club and follow the lives of Gomez and Morticia Addams, along with their daughter Wednesday and the rest of the bunch.

Eighth grade performers Anthony Villamagna and Adriana Zajac may be sad that this is their final show at St. Pat’s before they head to high school, but both are thrilled to be a part of a fun-filled final show they hope audiences will love.

“’The Addams Family’ production is about family and acceptance,” said Villamagna, who plays the popular character Uncle Fester. “What separates this show from other shows I’ve been a part of is that it will be my last performance in a St. Patrick Catholic Academy drama club production. Because of that, I will be giving my best performance.”

He is also excited to play a particularly kooky character.

“[Uncle Fester] is special because he’s always happy,” Villamagna explained. “He’s a crazy, fun and carefree spirit. He’s also the narrator.”

Zajac, who plays Wednesday, is excited that her character is the show’s focal point. “'[This show] is the story of Wednesday Addams falling in love with Lucas, a ‘normal’ boy,” she said. “Wednesday tries throughout the show to get her family to accept him.”

She is also happy to be playing such a complex character.

“I think that Wednesday has many special characteristics,” Zajac explained. “During the show, she goes through a change of heart and mind. She also works hard to get her way and to get her parents to accept her engagement to Lucas. She is one of my dream roles as a performer, so this is a show I’ll never forget.”

Thus far, rehearsals have been enjoyable as the cast and crew gear up for the four performances.

“Everyone gets into character from the beginning and gives their all like it’s the actual show,” said Villamagna. “During every practice, they are serious about getting it right and being great. We have a lot of laughs and we have so much fun, too. The cast is comprised of students from the fourth through the eighth grade. Everyone is very serious about the show and takes pride in what they’re doing.”

“Rehearsals have gone great,” added Zajac. “The cast is so dedicated and talented. Susan, the director, is also incredibly talented.”

“She is a very understanding and good director,” agreed Villamagna. “She lends advice and pointers to the students and she is always encouraging. She is very professional and has an amazing work ethic and she expects the same from us.”

Both actors have a favorite part of the show that they look forward to audiences experiencing.

“I think the highlight of the show will be all of the exciting musical numbers,” said Zajac. “The stage sets and wardrobe definitely play a major role in this production. They help us really become the characters we’re playing.”

“The whole show is pretty awesome but I’d have to say, for me, the highlight of the show is the last scene,” said Villamagna. “It really shows how much family is a main factor in the Addams family’s life and really wraps up the whole show’s meaning.”

The message is something they want to resonate with audiences.

“I’d like them to take away from the show a good feeling about themselves and their own family,” said Villamagna. “At the same time I hope the audience will see and appreciate all the hard work the cast and crew put into this production to make it an awesome one.”

“This is a good show to present to audiences because it shows that you shouldn’t judge people based on first impressions, which I think is a good message for our school community,” Zajac said. “I would like the audience to walk away with a new love for ‘The Addams Family’ from the show.”

“The Addams Family young@part” will be performed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Academy, 401 97th Street, on Friday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.stpatrickca.org.