"The Addams Family," a Broadway musical sensation, is coming to town — thanks to the Manchester Valley High School Drama Club.
Students will present the comedy at 7 p.m. April 17, 18, 24 and 25 in the Maverick Theater at the school.
"Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectably "normal" family. And if that weren't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides some very delicate information to her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night that they host a dinner for Wednesday's boyfriend and his parents," Bobbi Vinson, director and MVHS drama teacher, wrote in an email.
Senior Ethan Breeden has the role of Gomez, while Junior Lauren Dunn has the role of Morticia. Courtney Zeitler plays Wednesday, Bryant Gutknect plays Pugsley, Emily Spence is Grandma and Noah Maenner takes on the role of Fester. The cast is rounded out with Ben Caples as Lurch, Cole Ditzel as Lucas, Alex Frazier as Mal and Samantha Rae as Alice.
"What's really cool is that the actors have remained true to the original characters, but have successfully made them their own — not an easy thing to do when taking on iconic characters," Vinson wrote.
Vinson also noted that the student technical director, Sam Getty, has created an original concept set that makes it "both recognizable as uniquely 'Addams' and yet completely fresh and morbidly exciting."
"Much of the set decor has been provided by Old Hat Vintage Clothing … audience members shouldn't be surprised to see interesting taxidermy, instruments of torture and maybe even a coffin," according to Vinson.
A new feature for this year is reserved seating as well as a discount price for tickets purchased in advance. Tickets can be obtained by calling 410-960-8259 or by emailing mavericktheater@gmail.com. Tickets are $10 for adults or $8 for students and seniors when purchased at least 24 hours before the performance, and $12 for adults or $10 for students and seniors at the door. Children 5 and younger may attend for free.
Manchester Valley High School's Drama Department is also hosting the first Maverick Cabaret this Sunday, April 12, at Dutch Corner Restaurant, 3154 Main St., Manchester.
The evening will feature solo and duet performances from members of MVHS Drama Club as well as a pasta dinner. The meal will cost $15 per person and includes a choice of pasta, salad, bread and a beverage. Seating for the event is available at 4:30 or 6 p.m. Performers will entertain throughout the restaurant, alternating acts.
"The fundraiser will benefit the MVHS Drama Department and their continued efforts to produce quality theatrical performances which both entertain the public and serves to support the students as they strive for artistic excellence. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention," Vinson wrote.
Maverick Cabaret tickets are available in advance only and must be purchased by Saturday, April 11. They can be purchased at Dutch Corner Restaurant, through members of the MVHS Drama Club or by emailing mavericktheater@gmail.com.
Manchester Valley High School is at 3300 Maple Grove Road, Manchester.
Youth flea market
Vendors are needed for the inaugural Youth Flea Market Fundraiser set for 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. April 18 at Millers United Methodist Church Picnic Woods, 4224 Millers Station Road, Millers.
Indoor and outdoor spaces are available. An 8-foot by 6-foot indoor space is $25, and a 20-foot by 20-foot outdoor space is $20. Table rental is $5. Come and sell your new merchandise, yard sale items, home business items or whatever you have.
In addition to the merchandise, gourmet hot dogs will be for sale. There will be a variety of toppings to make your hot dog just the way you like it, as well as chips and drinks to round out your meal. Youth from the church will also be baking cookies.
Contact Judy at 410-239-6797 or Christine at 410-374-5159 by Saturday, April 11, to confirm your spot or for more information.
Jill Murphy covers Hampstead, Manchester and neighboring communities in the North Carroll area. She can be reached by email at jillmurphy.neighborhoods@netzero.com or by phone at 443-604-8619.
