They’re Creepy, They’re Kooky… They’re Coming to Bennington Daze (Plus Official Cast Announcement)

5–7 minutes

By Marisa Dawson

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The Bennington Community Theatre is bringing a delightfully spooky classic to the stage this summer, as rehearsals are now underway for The Addams Family Young@Part, the featured musical for this year’s Bennington Daze celebration.

Following auditions that drew more than 70 students in grades 6–12, the production team has officially cast the show and begun preparing for opening night. With a fast-approaching performance schedule, the cast and crew are making the most of their rehearsal time, now taking place in BCT’s new studio space.

Producer Donna Dahlsten (pictured below) said the show was a natural fit for the early summer slot. “It offers a fun, high-energy, and relatable story within a condensed, 60-minute format,” Dahlsten said. “It features distinct, quirky characters that allow younger actors to explore comedy and dramatic acting and it features a fun, catchy score.”

A woman in a red and white vest speaks to a group of students seated in a classroom setting, with a colorful backdrop and various items on a table.

She added that the production also allows for broad participation. “In addition, the show offers opportunities for a large ensemble (the ancestors) so we can utilize all who audition.”

That large cast, however, comes with its own set of challenges. Dahlsten noted that coordinating a quick turnaround after auditions, while also creating the show’s signature eerie aesthetic, requires both creativity and careful planning. “The production requires a ‘creepy graveyard’ and a ‘gothic mansion’ feel,” she said. “Achieving this with a limited budget and small amount of time requires creative thinking in regard to set and lighting.”

From costumes and makeup to special effects and props, each detail plays a role in bringing the Addams Family’s world to life. Managing the sizable ancestor ensemble, who appear frequently throughout the show, adds another layer of complexity.

Despite those challenges, Dahlsten said the theatre’s new rehearsal space has been a major asset this season. “ It offers much needed space for set building and storage, which really enhances planning,” she said. “We were able to hold auditions there, which was quite convenient… We will also be able to hold rehearsals in our new space until we move to Bennington High School for the final couple of rehearsals and the performances.”

Director Stephanie Olson (pictured below) said her connection to BCT made stepping into the role feel like a natural next step. “I was first drawn to Bennington Community Theater when I was part of Steel Magnolias. Ever since then, I’ve been a huge fan of all things BCT and have gladly pitched in to help whenever I could,” Olson said. “When I found out BCT was doing a Young@Part production of The Addams Family, I was thrilled… when they offered me the opportunity to direct the show, I jumped at the chance!”

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With a large and talented group of young performers, Olson said casting decisions were anything but easy. “We had 70+ amazing students join us for auditions, and the level of talent in the room was truly impressive,” she said. “Honestly, we could have cast three separate shows with the talent we saw.”

In selecting the cast, Olson and her team considered not only performance skills, but also collaboration and attitude. “What matters most is how you respond. Bringing joy, commitment, and creativity to whatever role you receive… is one of the most important jobs of any actor,” she said. “Great performers know that every moment on stage matters, and every cast member helps create the magic of the show.”

Helping students grow both as performers and as individuals is one of the most rewarding parts of directing youth theatre, Olson added. “The best part of working with an all-youth cast is watching them grow right in front of your eyes,” she said. “Some of them come nervous or unsure, and then you see them find their confidence, their voice, and their place in the group.”

She emphasized that building confidence starts with creating a supportive environment. “We can help build confidence by creating a safe, encouraging space where they know mistakes are part of learning… When kids feel supported and prepared, they start to believe in themselves—and that’s when the magic happens.”

To bring out the signature Addams Family style, the production team is leaning into movement, music, and character work. Olson credited choreographer Sophie Knauss (below left) and music director Kateri Determen (below right) for helping students fully embody their roles. “Together, we are helping the cast explore movement, character work, and full embodiment, so we can truly watch the Addams family, and their Ancestors, come to life on stage,” she said.

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While the show embraces its spooky roots, Dahlsten said the focus remains on fun, humor, and meaningful themes. “Making The Addams Family Young@Part accessible and enjoyable for all ages involves focusing on the show’s core themes of acceptance, love and ‘embracing your weirdness’ rather than focusing solely on macabre elements,” she said. “By focusing on the humor and ‘fun-spooky’ aesthetic rather than genuine horror… the show can be enjoyed by everyone from young children to grandparents.”

Audience members can also expect a few playful surprises, including the beloved character Thing greeting guests before the curtain rises. 

Behind the scenes, Dahlsten emphasized that the production would not be possible without strong community involvement, from volunteers and board members to patrons and sponsors. “Our volunteers are priceless and we could not succeed without them,” she said. “It takes that type of support for us to pay royalties and purchase set materials, props and costumes.”

As rehearsals continue and opening night approaches, both Dahlsten and Olson said their focus remains on the students at the heart of the production. “I am most excited about seeing the kids shine on stage in this production,” Dahlsten said. “I want to hear them say, ‘I can’t wait to do this again.’”

A group of people sitting at a table in a classroom setting, attentively listening to a presentation. Several participants have laptops and notebooks in front of them.

Olson echoed that sentiment, adding that she hopes audiences walk away inspired. “I hope families… leave with joy,” she said. “Most of all, I hope they leave feeling more connected to their community and reminded that the arts bring people together in a really special way.”

Official Cast List:

The Addams Family:

  • Gomez Addams – Prise Yates
  • Morticia Addams – Gabi Nocita
  • Wednesday Addams – Hanna Roberts
  • Pugsley Addams – David Engebretson
  • Uncle Fester – Addison Yates
  • Grandma – Julian Kruse
  • Lurch – Kamden Kruse

The Beinekes:

  • Lucas Beineke – Elliott Edwards
  • Alice Beineke – Emily Wareham
  • Mal Beineke – Zane Walter
  • Cousin Itt – AJ Shope

Ancestors & Musical Features:

Conquistador – Preston Nocita
“When You’re an Addams” Solos:

  • Elijah Sukraw
  • Jack Holtorf
  • Hanna Sukraw
  • CaMauni Irvin

Additional Gomez Ancestors:
Dylan Rapp, Alex Rawson, Mitchell Junker, Maria Greunke, Quentin Wood, Atticus Wood, Zoey Hunt, Cormac Eckholt

“Just Around the Corner” Solos:
Vivienne Vu, Jayci Luther, Katherine Sukraw, Sarah Junker

Additional Morticia Ancestors:
MadisonRose Christensen, Emmy Mattson

“One Normal Night” Solos:
Mali DeArment, Beatrice Johnson, Piper Kollasch, Charlotte Clark, Lance Boulton

“Crazier Than You” Solos:
Ancestor Bride – Lilia DeArment
Liam Doan, August Kruse, Alyssa Lang, Karly Knajdl, Grayson Reed, Oscar Andersen

Additional Wednesday Ancestors:
Bailee Andersen, Lumen Ard, Gabi Detjens, Clara Greunke, Johnessa Brewer, Rebecca White

Fester’s Ancestors:
Lukas Reineman, Max Milliken, Eva Wegner, Selah Batchelder, Alessandra Brewer, Howie Yates, Sonjana Bana

A group of young people standing in a line, with one individual wearing a blue STAFF shirt. They appear engaged and are facing forward, indoors with bright lighting.
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A group of diverse young people standing in a line, engaged in an activity, possibly a rehearsal or practice. They are facing forward, wearing casual clothing, and some are wearing name tags.
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