A Little Spooky, A Little Silly, Completely Entertaining: Bennington Community Theatre Brings The Addams Family to Life

4–6 minutes

By Marisa Dawson

A group of six performers dressed in costume on stage, featuring a character with wild hair and a staff, a girl in a black dress, a boy in striped clothing, and others in various outfits, all expressing dramatic emotions against a blue curtain backdrop.

A cast of talented young performers brought the delightfully dark world of the Addams Family to life during Bennington Daze weekend as Bennington Community Theatre presented The Addams Family Young@Part.

Featuring three performances throughout the community celebration, the production offered audiences a blend of comedy, music, heartwarming moments and quirky characters that kept theatergoers laughing while delivering a message about embracing individuality and accepting others for who they are.

The family-friendly adaptation follows Wednesday Addams as she falls in love with Lucas Beineke, a boy from a seemingly normal family, setting the stage for a chaotic and entertaining dinner that forces both families to confront their differences.

For Hannah Roberts, who portrayed Wednesday Addams (pictured below), the role offered a unique acting challenge. “It is just so fun being able to share and tell the story of Wednesday,” Roberts said. “And she’s such a fun character to portray because how she acts is such a hard way to act… Usually acting is so happy and fun, but she’s just so dark and down.”

A person dressed in a black dress and wearing white socks and shoes performs on stage, holding a stuffed toy in one hand while pointing with the other.

Roberts said she especially enjoyed performing the songs “Pulled” and “Crazier Than You.” “I like ‘Pulled’ because I get to torture Pugsley,” she said with a laugh. “And then I like ‘Crazier Than You’ because it shows how much I connect with Lucas in how much I forgave him, and it just shows our love.”

As a newcomer to Bennington Community Theatre, Roberts also praised the welcoming environment she found during rehearsals. “This is probably one of my favorite places I’ve done theater yet,” she said. “Everyone is just so nice and welcoming and so easy to work with.”

The production’s colorful cast of ancestors added another layer of fun to the performance. Hannah Sukraw, who portrayed one of Gomez Addams’ ancestors as an 1980s pop star (pictured below, right), said she was excited to finally share the finished show with audiences. “I’m most excited about how fun it’s going to be, with the adrenaline and the audience seeing us perform,” she said. “I think it’s really come together over this last week.”

A theater performance featuring two leading characters in white costumes, surrounded by a chorus of performers in ghostly attire, all on stage with a dramatic background.

Sukraw said one of her favorite parts of the show was performing “Full Disclosure,” a musical number featuring the ancestors gathered around the dinner table.

Beyond the performance itself, she said the friendships formed during rehearsals would be one of her biggest takeaways. “People come from all over town to do this, and it’s just fun to make all the friendships and have that experience with someone else,” she said.

Prise Yates, who took on the role of Gomez Addams, said he enjoyed the character’s personality and unique traits. “I get to do some fencing in the show, and I love the accent that I get to do in the partner acting with Gabby Nocita as Morticia,” Yates said.

A theatrical scene featuring a woman in a black and red dress interacting with a man in a striped suit. They share a moment of playful expression, while ghostly figures and a stone archway form the background.
Left: Gabi Nocita as Morticia Addams, Right: Prise Yates as Gomez Addams

He described the production as energetic and entertaining from start to finish. “I hope the audience takes away how fun the show is,” he said. “It’s like a big party. It’s very chaotic, but I hope it’s not too chaotic and the fact that you can enjoy it.”

Yates also pointed to the show’s climactic dinner scene and the song “Full Disclosure” as one of his favorite moments. “It’s a lot of fun to act together in that one,” he said.

Among the cast members portraying the Addams’ ancestors was Preston Nocita, who played a conquistador and member of Uncle Fester’s group of ancestors. After previously appearing in Mamma Mia! With Bennington High School in the spring, Nocita said The Addams Family production required a very different approach.

Two performers in a theatrical production, one dressed in a long black coat and bald cap, the other in a light-colored vest and hat, engaged in a dramatic conversation on stage with other characters in the background.
Left: Addison Yates as Uncle Fester, Right: Preston Nocita as a Conquistador Ancestor

“With Mamma Mia, I felt like I was myself almost. It was very natural,” he said. “This takes a little more work developing a character.”

Nocita said seeing the costume and makeup helped bring his character to life. “Once I got into that costume, once I got into makeup, it really just shaped the character,” he said.

Like many cast members, he was particularly excited for audiences to experience the visual elements of the show. “I’m super excited to see the audience’s reactions to our set and our costumes especially,” he said.

Meanwhile, Julian Kruse (pictured below) embraced one of the production’s most unconventional roles as Grandma Addams. “I don’t think we ever had a guy playing the grandma before,” Kruse said. “It’s very fun to do something I’ve never done.”

A performer dressed as an elderly character with long gray hair, wearing a cozy sweater and colorful socks, is interacting with a cart filled with various bottles and props on stage.

Kruse noted that the role was unlike anything he had previously performed, from the costume and wig to the larger-than-life personality of the character. “I look nothing like myself, which is also really fun,” he said.

Beyond the laughs, Kruse believes the show carries an important message. “The whole point of The Addams Family is you’re allowed to be weird, you’re allowed to be quirky, and you’re allowed to be a little ugly and showing the real parts of yourself, I suppose,” he said.

That theme resonated throughout the production as audiences watched the eccentric Addams family and the conventional Beineke family learn to understand one another despite their differences.

While The Addams Family may seem more suited to Halloween than summer, Kruse felt its uniqueness made it a perfect fit for Bennington Daze. “It’s definitely not summery, but I think that’s also kind of fun,” he said. “It’s different as a change of pace.”

The result was a lively, entertaining production that showcased the talents of Bennington Community Theatre’s young performers while providing Bennington Daze attendees with a memorable theatrical experience. Through humor, music and heartfelt moments, the cast delivered a reminder that being different is something worth celebrating.

A performer in a striped shirt and black shorts is playfully pretending to lift a red TNT box on stage, surrounded by blue curtains.
A theatrical scene featuring a man in a pinstripe suit lifting a woman in a black and red dress, both performing on stage surrounded by ensemble cast members in white costumes.
A scene from a theatrical performance featuring a man in a striped suit and a woman in a black and red gown, engaged in a dramatic conversation under a chandelier.
A large group of performers in white costumes poses on stage under purple lighting, with a backdrop resembling a stone wall and a chandelier above.
A group of performers dressed in white costumes with various accessories, standing together on stage during a theatrical production.
A theatrical performance featuring a large cast dressed primarily in white and gray costumes, with one actor in a black outfit portraying a central character. The backdrop is dimly lit, creating a dramatic atmosphere on stage.
Two actors in formal attire engage in a sword duel on stage, with a dramatic backdrop and other characters seated in the background.
A scene from a theatrical performance featuring four characters: a boy in striped clothing being lifted in an exaggerated manner by a prop resembling a guillotine, flanked by two actors in historical costumes and a girl in a black dress.
A theatrical performance featuring several characters in costumes, including a woman in a black dress with red accents lounging on a green couch, while other performers in various outfits stand nearby.
A theatrical scene featuring a group of actors in dramatic costumes, with one actor in a dark robe being playfully restrained by another actor in a vibrant outfit. Several other actors observe from the background, and a child sits on the floor, watching the performance.
A theatrical performance featuring eight actors dressed in white costumes, dancing on stage under a chandelier, with a dark forest backdrop.
A theatrical performance featuring actors in various costumes, including a figure in a dark cloak, a bride in white, and characters in cheerleader outfits. They are gathered on stage with a dramatic backdrop.
A performer in a glittering long coat with fur trim, gray pants, and white boots, passionately engaging with the audience on stage.
A performer in a white dress and long wig stands on stage, surrounded by other dancers in theatrical costumes, celebrating a lively moment in a play.
A performer in a black outfit kneels on stage holding a ukulele, surrounded by a diverse cast of actors in whimsical costumes, some with white hair and hats, during a theatrical performance.
A scene from a theatrical performance featuring several actors in costumes, including a man in a black striped suit seated at a table, surrounded by other characters in varying outfits, engaged in a comedic display.
A theatrical performance scene featuring three characters on stage. Two young men are dressed in formal attire, one in a suit and the other in a casual varsity jacket, while a woman in a trench coat engages with them. In the background, additional performers in costumes are partially visible.
A scene from a stage play featuring four characters: two in casual attire, one in a trench coat, and one in a black dress with a red accent, interacting on a theatrical set with a couch and decorative plants in the background.
A scene from a theatrical performance featuring five actors in various costumes. A woman in a yellow dress stands center stage, holding a bag, while a girl in a striped shirt and green sash gestures towards her. The backdrop includes a decorative couch and a stone wall.
A theatrical scene featuring three characters on stage. One character in a black suit stands in the background, while a woman in a yellow dress and a second woman in a sweater and apron interact in the foreground. The setting includes a green couch and colorful decor.
A theatrical performance featuring six performers in dramatic costumes, expressing excitement and energy on stage in front of a dark background.
Three actors on stage during a theatrical performance, featuring a young man in a varsity jacket, a man in a pinstripe suit, and a young woman in a yellow dress with braided hair.
A performer in a pinstripe suit gestures while holding a mug on stage, surrounded by a mix of characters including a ghostly figure, a woman with long hair, and others seated at a table during a theatrical performance.
A theatrical performance featuring a large cast on stage, with actors in varied costumes including white attire and formal wear, gathered around a long table with a dark tablecloth under a chandelier.
A person in a tuxedo stands on stage beside a green velvet couch adorned with decorative pillows, against a dark brick background.
A theatrical scene featuring a cast of characters in dramatic costumes, with one central character raising a goblet in a celebratory pose. The background includes various figures in costumes such as brides and a military officer, while others are engaged in different emotional expressions.
A young performer sitting on stage, wearing a striped shirt and holding a green object, with theatrical makeup. In the background, an audience is partially visible.
A dancer in a ballet costume, wearing a tutu and playing a saxophone under stage lighting.
A performer in a dark, long coat and dramatic makeup stands confidently on stage with arms raised, surrounded by a theatrical set.
A lively theater scene featuring multiple characters in dramatic costumes, with one woman in a yellow dress expressing emotion at the forefront. The background includes other actors engaged in various actions, highlighting a chaotic or expressive moment.
A performer in a bright yellow dress passionately sings on a stage, standing on a table surrounded by a diverse group of characters in costumes, while the audience watches.
A dramatic stage scene featuring a group of actors in various costumes. In the foreground, a woman in a yellow dress lies on a table, while several other characters look on with expressions of surprise and concern. The background includes actors in costumes resembling a ghostly ensemble.
A theatrical scene featuring a diverse cast of characters on stage. In the foreground, actors are seated at a table, displaying various expressions. One actor with gray hair passionately gestures, while others observe intently. The background shows additional characters dressed in costumes, contributing to the dramatic atmosphere of the performance.
A performer in a black and red dress stands on stage, looking dramatic with long dark hair and holding a black prop.
A theatrical performance featuring two actors in costumes expressing joy on stage, with a background of stylized trees and smoke effects.
A boy in a varsity jacket hands a red object to a girl in a black dress on stage, illuminated by soft lighting.
A group of performers on stage showcasing a dance routine. One performer in a white dress strikes a dramatic pose while others in vibrant outfits appear in the background.
A group of six performers in theatrical costumes poses on stage, showcasing a variety of elaborate outfits, including white dresses, a black gown, and a colorful suit. They are smiling and striking playful poses, with a stone wall backdrop and stage lighting.
A theatrical performance featuring a group of dancers in white costumes and one performer in a black cloak, all on a stage decorated with a large moon backdrop.
A scene from a performance featuring two actors dancing on stage. One is wearing a white shirt and black suspenders, lifting the other, who is dressed in a yellow dress.
A theatrical performance featuring a dynamic character in a black costume posing dramatically, surrounded by dancers in white costumes, including a ballerina and figures in elaborate outfits, all on a stage with a forest backdrop.
Silhouettes of two actors in a dramatic pose against a red-lit backdrop resembling a stone wall.
A theatrical performance scene featuring a boy jumping on another actor's back, surrounded by three other performers in a dark, forest-like setting.
A theatrical scene featuring several actors performing on stage. A blindfolded female character in a black dress holds a prop firearm, while other characters in various costumes observe. The background includes dark trees, creating a dramatic atmosphere.
A theatrical scene featuring a male character on one knee presenting a shiny apple to a female character in a black dress. Surrounding them are several other actors in costumes, set against a purple-lit stage.
Two actresses performing on stage, one dressed in a flowing white costume and the other in a black and red gown, with dramatic gestures. The stage features a green couch and purple backdrop.
A theatrical scene depicting two female characters in an emotional embrace on stage, with other cast members in the background wearing various costumes, set against a purple-lit backdrop.
A theatrical performance scene featuring a large cast of actors dressed in various costumes on stage, with purple lighting and a castle-like backdrop. The main characters are singing at the forefront, surrounded by other performers in ghostly attire.
Theater cast members celebrating on stage after a performance, holding hands and raising them in triumph, with a colorful backdrop and audience seats visible.

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