Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
PERFORMING — Keegan Fitzpatrick, right, portays the character of Gomez Addams with Haven Rhoda as Wednesday in the Houlton High School play production.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Halloween may have been a few weeks ago, but plenty of spooky and kooky antics were to be found this past weekend at the Houlton Community Arts Center.
This year’s annual fall stage production at Houlton High School of “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy” showcased not only the musical talents, but the comedic chops of the young actors and actresses at the school.
Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
IN CHARACTER — Natalie Rush, left, and Keegan Fitzpatrick delivered strong performances as the lead characters of Morticia and Gomez Addams respectively.
Based on the television series “The Addams Family,” the stage production featured an original story of every father’s nightmare — their daughter getting married to a man the family has never met.
“I was really proud of the performances given by my students this past weekend,” said Jason Anderson, director of the play. “Aside from a few technical aspects, the shows were pristine. I continue to be humbled by the opportunity to coach these kids; they are all so terrifically talented and realized their own potential to bring an entertaining and thoughtful show to our stage this fall.”
Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
GETTING READY — Danielle Provost, right, applies makeup to Dylan Johnston for school’s play production of “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy.”
Coming up with a decidedly different type of play production was risky, Anderson admitted.
“The Addams Family is a complex show for a number of reasons; it is written in a very cinematic style which means scenes tend to flow directly into each other without any clear transitions,” he said. “This makes for lighting and sound challenges. Plus the actors have to have careful pacing for the comedic lines. It also has significant dance requirements, and the music was lesser known to the performers before the show.”
Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
THE ADAMS FAMILY — The stage of the Houlton Community Arts Center was transformed into the creepy setting of “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy” this past weekend as students from Houlton High School put on three entertaining performances.
Senior Keegan Fitzpatrick filled the lead role of Gomez Addams, patriarch of the clan, and delivered a stellar performance. Fitzpatrick’s vocals were matched only by his comedic prowess, particularly with his facial expressions.
FREEZE — June Choi, rear, and Lexi Bartlett strike a pose.
Senior Natalie Rush portrayed Morticia Addams, matriarch of the Addams’ clan and showcased a beautiful singing voice, hitting both high and low notes with relative ease, while another senior, Haven Rhoda, delivered the perfectly somber act as Wednesday Addams.
Sophomore John Thatcher and senior Caleigh Sullivan were nearly unrecognizable in their makeup as the bald-headed Uncle Fester and Frankenstein-like butler Lurch, respectively. Seniors Danielle Provost and Madelene Anderson proved to be scene-stealers throughout the production with their humorous portrayals of Grandma and Pugsley Addams respectively. 
ON STAGE — Dakota Gramour, left, and Jacklyn Condon perform a scene.
“All in all, I truly hope that our supportive community enjoyed the performances and will continue to support musical theatre in our schools for years to come,” Anderson said. “It will be a huge blow to our team to lose so many great seniors at the end of this school year, but we have decided to set our sights on the rest of the year and to all the great music-making that is left to be had. I look forward to seeing what these kids can do with their talents in the future to continue a fulfilling life filled with performing and music.”
Other cast members included Noah Holmes, Dakota Gramor, Jacklyn Condon, Maggie LaFond, Adam Casillas, Sierra Rhoda, Addison Michaud, Dylan Johnston, Jillian Moran, June Choi, Lexi Bartlett, Morgan Nelson, Jade Clossey, Jill Howland, Olivia White, Victoria Holmes and Taylor Reed.
DANCERS — Victoria Holmes, left, and Jill Howland perform.
