OT: Addams Family on Broadway

[Mouse Skywalker]

I dont know any Addams Family songs, so I'm pretty sure they will be new.

What about the theme song?

They're creepy and they're kooky,
Mysterious and spooky,
They're all together ooky,
The Addams Family.

Their house is a museum.
When people come to see 'em
They really are a screa-um.
The Addams Family.

Neat

Sweet

Petite

So get a witch's shawl on.
A broomstick you can crawl on.
We're gonna pay a call on
The Addams Family.

 

[DisneyKevin]

What about the theme song?

They're creepy and they're kooky,
Mysterious and spooky,
They're all together ooky,
The Addams Family.

Their house is a museum.
When people come to see 'em
They really are a screa-um.
The Addams Family.

Neat

Sweet

Petite

So get a witch's shawl on.
A broomstick you can crawl on.
We're gonna pay a call on
The Addams Family.

I'm thinking that at $100 bucks a ticket (or more) if that is the only song in the show. then you are going to feel cheated unless Nathan and Bebe sing sitting in your lap.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I was thinking about this more, and I realize I'm getting off point. Here's the real issue. Am I interested in "The Addams Family" on Broadway? No, I'm not. I've seen the TV shows; I've seen one of the movies; I'm not interested in a Broadway version. Am I'm interested in something that Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth are in? Yes! They have a track record of things I like, so I'm willing to give it a chance.

In my opinion, it would be better and more interesting to me if they were in something with a new story, new songs, and new characters.

When I lived in upstate NY, I had a great deal more access to the NY theater.

Now that I live in Orlando, I have access to the touring companies that stop in Orlando, Tampa and Melbourne.

I guess I am a bit more forgiving when it comes to musical theater. I guess I dont really care where the idea comes from as long as the story moves along, the singing and dancing are good and I like the music. I also have to be interested in the subject matter.

From the snippets I have seen...Next to Normal doesnt appeal to me. The voices sound strong, but a show about mental illness and it's affect on a family sounds depressing. I cant imagine humming songs about mental illness on the way home.

But on the other hand...on of my favorite musicals is about an Argentinian dictator and his opportunist wife and it doesnt end well for either one. On top of that, I can sing every song in the show. I've often joked that if there was a touring company of Evita...I could understudy every role. As long as they are not picky about being able to carry a tune....I'm there.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I'm thinking that at $100 bucks a ticket (or more) if that is the only song in the show. then you are going to feel cheated unless Nathan and Bebe sing sitting in your lap.

Agreed... we'll just have to see what they come up with, but I guess the production already has us talking.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

From the snippets I have seen...Next to Normal doesnt appeal to me. The voices sound strong, but a show about mental illness and it's affect on a family sounds depressing. I cant imagine humming songs about mental illness on the way home.

Yeah, having two PhDs in neuroscience in the household probably helps with my interest in that one. Dana is currently researching in a Psychiatry department on the links between stress and depression.

 

[lttlmc3]

Okay, I'm putting in my two cents. My Best friend Ben was working as an intern on Broadway while this show was starting its conception. I was, and still am soooo excited about it. Addams Family Values is one of my favorite all time movies (because of its sick sense of humor) and from what I understand, the show should be the same way.
As far as where inspiration goes...who cares as long as it's good. And it doesn't even have to be perfect. "Xanadu" is based on one of the cheesiest movies ever made and is cheesy as well. I know, as you do, that sometimes cheesy is amazing.
So I'm all for giving any play or musical a chance. No matter what it is based on.

I might have to lay down.....

Oh, and about Sound of Music, Kevin. Ben has never seen it in any form. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!!!! AND HE'S GAY AND WORKS IN MUSICAL THEATRE WHAT THE CRAP!!!!

 

[joshua4]

Hi all -- I am typically a lurker but thought I would step out of the shadows because I saw Nathan Lane and Bebe in this last night at the opening night Chicago pre-view. While it was no Les Mis (not that I expected that sort of experience) it was a lot of fun, well choreographed, funky sets, great energy. Nathan Lane was simply amazing. The show is actually based more on the books than the tv show so while they slipped in references to the tv show here and there (snippets of the famous Adams family jingle), all of the songs were original. The best way I can describe the show is sort of kooky, a little dark at times (just like the Adams Family) and thoroughly entertaining. It will be playing in Chicago until January 2nd, so if you are in the neighborhood - stop on by.

Lauren

 

[k5jm]

West Side Story - Shakespear - musical - movie - musical

Keven got my Romeo and Juliet!

Oh well, "I feel pretty, Oh so pretty....."

And Dave this is a time honored tradition that goes back to the Early days of Opera.

 

[Joshua_me]

So get a witch's shawl on.
A broomstick you can crawl on.

^ I've never been able to make out those two lines of lyrics before...



Thanks !

 

[MrToady]

I am glad to hear that they went back to the original material for the stage production. I am a fan of the original TV series, but the cartoons by Charles Addams (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Addams) are very impressive and have a much darker tone. It is like comparing the Batman TV series with Adam West to The Dark Night.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I saw this article, and thought people here might be interested in it.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118011890.html?categoryid=15&cs=1&ref=bd_legit

 

[aaronmckie]

Shanan and I are Broadway in Chicago members and when we saw Addam's Family on the schedule I groaned as well. However I've always wanted to see Bebe perform so that pushed it up to "cannot miss" in my book.

We're seeing it on Saturday and we'll let you know how we like it!

 

[A.Mickey]

We saw it! And we thoroughly enjoyed it. The 1st Act had high energy, while the second act kind of dragged. The second act was really kooky though! How could it not be with a song "In the arms of a squid." Wasn't very deep, just a fun show. I found the special effects and the set changes very interesting. I am very glad I saw Nathan Lane! He is impressive!! The whole cast was very good. I would give it a 3 1/2 out of 5. None of the songs were very memorable. Usually when I leave a musical, that I have not seen before, a song or two will be stuck in my head, but none of the music stuck from this one.

If you want to see a very good musical, I highly suggest Spring Awakening. It is based on a German play from 1891. This musical is very racy and highly controversial though. Just a warning!
Oh...and Lea Michele from Glee was the female lead when it was on Broadway.
We saw the touring group twice now, just amazing!

I also really enjoyed The Color Purple and Showboat.

About to purchase our next set of season tickets:
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Shrek the Musical
Billy Elliott
August: Osage County
Alfred Hitchcock's 39 Steps