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“They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky,” and they’re coming to Saucon Valley High School for four fun-filled performances. Saucon Valley High School Theatre will present ‘The Addams Family School Edition’ on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m., Friday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m.

Based on the famous TV series and film franchise, The Addams Family’s perennial appeal comes from its celebration of the wackiness in every family. The school musical version features an original story in which Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with a young man from a “respectable” family. The Addams Family invites Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents to dinner, setting the stage for a clash of “family values” involving Wednesday, Gomez and Morticia Addams and the rest of the Addams clan.

‘The Addams Family’ director Lex Donatelli makes adjustments to Luke McGloughlin’s (Lurch) costume during a rehearsal at Saucon Valley High School. (Credit: Lani Goins)

Director Lex Donatelli is in his second year of directing shows at Saucon Valley, and said he’s excited to present the show.

“I have always been a performer myself, from middle school to college theater,” he said. “I have been a set designer and a choreographer. I tried to do as many things as possible to prepare to be a director. It’s great to get to meet new people.”

Speaking of people, Donatelli said that over 65 individuals have been hard at work on the production.

“We probably have over 20 members on the crew. We have a set designer, Koray, who has a mostly student-led crew who built the (amazing) sets,” he said. “The students learned to build, paint and even sculpt while creating the set.”

“There has been great support from the parent group and the school administration,” he added.

Twenty actors make up the cast, which includes senior John Murphy as Gomez. A theatrical performer since third grade, he said his favorite show is “shaping up to be The Addams Family, but currently is Mary Poppins.” He said of his current starring role: “I like (Gomez’s) dry, dark humor.” John will be attending Duquesne University, where he plans to major in pre-law.

Senior Madeline Janis plays Pugsley Addams. An actor since fifth grade, Madeline said her favorite show as a performer has been Mary Poppins, but she called The Addams Family characters “very cool.” Madeline will be attending DeSales University for nursing in the fall. In college she plans to join the Drama Club, so keep an eye out for her next year in shows at DeSales.

Sophomore Ryan Pakzad plays Uncle Fester. Ryan has been acting since first grade and The Addams Family is his tenth show at Saucon Valley. He said it’s also his favorite, because it has “lots of humor and a lot of emotional stuff makes it balanced.”

Junior Gabby Silva, plays Wednesday, said she is enjoying her character’s wardrobe. “I love the dress so much!” she enthused.

Gabby has been performing in shows since fourth grade, and her favorite to date is The Addams Family. “I normally don’t do super serious roles, but (as Wednesday) I just have to tell myself I’m that person,” she said. “Wednesday is definitely the most serious person I’ve played.”

In the Saucon Valley production, Morticia Addams is played by Molly Morales and Grandma is played by Angelina Dechert.

Director Lex Donatelli said his favorite thing about the show “is the message that family is first, and being different is always something to celebrate.”

To join in the fun, you can purchase tickets online for the following performances:

Thursday, April 10 • 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 11 • 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 12 • 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 13 • 2 p.m.

All performances will be in the Saucon Valley High School auditorium. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Tickets purchased online are discounted vs. those bought at the door, and give buyers the opportunity to select their seats.

Ticket prices for the show are as follows:

Online Advanced Tickets: