The Addams Family, an ironic, over-the-top musical comedy, centers on love, family, and acceptance in the quirkiest of ways. Masterfully performed, the production captivated the audience with its transmedia set (combining a digital screen with intricate man-made sets that included a 10-foot torture device), the cast members presented their memorable versions of the iconic, macabre family members, and the ensemble of Addams ancestors carried the production to new heights with an incredible energy. 

With both the Middle and Upper School, students bridged a theater community like no other. The collective musical talent on stage delivered an unexpected emotional depth about what it means to be a family. This message remained strong throughout the entire show. The cast convincingly portrayed their togetherness, and backstage their friendships were just as strong.

Terrence Christgau, Head of Upper School Theater Productions — who served as Production Designer and Director of the show — spoke to the depth of both the characters’ and actors’ bonds, saying, “The show is, after all, about family first and foremost.” 

This year’s cast had literal family connections as well, with two pairs of siblings appearing in the cast: the Suhmar sisters Zayneb ’25 (Grandma) and Zahra ’30 (Paul Revere Ancestor), and the Beal sisters Olivia ’25 (Wednesday) and Lillian ’27 (Pugsley).

Zayneb, a senior, reflected on her experience playing alongside her sibling, who danced in almost every number as an ensemble member: “In the beginning, we couldn’t make eye contact for more than a few seconds without giggling, because of how different it felt. By the end of the process, I had gotten so used to her being by my side, I almost don’t remember what it was like not having her there. I will miss doing this with her very much.” 

Olivia, also a senior, played Wednesday, while her sister, Lillian, portrayed Wednesday’s brother, Pugsley; the real-life and on-stage siblings enjoyably bounced off each other’s energy. Olivia said, “We grew up performing together and it’s what we do best. I love her, and my favorite part is our hug at the end.”

The family-feel extended beyond the siblings featured on stage into the Dwight theater community itself. Indeed, through long hours, hard work, and dedication to the art form, deep connections continued to blossom.

Including Middle School students provided the Upper Schoolers an opportunity to mentor and support their younger peers. Parker Rice ’29, who played the Can-Can Dancer Ancestor, for example, devoted her time to practicing dance routines — all brilliantly choreographed by Broadway veteran Colleen Durham, who served as Choreographer, Co-Director, and Costume Designer of the show. After long rehearsals, Parker would revisit material she found challenging and reach out to the Upper Schoolers for guidance. Through learning from these mentors, she said that she created “bonds and memories” that she “will forever remember.”

Willem Kraaijeveld ’27, who played the lead of Gomez, a challenging and time-consuming role, expressed that part of what fueled his work ethic and his performance was the sense of community backstage. The support he received from fellow cast and crew members made playing such a difficult role so much easier. He said, “My favorite thing about the experience was most definitely the fun I had backstage with my friends, and how it felt like we were all in it together, helping each other thrive.”

For many cast and crew, the Dwight theater department has enriched their lives — filled with such close connections that it feels like “home.” For the seniors, The Addams Family marked a poignant farewell, as it was time to leave this beloved second home behind.

MacPhee Gleason ’25, who played the role of Morticia, has been at Dwight for 12 years. Theater at Dwight, over the course of her nearly lifelong experience, contributed massively. “The music and theater departments have given me the ability and room to flourish as a performer and musician, and are personally my favorite parts about Dwight overall,” she noted. 

Olivia’s ‘senior speech’ at the end of the final performance of The Addams Family left many audience members in tears. She said, “Every rehearsal, every line, every moment on stage has been part of something much bigger. And it wouldn’t have been possible without the people who made it all happen behind the scenes.”

But while The Addams Family is over, and some of the incredible cast and crew who brought them to life have taken their last bow, the Dwight Theater family that brings love and acceptance in the quirkiest of ways will remain! We’re so excited for what’s next.