Spooky, kooky and altogether ooky: 'The Addams Family' haunts the Henegar Center

It's that time of year for the mysterious and macabre, along with a dash of madcap fun. If you're in the mood for a dose of the peculiar, look no further than the Henegar Center's production of the creepy, kooky musical "The Addams Family." The show opens Friday, Sept. 29 for a run through Oct. 22.

"The Addams Family," originally a cartoon strip created by Charles Addams in the late 1930s, has been captivating audiences for generations. The creepy clan found their theatrical home in the form of a musical comedy in 2010. The show, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, was a devilishly funny take on the beloved characters.

The family's peculiarities have been a delightfully dark and humorous commentary on the absurdity of "normal" life, and are now a beloved staple of pop culture.

"Picture a family in a large gothic manor, that has bizarre pets and a macabre taste in clothing, humor and home decor," said director Dominic Del Brocco.

""I'd say it's a dark twisted version of 'Leave it to Beaver,'" he said. "It's a colorful comedy with quips and puns."

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The plot centers around Wednesday Addams (Julyette Vargas), who has fallen in love with a "normal" young man from a respectable family. Gomez (Jared Sierra) and Morticia (Mahalia Gronigan) host a charmingly bizarre dinner party filled with hilarious misadventures, a misfired love potion, and a tap-dancing chorus of the undead.

The musical explores the clash of cultures, the struggles of young love and the enduring bonds of family, all wrapped up in a delightfully dark package.

"It's brilliantly written and easy-to-digest comedy, mixed with surprising heart," said Del Brocco. "It reminds everyone that you either know this kind of family, or maybe you relate to them. They embarrass you, but they're yours."

While embracing its creepy exterior, the show is fundamentally about love and family, as shown by its catchy and sometimes haunting score.

"Most of the soundtrack is upbeat, catchy and fun," said Del Brocco. "However, there are several surprising heartfelt, tearful moments too, beautifully delivered by Gomez, Wednesday and Morticia. They have to do with your daughter growing up and moving on and letting her go."

Fans of the original cartoons, TV series, and films will be glad to know that this production of "The Addams Family" is paying homage to its spooky roots.

"The set is a sight to see on its own," said Del Brocco. "One of our biggest, most detailed with tons of authentic oddities in the collection on display."

The production team has procured authentic antiques and oddities just for the show, including the head of a rhino, masks from exotic locations and more. The attention to detail will make audiences feel right at home in the mansion.

"People will want to move in!" said Del Brocco.

If you go

'The Addams Family'

Where: The Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 22

Tickets: Start at $37

Info: 321-723-8698

On the web: henegarcenter.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Musically macabre: 'The Addams Family' at the Henegar Center