In the height of the new semester, the Holy Cross Performing Arts Department began the audition and rehearsal process of its newest production: The Addams Family Musical. Starting with auditions in the beginning of January, the cast, crew, and staff are preparing to perform three shows on the weekend of March 15 to March 17.
The show is packed with active musical numbers, an incredible set, and features iconic characters. Putting together such a show has required an immense amount of talent and dedication. With the help and encouragement of the staff, all the students involved have started off strong.
The musical director of the production, Laura Van Duzer, recognizes and admires how much effort the cast has shown since the start of auditions.
“I am always proud when people audition for the first time,” Van Duzer remarked. “I respect that it is scary to get up on stage and sing by yourself.”
With roughly nine weeks until the performance weekend, the cast wasted no time in preparing during after-school rehearsals.
Junior Maddie Pierce described rehearsals as a productive process where cast members focus on singing, blocking, and/or learning dance numbers each day. She also emphasized how the rehearsal schedule is organized and beneficial for students.
“This has been a big help because it allows me to prepare myself for a scene the night before by memorizing my lines, reviewing dance numbers, and blocking,” Pierce mentioned. “I also really like that sometimes rehearsal builds in review days where you can work independently or with your scene partners, practice what you remember, and go back and review things before doing it onstage.”
A lot of focus in the musical has been directed toward musical numbers, as cast members have spent a lot of time reviewing music, learning dance routines, and merging the two together. This has involved a lot of energy, practicing, and putting an acting twist on the delivery of songs.
While students have admitted that it was quite challenging, the cast has been able to bring energy into every rehearsal. Pierce believes this effort to be extremely beneficial.
“Every rehearsal everyone performs as if it was opening night, which has not only enhanced the rehearsal experience, but the show as a whole,” Pierce commented.
The effort, dedication, and support of the cast has really helped to motivate people during rehearsals. Sophomore Phylicia Martin has found that this has created a really pleasant atmosphere amongst cast members.
“I think that, when you meet the right people, it just clicks,” Martin described. “At first when you audition, it feels like people may see you as competition, but once that process is over, it’s really chill and people are willing to help and support you.”
The encouragement from both fellow cast members and the rest of the production team has driven everyone to succeed and has helped raise confidence that they will create a remarkable show.
“Everyone’s effort makes rehearsals exciting and funny, while motivating me to be the best version of my character that I can be,” Pierce concluded.
