The stage is set, the actors are in place, the lights are nearly blinding everyone in sight. Yet when it is all said and done, it is the people behind the costumes and makeup that made “Addams Family” a complete and total success.

Senior Jacob Morris starred in the production as the confident yet hilarious Gomez Addams.

“This is the first show that I’ve had the true lead,” Morris commented. “It was a hilarious show and my most comfortable role I’ve ever played.” Years of practice in theater have paid off toward Morris’ achievement of a lead role.

“I started theater freshman year,” Morris explained. “I had joined the drama class upon interest and then found myself involved in shows. I really became devoted to theater, and besides Grease, I’ve been in every single production [since].”

Morris is also the Vice president of the Drama Club, a member of the International Thespian Society, and received his varsity letter in theater.

“Besides theater, I am also a musician and a songwriter, so I’ve also been devoted to music as well as theater. Right now, music is my main goal for college. I plan on doing more songwriting and composition of songs [in the future].”

Senior Falen Gillespie had the opportunity to play the Flapper Girl Ancestor in the Addams Family production and loved every minute of it.
“Addams Family is probably my favorite show that we have ever done. The whole cast is really close. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Gillespie has been involved in theater from the very beginning.

“Freshman year, I was looking for electives and I didn’t really like the ones that I saw. I had always loved watching musicals and so I just thought I would try theater for a year. After the first year, I had made so many friends and memories that I decided to do another year, and then it turned into four years. I was in ‘The Crucible,’ ‘Singing in the Rain,’ ‘Hairspray,’ and now ‘Addams Family.’”

Throughout high school, Gillespie has become fully immersed in the atmosphere of theater. She is a member of the International Thespian Society, the activities coordinator of the Drama Club, has achieved the rank of an Honor Thespian, and is a Student Thespian Officer in the Arizona Thespian Organization. She expects earn her varsity letter in theater by the end of the year.

Freshman Emily Woodward-Shaw auditioned out of pure excitement after hearing that the show was to be Addams Family. More excitement was due after making the final cut.

“I was really surprised. I didn’t expect that I would get in as a freshman.” But Woodward-Shaw is not your typical freshman. Woodward-Shaw and her family moved to Arizona from England three years ago. After moving, Woodward-Shaw became immediately involved in dance, theater and choir.

“I am in a competitive show choir. This is my third year doing it. Sometimes, I do five hours of dance a night for six days a week. Its pretty intense but I enjoy it.”

This past summer, Shaw participated in “Seussical Jr.” and portrayed the lead role of Gertrude McFuzz. This experience led Shaw to be nominated for the AriZoni award. This award is similar to a Tony Award, only for the state of Arizona. Woodward-Shaw was nominated for multiple awards, including one in the best actress category for her performance.

Woodward-Shaw has also been apart of other plays in the community. These include “Annie,” “Aladdin,” and “High School Musical.” Along with theater, choir, and dance, Woodward-Shaw plays violin, ukulele, and piano.

All participants of the Addams Family production made the show a true success. Their individual talents, abilities, and experiences contributed much to the production, making the show utterly enjoyable.