Rochester High School Tri-Epsilon presents the musical “The Addams Family” at 7 p.m. Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, in the RHS Auditorium. Shown from left are cast members Shaylea McCloud-Garrett, Brody Simon, Akasha Putman, Alex Porterfield, Seanna Gudas, Alex Lockhart and Oliver Miller.

Text and Photos
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — The public is welcome to meet the members of “The Addams Family” this week at Rochester High School.

RHS Tri-Epsilon presents the musical “The Addams Family” at 7 p.m. Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, at the RHS Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for those 6 and older or free for those younger than that and may be purchased ahead of time at RHS or at the door.

Megan Allen, who’s co-directing the play with Brenda McClain, said “The Addams Family” was chosen due to being a story “that would spark an interest with both the students as well as the audience.”

“’The Addams Family’ (as a play) is a newer and unfamiliar musical to many, which would provide a challenge for our cast and crew,” said Allen. “We felt that ‘The Addams Family’ would pair well with the popular Netflix series “Wednesday.”

There are 24 cast members, with 13 crew and tech members helping Auditorium Manager Lisa McMillen.

One of the leads is sophomore Seanna Gudas, who’s playing Morticia Addams.

“The Addams Family” is her sixth play while at Rochester Community Schools, with her having started acting in fifth grade.

“I’m very excited because it’s my first lead role, and it was the role that I tried out for,” said Gudas. “I usually don’t try out for lead roles because I’m not always sure that I’m going to get them, but I was very excited that I was going to get this one.”

She said she enjoys being in plays due to “the people that surround you, and the directors are very amazing.”

Senior Akasha Putman plays Wednesday Adams in her second play, which she said feels “really good.”

“I am more than OK with being Wednesday,” said Putman. “I am very appreciative of my role. I’m happy that our directors have worked as hard as they have, and I’ve loved being in these productions.”

Like Gudas, she also credits her fellow cast members with her enjoying acting.

“It’s the people. You surround yourself with people, and it’s really just a big family,” said Putman. “You really do get close to these people, and it’s been an outlet, and it’s just a good experience. I think it’s something that everyone should at least try. If you don’t want to act, you can be in the crew.”

Allen said she and McClain “hope that the students are able to gain confidence, friendships, memories and public speaking and performance skills along with time management and problem solving abilities” from being in the play.

“We hope that the audience enjoys themselves, gets some good laughs and remembers the importance of family and that love conquers all,” Allen added.

“We have enjoyed working with the cast and crew of ‘The Addams Family,’ she said. “We hope that you will come to be a part of our ‘Addams Family’ experience.”

‘The Addams Family’ Cast List

Gomez Addams — Alex Porterfield

Morticia Addams — Seanna Gudas

Uncle Fester — Oliver Miller

Grandma — Shaylea McCloud-Garrett

Wednesday Addams — Akasha Putman

Young Wednesday — McCrea Wilson

Pugsley Addams — Alex Lockhart

Lurch — Brody Simons

Mal Beineke — Daniel Yocum

Alice Beineke — Grace Fowler

Lucas Beineke — Kollin Williams

Ancestors — Hailey Coleman, RaeLyn Gibbs, JJ Wicker, Easton Coble, Kaydence Kuhn, Charlie Perry, Jesse Smith, Ruth Love, Frankie Wakeland, Molly Leslie, Sophie Beehler, Abby Lowry and Evelyn Bitterling.

‘The Addams Family’ Crew List

Sienna King, Kai Navara, Cely Aguilar, Emma Beck, Adison Hayes, Dakotta Guyse, Kaden Heishman and Cerenity Meisner.

‘The Addams Family’ Tech Crew List

Audrey Arven, Cora Hayden, Cade Johnson, Teia Shields and Chloe Wheadon.