Wednesday finds a ‘normal’ boyfriend in this Addams Family musical

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, and they’re all together at Okanagan Mission Secondary (OKM).

The OKM Triple Threat Theatre Company is set to hit the stage with ‘The Addams Family Musical’.

The troupe’s rendition is based on a 2010 Broadway musical that featured Nathan Lane, Bebe Neuwirth, and Krysta Rodriguez.

The story sees the characters in a new light. Here, the Addams kids are all grown up, and daughter Wednesday has a new 'normal' boyfriend. Hijinks ensues as he is introduced to the family.

The adaptation promises to entice audiences with a unique take on the 1964 classic.

The fictional Addams family has risen into the mainstream as of late, thanks to recent films, and a hit new Netflix series, ‘Wednesday,’ played by Jenna Ortega.

Abi Junop & Mika Jilek both take up the iconic role of Wednesday in the OKM production. The double casted musical involves 53 students, which includes cast and crew.

Junop said she is eager to don the iconic black pigtails and deadpan stare of the macabre character. She told Kelowna10 that while she did turn to Ortega’s role for inspiration, she is excited to bring her own version of Wednesday to life.

“She’s very blunt, but in this, she opens up around the people she really likes. I like exploring that aspect of her and how I do it in my own life, and bringing myself into my version of Wednesday,” Junop said.

Ben Anderson & Riegar Marks, play the father figure Gomez, both bringing the charm and sophistication to the character.

Marks himself is no stranger to the 1964 masterpiece, and appreciates the dry comedy of it all.

“The time jump [in this show] might be strange for some people, and it was strange for me,” he said. “But as soon as I heard we were doing this play, I was super excited because I love The Addams Family and just love how it is now.”

“It’s really exciting. Our students are so committed and they work so hard,” theatre teacher Ryan Grenier said. “We’re really excited about the opportunity to perform for people, but we also want each individual to shine, have an opportunity to grow, learn, and create art.”

Grenier said there are lots of big production elements in the show that put safety at the forefront.

“Uncle Fester flies into the second act, so there are some safety protocols there. As well as some lifts in some of the dances,” he explained. “Safety, understanding and trust are important to get the kids to the level they want to be at.”

Tickets for the remaining shows are available online.