This year’s musical offered more than entertainment, it highlighted the incredible talents among Garden Plain High School students. The Addams Family had been a much-awaited musical for the community to see, and it did not disappoint. From the opening number to the finale, each audience member was captivated by the pure talent in each character. The performers had been working on the show since the beginning of the school year, and their efforts had paid off extensively.
The production required incredibly lengthy hours from not only the actors, but also the directors, stagehands, and parents. From parents bringing meals to stagehands managing lights and sound, the show successfully demonstrated that teamwork is essential in creating a high-quality performance. The show also brought many young stars into the performance. Many middle school students had important roles, and elementary students were cast as extras and dancers.
An astonishing performance came from Arthur Boyle, who played Gomez Addams. Every scene he was in was packed with emotion, energy, and ambition. Without him, the production would have felt far less lively. Arthur has appeared in Cafe Murder, Treasure Island, 12 Angry Jurors, Frozen Jr., Enchanted, and now The Addams Family. He also directed Dad Joke Intervention his sophomore year. When asked what the hardest part about playing Gomez Addams was, he said, “The hardest part of my role was trying to understand who Gomez was. Trying to understand his feelings towards family members and his unique personality revolving around death.” He is a part of the Forensics team, as well as a four-year member of the Thespian Society. He also serves as co-president this year, helping guide the theater program alongside his peers.
The other co-president, Kai Laird, delivered an equally memorable performance. Cast as Uncle Fester, Kai combined his character with his own quirky personality, bringing Fester vividly to life. With his whimsical love for the moon, he added charm and humor that made his scenes some of the most unforgettable in the production. Kai brought laughter and comedic relief to the show, especially during intermission. “The hardest part about my role was the long makeup process and switching between my regular voice and my characters.” Said Kai. He has appeared in Treasure Island, 12 Angry Jurors, Dad Joke Intervention, Checking In, Frozen Jr., and The Addams Family. Together, Arthur and Kai exemplify how leadership and talent combine to elevate GPHS theater.
There is no shortage of talent at GPHS, and a phenomenal actress is Hailey Speck. Beginning her stage journey as Elsa in Frozen Jr., Hailey has blossomed into a confident and commanding actress. She kept each audience member on the edge of their seats the entire show. As Morticia Addams, she delivered an incredible performance, including a standout dance number with Arthur Boyle. Despite previous stage fright, Hailey carried herself with poise and confidence, captivating the audience and making her performance truly remarkable. This senior trio is truly the heart and soul of the theater community.
As an audience member of The Addams Family on closing night, I found it to be incredibly intriguing and enjoyable to watch, with a clear development from the previous shows. Each scene was packed with incredibly talented actors, singing, dancing, accents, and everything in between.
The spectacular performers go long beyond the people highlighted in this article. With dedication going beyond the average person, they have truly brought the show to life. With each new show comes new advancements. A breakthrough for our theater, Frozen Jr. and The Addams Family have shown that talent lies everywhere. From small roles to large, young talent to old, the GPHS theater community is clearly on the rise.
