The star-studded cast of The Addams Family

MANILA, Philippines - Atlantis Productions, which recently closed its hit production of Carrie, has announced the complete star-studded cast for its year-ending family musical The Addams Family.

The Addams Family is a smash-hit Broadway musical comedy for the whole family that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. The magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice with Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa.

Headlining the cast are Eula Valdes and Arnell Ignacio. Eula, last seen on stage as Claudia in Nine, will be playing the iconic Morticia Addams, made famous in the film by Angelica Huston and Arnell, last seen on stage in The Full Monty, will be playing her husband Gomez.

Their daughter, Wednesday, will be played by K-La Rivera, who has been called the Princess of Philippine Musical Theater, after her critically-acclaimed performances in In The Heights, Disney’s Aladdin and Carrie. Her brother Pugsley will be played alternately by Warren Saga and Anton Posadas. Alternating as Grandma are Nyoy Volante and Jimmy Marquez. Nyoy was last seen on stage in the hit repeat run of Rock of Ages, while Jimmy was last seen in Disney’s Aladdin. Lurch will be played by Ikey Canoy, who also last performed in Aladdin. Uncle Fester will be played by Jamie Wilson, last seen on stage in Carrie. Carla Guevarra-Laforteza, who received critical acclaim for playing Carla in Nine, plays Alice Beineke. Calvin Millado, who was last seen in Rock of Ages, plays her husband Mal Beineke. The L.A.-based singer Ryan Gallagher will join the cast as Lucas Beineke. Featured as the ancestors in the ensemble are Bibo Reyes, Mikkie Bradshaw, Japs Treopaldo, Johann deal Fuente, Jili Peña, Altair Alonso, Princess Virtudazo, Mako Alonso, Reg Claraval and Hans Eckstein.

Bobby Garcia, who directs the musical, says, “I think we have assembled the zaniest cast possible for The Addams Family. It is going to be great fun! I am also thrilled to welcome the extremely talented Ryan Gallagher to Manila in his first musical here. I think he will fit right in with this crazy cash. We look forward to working with him on many shows in the future.”

Ryan’s roots began in country music but his wide range of genres has allowed him to expand his repertoire to international music, classics and Broadway songs. He attended the prestigious Columbia Institute of Fine Arts in Washington, D.C. under the private direction of internationally known Baritone Dr. George Gibson. Ryan has performed many shows in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and has sung with several Filipino artists, including Lea Salonga and Lani Misalucha.

The affection audiences have with The Addams Family dates back to the original cartoons drawn by Charles Addams. In a prolific career spanning six decades, Addams created several thousands of cartoons, sketches and drawings, many of which were published in The New Yorker. But it was his creation of characters that came to be known as The Addams Family that brought Addams his greatest acclaim. With a unique style that combined the twisted, macabre and just plain weird with charm, wit and enchantment, Addams’ drawings have entertained millions worldwide and served as the inspiration for multiple TV series and movies.

The Addams Family also features choreography by Cecile Martinez, set design by Faust Peneyra, lighting design by Dong Calingacion, costume design by Pepsi Herrera, hair and make-up design by Johann dela Fuente, musical direction by Ceejay Javier and vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico. It is made possible via a special licensing arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

The Addams Family runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 1 at the Meralco Theatre. Select shows and group packages are now available for showbuying and fundraising opportunities. For details, call  Claire at Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.