Lurch, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley and Grandma Addams all pose inside the Addams home. 

THOMASVILLE- The Thomas County Central Masquers held the opening night of their production of The Addams Family School Edition on Thursday at the Terrell Solana Auditorium. 

Following the performance, senior masquers were recognized, along with a fellow parent being inducted into the Thespian Society. 

The musical centered around daughter Wednesday Addams (Moss Musselwhite) and her boyfriend Lucas (Ashton Hines). The two devise a plan for their parents to meet, but Lucas’ parents are in for a surprise when they meet the spooky and kooky Addams family and their ancestors. 

Protective father, Gomez was played by Carson Chapman, while his wife and tango partner, Morticia was played by senior Savannah Taylor. Lucas’ parents, Mal and Alice were played by seniors Ari Esra and Charley Creager respectively. 

Other kooky family members included Pugsley, played by Walker Harrell, Uncle Fester, played by Ransom Young, Grandma, played by Jasmine Gutierrez and Lurch, played by Jazmyn Barber. 

Director, Gabrielle McMullen thought the cast was perfect for this particular production. 

“I choose our shows about a year in advance, so last year when I was on maternity leave, I got to thinking about the group of seniors I had and what would fit them,” she explained. “With Savannah, I knew I had to have something where she was playing Morticia.” 

Taylor could not have been more happy with McMullen’s decision, saying it was always a desire of hers to play such an iconic character. 

“Ever since I was little, I’ve wanted to play Morticia,” she said. “This has been a dream role for years. It’s kind of a dream come true to be on the stage as her.” 

While it was only opening night, McMullen was already so proud of her hardworking students. 

“This show has come together like a dream,” she said. “They have connected to the source material and have had no hiccups. They all work so closely together and I just love having that energy and that vibe on the stage with them.” 

McMullen has been with most of the student actors since the 8th grade, so seeing them all come together for one final premiere brought about a mix of emotions for both her and the cast. 

“I’ve been working with them for five years and it’s just been amazing to see how they’ve grown and evolved as people and performers,” she said. 

McMullen specifically pointed out the change and growth she has seen in Creager. 

“She was the most shy person I had ever met when I first started teaching her,” she said. “Just doing drama, has given all of them confidence to be their most authentic and confident selves.” 

Taylor agreed, noting she had also grown through the program and developed lifelong relationships. 

“It’s really bittersweet, but I’m in a state of such gratitude for everything I’ve gotten to do and everything this department has brought me,” she concluded. “I’m so thankful to the school for having the arts so closely integrated in our curriculum.” 

Taylor’s mother, Misty also had a special opening night with her daughter, as McMullen inducted her as a honorary Thespian member for her dedication and help over the past five years. 

The Masquers held a final performance at the Auditorium on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for students and $12 for adults.