David Kamatoy's video: Young Actors Theatre presents a spooky kooky Addams Family

San Diego,CA- Whether you are a youth, adult or senior citizen, you no doubt have fond memories of the spooky, kooky, “ooky” family that lived in that grand old house with the zombie butler and the foghorn doorbell – the Addams Family. Originally conceived as a one-panel comic in The New Yorker by cartoonist Charles Addams, the bizarre clan has made its way from the magazine to television, film and the Broadway stage. Now Young Actors’ Theatre (YAT), a top youth company based in East County, will bring the Addams clan to life with their production of the musical The Addams Family. The show hits the stage at the Encore Theatre in Spring Valley beginning on Thursday, October 15 and running through Sunday, October 25. While the musical makes a few changes from the original – daughter Wednesday is now the elder of the two children – the basic family is intact. Parents Gomez and Morticia Addams lead their clan through what for them is a “normal” life (Morticia has a wonderful line about looking at normal from different perspectives). Pugsly is happy to be tortured by his older sister, and Grandmama and Uncle Fester are always there to add their touch of insanity to the mix. In their own weird way, they are a very recognizable family. Except, of course, for the spirits of their ancestors who emerge from the grave during the opening number, “When You’re an Addams.” The cast members are equally enthusiastic about the upcoming show. “The Addams Family is a really fun show,” said Singer (Pugsley). “It’s an amazing cast and everyone is so nice. The director’s amazing – thank you Gerry – and Addams Family has been one of my favorite TV shows growing up, even though I’m 12 and it was made in the 60s. Pugsly is just a super funny role because he thinks he’s more of an adult than a kid, and he likes blowing up stuff.” “Addams Family is kooky, crazy, macabre, everything that you would want to be but couldn’t be without people looking at you weird,” Shoaf (Lurch) explained. “Especially Lurch, because he’s this zombie, and I really get to get into that character, and that’s always fun. It’s a very interesting role – it’s certainly different from any of the other roles I’ve done, and I think it’s a good character to play because even though he doesn’t say a word of English I really think I can act well with him because he’s all movement. Also, let’s just say towards the end of the show it’s going to be a total shocker. Just watch out for that. Come see the show.” Young Actors’ Theatre’s presentation of The Addams Family plays October 15-25 at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Encore Theater at 9620 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91977. For more information or to order tickets call 619-670-1427 or visit the website at http://www.yatsandiego.org/. Full Disclosure: Shannon Prendergast is this writer’s daughter.