The family’s coming back together in the upcoming production of the Addams Family.

Actors and actresses began their rehearsals on Dec. 5 after auditions were over and character roles were chosen.

“It’s something I’m very passionate about. It’s really cool to stop being yourself for a little bit and play a new character, a new personality,” Beth Fenton said. “It’s fun to play around with new techniques and new personalities.”

The show takes a lot of work but has the help of many choreographers and musicians who provide their time to put it all together before showtime.

“Rehearsal is always different depending on if we’re working with Mr. Helder on vocals, Mr. Barker on acting, or choreography with Ms. Pisani,” Trahan said.

There are two types of character roles in the play, the main leads and ensemble. Ensemble tends to not have as many lines and have smaller parts, while the main leads include the mother, father, children and grandparents.  

Katie Trahan will be playing the role of Grandma Addams. She is a senior and this is her fourth year doing the high school show.

“I love seeing how the show really comes together once it gets closer to the show dates,” Trahan said.

Beth Fenton is a sophomore. She is playing the role of a Spanish dancer, which is apart of the ensemble. Although this is her first year doing the show at Glen Rock High School, she acted in a play last year at Saint Joseph’s Regional High School.

“I’ve been acting for most of my life but started doing camps and getting serious about it in sixth grade,” Fenton said.

The process of putting on a play includes auditioning and practicing before finally performing over three days.

“It takes a lot of preparation to put a show together. Everything has to be planned out ahead of time,” Trahan said.

The production of The Addams Family will be shown starting on Feb. 9 until Feb. 11. The play begins at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

“I’m not that nervous for the show yet,” Trahan said. “ Our directors really make us feel comfortable and make sure we know our stuff.”

Practices are everyday but are usually at different times for each of the roles. Major roles, including the leads, spend more time rehearsing while ensemble often ends practice early.  

Rehearsals are usually held in different locations depending on the plans for the day. If work is needed for the vocals, it is held in the choir room. Dancing and acting practices are held in the auditorium when it is available.

“We practice until six but sometimes get let out as early as 4:30. We practice nearly everyday except Fridays and breaks, but major roles practiced during break,” Fenton said.

Auditions were at the end of November and were open for all students of the high school.

“You had to sing part of a song and read lines for a specific character,” Trahan said, regarding the rigorous process.  

If one was lucky enough to receive a callback, the process became more complicated.

“If you were called back the next week, you were asked to sing the same song (or a different one) and read multiple lines for different characters,” Trahan said.

The upcoming show is expected to have a full crowd and be full of excitement. After 67 days of rehearsing, the curtains will finally open and the show will begin.  

“My favorite part about rehearsal is just being with everyone. Also I love when we start to put everything on stage and already know our parts,” Trahan said.