Musical - The Addams Family
The Addams Family – One week to go!
At the time of publication, The Addams Family has only one week to go until our incredible students take to the stage at the Ipswich Civic Centre! It has been six months of blocking, choreographing, singing, costuming, designing sets, learning lines, building props, rehearsing harmonies, fine-tuning comic timing, adjusting lighting cues, and most importantly, creating unforgettable memories together.
It is still not too late to purchase tickets to support our dedicated and talented students!
Meet the Cast
Name: Sophie Mullens
Year: 12
Character: Wednesday Addams
Musical experience:
- Wicked (2021)
- Beauty and the Beast Jnr, Ipswich Music Theatre Company Jnr (2021)
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jnr, IMTC Jnr (2022)
- West Side Story (2023)
- Aladdin Jnr, IMTC Jnr (2023)
Q: What have you enjoyed about The Addams Family so far?
A: Being a part of the cast and getting to know Wednesday. I’m playing something that isn’t my usual character.
Q: What has been a highlight?
A: The first photo shoot we did at the start of the Term 1 holidays! It was so cool seeing all our characters come to life with costumes and makeup.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your character, Wednesday.
A: She is very moody and emotional. A lot of people see her as very black and white but she has a lot of passion and she knows what she wants. She is very strong and very stubborn – something I can relate to!
Q: What are you looking forward to in playing Wednesday?
A: I’m really looking forward to singing my big Pulled number, it is such a big sing and a fun piece to perform! I’m also looking forward to the full-cast numbers, it is so enjoyable working with everyone.
Q: What are some things you have done to prepare for the role of Wednesday?
A: I have started taking singing lessons to ensure my voice is the best it can be. I spend my nights practising and I spend my afternoons looking at lots of videos of other Addams Family productions to take inspiration from other Wednesday’s. And obviously, being at rehearsal every Saturday!
Q: What is your favourite line that Wednesday says?
A: “Pugsley, could you just go away and die!”
Meet the Cast
Name: Max Rossow
Year: 12
Character: Gomez Addams
Musical experience:
- Baby John in The Jets, West Side Story (2023)
Q: What have you enjoyed about The Addams Family so far?
A: I have enjoyed working with the cast, they’re a really great bunch of people. I have enjoyed singing many of the songs, particularly Trapped, which is about Gomez’s conundrum that he is facing about not being able to tell the truth, because he has never kept a secret from Morticia.
Q: What has been a highlight?
A: A highlight so far has been working with my peers, some of whom I’ve known since Year 8. Another highlight has been choreographing and blocking the Tango de Amor scene. Learning how to do a tango was challenging, but we had Miss Strohben leading the way.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your character, Gomez.
A: Gomez is a sophisticated gentlemen who adores his family, but especially adores his wife, Morticia. He is passionate and loving, and would NEVER keep a secret from his wife. Or would he? He changes as the musical progresses, from someone who was very set in his ways to changing his life perspective. Because he just wants his daughter to be happy.
Q: What are you looking forward to in playing Gomez?
A: Wearing a pin stripe suit! And doing a Spanish/American accent.
Q: What are some things you have done to prepare for the role of Gomez?
A: I’ve learnt how to do the Spanish/American accent by watching lots of videos on YouTube. I’ve also watched videos on Tangos to see the technique. I listened to the whole show on repeat while I was doing laps on my Bathurst Simulator to help me learn the lines and the songs. Because cars are number one.
Q: What is your favourite line that Gomez says?
A: “It’s the last thing I try before the chloroform!” Or “What I lack in depth, I make up for in shallowness.”
Meet the Staff
Name: Tina Paliadelis
Role: Producer, Reed II (Orchestra)
Years at the College: 7 years
Musical experience: This is the fifth musical in my teaching career. I have previously been a part of Production Teams for Oliver (2015), The Addams Family (2017), Anything Goes (2019) and Wicked (2021). I’ve been singing since I was 5 and have been playing saxophone since I was 10. My entire life has revolved around music, being in concert bands, chamber ensembles, orchestras, jazz ensembles and choirs throughout school, university and now as a teacher! I’ve also had the opportunity to perform alongside Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Pops Orchestra and many other local ensembles as part of the choir I’m currently in.
Q: What are you looking forward to in your role as Producer?
A: I am so excited to be a part of this incredible team of passionate, talented and dedicated staff who are so generous with the time and expertise that they are giving to our students. With my Producer hat on, I get to use my organisation skills behind the scenes – creating and ordering shirts, liaising with stakeholders, creating the program, helping with marketing, developing the risk assessments, booking buses, putting in maintenance requests, creating Microsoft forms for various things… the list goes on!
Q: What have you enjoyed about the musical so far?
A: Every rehearsal brings so much joy to staff and students alike! There is constant laughter and happy chatter, it is wonderful being able to work with like-minded people on something so beautiful and creative. I have also loved watching friendships formed across cohorts, with younger students coming out of their shells and positive relationships formed that will last a lifetime.
Q: What are you looking forward to in playing the Reed II part in the Orchestra?
A: Once all the administration and organisation is (kind of) done, I get to play my instruments! I am a musician through and through, but don’t play much anymore, so it is wonderful that I can be part of the orchestra with my colleagues and students. I also love that I get to play so many instruments in the one show – flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano saxophone and tenor saxophone!
Q: Why do you think it is important for schools to have musicals?
A: Musicals are a wonderful opportunity for all Arts disciplines to collaborate. The community that is built through the rehearsal process is so special and fosters a sense of belonging, self-worth and safety with all students. Seeing students outside of the classroom is incredibly rewarding. They can push themselves out of their comfort zone and take risks that they may not have the opportunity to take anywhere else. The memories and friendships that are made through musicals will last students (and staff) a lifetime!
Q: What is your favourite line?
A: Gomez: “I’ve still got the fox box problem!”
Q: Why should everyone come and watch The Addams Family?
A: To support our incredible students and staff who have put in countless hours, blood, sweat and tears to bring this creepy show to life! Plus, it’s absolutely hilarious and family friendly. A perfect night out for all ages!
Meet the Staff
Name: Cassie Hoiberg
Role: Director, Choreographer
Years at the College: 3 years
Musical experience: This is my fifth musical as Director, however my own stage debut began when I was 8 years old and performed in my primary school pantomime 'The Pied Piper' as a new character 'Ratty' the rat who was left behind.
Q: What are you looking forward to in your role as Director?
A: As Director, I get to see each part of the production come to life - the blocking, the choreography, the sets, the music, the costumes, etc. I love the moment each of these individual parts come together to make musical magic! I am so privileged to work with a range of talented staff and students across many different departments and roles. It is one of the best opportunities for collaboration across the College.
Q: What do you need to do to prepare for the role of Director?
A: Everything! Preparation for this musical began in Term 3 last year and has not stopped since. Most nights you will find me blocking a scene, choreographing a dance number, or singing in my living room, getting ready for our weekend rehearsals.
Q: What have you enjoyed about the musical so far?
A: The energy and enthusiasm from this cast is outstanding! Just when you think they've given everything they have, they rise to a new level. I am so excited to share the talent of our students with the wider community.
Q: What are you looking forward to in your role as Choreographer?
A: Getting spooky! This show, with its 45 dead ancestors, really encourages a unique approach to movement. Being able to incorporate comedy into our choreography has been so fun too. I am lucky to work alongside the amazing Rhiannon Strohben and Tobey Ogilvie to create the choreography for this show.
Q: How different is it choreographing a musical as opposed to a ‘standard’ dance number?
A: There is so much more to think about! Characters, roles, costumes, props, set pieces. Musical choreography is about all telling a story. The storytelling aspect is just as important as the movement - both have to work together seamlessly to create a great number.
Q: Why do you think it is important for schools to have musicals?
A: Nothing builds community, respect and kindness like school musicals do. Although the finished product is always rewarding to share with the wider community, it is the friendships and support networks the students develop as a result of participating in the musical that really proves why these type of extracurricular opportunities are so important. When students graduate, it is these type of experiences they will remember most fondly.
Q: What is your favourite line?
A: "Because living or dead, family is still family."
Q: Why should everyone come and watch The Addams Family?
A: Where else can you watch teenagers pretend to be dead, creepy, and romantically cursed? Plus, it's the only place where a love story, a tango, and a disembodied hand all make perfect sense! Come along for a fantastically spooky experience!