Palmer is performing an Addams Family Musical from April 9th through April 11th. Don’t miss out on an engaging performance from Palmer’s students. Students’ rehearsals for the musical started right after winter break and will continue all the way through spring until the performances in April.
Every play that is performed at Palmer always has an important theme or a main message people want to present to the audience. Mr. Bunch, the director, feels that one of the messages that the Addams Family Musical would be, “The heart wants what the heart wants, and love can break social and physical and even astronomical barriers.”
Auditions started on January 7th, and parts have been assigned. Mr. Bunch says, “There are 10 main character roles and many more roles for the ensemble of Addams Family Ancestors that act as a chorus.” Roles are flexible depending on how many people audition.
As a director setting up auditions for students, there are many standards one could have or be looking for when it comes to specific characters. Each role has its own unique style and mood due to not only their acting, but their unique background that creates the character of who they are now. “We need good singers, good actors, and performers who are willing to take direction to improve their character roles.”
During auditions students hope for a specific role they try and show that they are a good match for. Sometimes other students get the spot for those roles, so some students end up acting as a different character. Student Chloe Ramsey-Reeves, “The role I’ll be performing is the role of one of the ancestors. I was hoping to play Morticia but I’m glad I got a part.”
When performing or directing a play, performers and directors try their hardest during rehearsal to get good results when they perform in front of an audience. Feedback the audience could give to them such as whether they did well on some parts or if they need to improve on other parts of their performance, is always helpful. Feedback in general helps actors reach their goal. Mr. Bunch says, “Applause is key, and some laughter is inevitable. I hope people walk away smiling and having enjoyed themselves for an evening of musical theater.”
Kids can have high hopes about the show, and the play lets them be themselves, communicate with one another, and let others enjoy what they have worked so hard for. An audience of people who have had a long day and want to watch the new generation grow can be amazed by what all the kids’ hard work can show. Chloe feels, “I hope the audience will appreciate all the hard work everyone put into it and the dedication.”
For the Addams Family Musical, many kids can be excited about the costumes, the parts or themes they are going to be acting in, or they joined because they want to work with a friend. Making friends or already having friends in a play makes it more enjoyable and fun to act out in front of everyone. Chloe says, “I’m excited about the dancing portions of the musical because one of my closest friends is choreographing it.”
Directors or theatre teachers often choose a specific play due to a reason, or choose one at random. Different themes in each play that are presented for the audience have an impact on their choices. If a play gets denied, a backup plan for another play it is always helpful to have. Mr. Bunch says, “I wanted to perform Heathers: The Musical, but the administration feared trying to tackle such a difficult and problematic subject matter. I chose Addams Family Musical, because I’ve always enjoyed the kookiness of the Addams Family and I look forward to trying to translate that to the stage!”
When there is availability for events or activities like a play, students can be interested in it. Learning something new when trying something they have never done before can help a student’s mind grow, even to let them enjoy something new. It can show more strengths or weaknesses in a person. Chloe says, “I had never been in a play before so I thought it would be fun to do.”
Support Palmer Theater and students like Chloe. “I think it’s a great learning experience and it’s a great way to express yourself in a new way.”
They hope to see you at the performance on April 9 through 11, 2026, at Palmer High School Auditorium.