‘The Addams Family’: Old fave visits a new home

OPAI preps musical for Legend Theater.

When D. Scot Davidge stepped out on stage and looked around him during a tour of the John Legend Theater, a thought struck him immediately: “The Addams Family.”

Ironic as it was a brand new facility, but in his mind the Ohio Performing Arts Institute’s artistic director and founder was plotting his organization’s return to musical productions.

“The Addams Family – A New Musical Comedy” will haunt the John Legend Theater at 8 p.m. next Thursday, March 16-Saturday, March 18, as well as a 2 p.m. performance on March 18.

It has been several years since the OPAI last did a musical. Davidge saw this as the perfect show and opportunity.

“The community seems to like musicals. That’s my background, that’s where my heart is,” he said. “I was blown away by how nice the Legend Theater is.”

Davidge is directing and choreographing the show, which is based on the classic TV comedy series.

The show was put together from casting to opening night in roughly six weeks, which harkens back to Davidge’s professional theater days.

He’s brought along a first-time musical director, Jay Hale, who is also teaching at the OPAI, and put together a cast of 30 including adults in their 60s to grade-schoolers.

One of the first-timers to OPAI is 9-year-old Eli Wilson, whose mom, Kris, brings him 56 miles one-way from Westerville, north of Columbus, for rehearsals.

“This is our life. We’re willing to drive for good theater and a good show,” said Kris Wilson, who is also in the cast.

Eli, who plays Addams son Pugsly, claims the role was on his bucket list of theater parts. He even has a group of fans coming all the way from Pittsburgh to watch him.

“I love acting. That role has always appealed to me,” he said.

Davidge said a combination of the familiarity of “The Addams Family” and the humor proved a winning combination for a director.

Along with the new theater, it became a trifecta. Davidge has roots there, as well.

“When I moved here from New York, I did shows here when it was South High,” he said. “I’m very excited we’ve gained what I think is the most prestigious medium-sized theater in the area. It will be a major asset to this community.”

The OPAI is also planning a production of “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” for April as well as a dinner theater in the near future.

Contact this contributing writer at bturner004@woh.rr.com.


How to go

What: “The Addams Family — A New Musical Comedy”

Where: John Legend Theater at The Dome, 700 S. Limestone St., Springfield

When: 8 p.m. next Thursday, March 16-Saturday, March 18; and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 18

Admission: $20 first five rows; $18 adult; $15 students

More info: www.facebook.com/events/1454678147898162/

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