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The national tour of the new musical The Addams Family, based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, makes its Orange County premiere on Tuesday, December 18 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
The Addams Family features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
Tom Corbeil who plays Lurch sat down with Socalthrills.com to discuss his role in this unique musical.
What is it like to play such a classic character as Lurch, the faithful butler to the Addams Family?
It’s pretty hard not to have a good time with this guy. This show is pretty much all-fun-all-the-time, and the cast and crew are the best I’ve ever worked with. It’s also going to be a great thing to tell the grandkids!
How did you prepare for the role? Did you watch any old clips from the TV Show?
I did do a little bit of preparation by watching some episodes of the TV show, but primarily we looked at the original drawings by Charles Addams. We wanted to have a fresh take on how Lurch would interact with the rest of the family, but still keep a consistent relationship with the rich tradition of the TV show and the great movies from the ’90s.
Were there any challenges you faced with your role as Lurch?
Lurch has a very particular way of standing, walking, turning, grunting… pretty much everything he does is different than the average human being. Figuring out how to make those physical changes was a great challenge – almost as hard as keeping a straight face through the whole show.
How would you describe the character of Lurch?
Even just defining who Lurch is presents its own problems. Is he alive? Is he dead? How old is he? It’s easier to answer the questions about his relationship to the family. He clearly loves being a part of this kooky group, and takes his job as the butler very seriously. It’s like Downton Abbey, but a little darker 😉
What would you tell to our readers who have never seen The Addams Family why they should come out to watch the musical?
Never seen The Addams Family??? Well then they need the education! This family is a cornerstone of pop culture, and hilarious to boot. If you like to laugh, this is the show for you.
What are you plans after The Addams Family? Are you looking forward to any new projects?
I’m returning to the opera world after this, with several projects lined up in 2013 in the US and Canada.
Thanks Tom for your time, we wish you best and Happy Holidays!
Our review of The Addams Family will be posted later this week, make sure to come back and visit the site to read about this unique family.
Tickets, which start at $20, are available at the Segerstrom Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling 714.556.2787. Also by visiting scfta.org.
