Toby’s Adaptation Of “The Addams Family” Offers A New Take On A Spooky Story

“Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly.”

This kernel of wisdom from Morticia Addams explains her family’s perspective, but when it comes to the Addams family, one perspective is universal: they're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky.

The macabre family has returned with “The Addams Family,” a musical comedy that runs through November 10 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia.

Created by Charles Addams, America’s favorite oddball brood has appeared in several adaptations, from the black-and-white television show in 1964 to the 1973 animated series, 1991 theatrical film, 1992 cartoon, 2022 live-action Netflix spin-off, “Wednesday,” and many more works in between.

But the musical comedy in-the-round at Toby’s shows a different side of the family, one that is more human. Known for her pale skin, braided pigtails and love of death, the teenage Wednesday Addams falls in love with a boy who is “normal.” This yearning transforms the once-grim girl into a slightly bubblier girlfriend who is struggling with these new emotions while begging her father, Gomez, to keep the secret from his wife, Morticia.

This version of Gomez, even more charming and boisterous than the one in the 1991 film, expresses consternation of keeping such a secret from his beloved wife, a scenario that plays out as the family invites the “normal” boyfriend and his parents to dinner.

The Toby’s show is filled with wit and timely zingers. Wednesday’s love interest, Lucas, is from Ohio – a swing state – as Gomez notes, aghast. Toby’s veteran Jordan Stocksdale showcases Gomez’s Spanish accent and great comedic timing. When Wednesday dons a yellow dress, Gomez quips, “Paloma, what happened? You look like a crime scene!”

Following his role as Nostradamus in “Something Rotten,” Stocksdale was named the 2024 Helen Hayes Winner for Outstanding Supporting Performer. He is not the only talented member of the cast. Whether playing the frustrated wife or the concerned mother, MaryKate Brouillet portrays Morticia with the perfect deadpan, never breaking character with a laugh. Still, she delivers plenty of humor. At the mention of “one thing everyone needs and so few have,” she says, “health care?”

Like Stocksdale and Brouillet, Lydia Gifford has performed in several roles at Toby’s. As Wednesday, she blends stubbornness with a compassion unique to the musical adaptation. Wednesday’s younger brother, Pugsley, is afraid his sister will stop torturing him because of her love interest. Elijah Doxtater and Colton Roberts are splitting time in the Toby’s show, which presents the younger sibling as a funny and endearing character.

As Uncle Fester, Shawn Kettering helps the family live up to its reputation as kooky. He becomes infatuated with the moon, even professing his love during songs in the first and second acts. Adding another dash of humor is David James as Grandma, the unpredictable and off-color elder who has a feisty retort ready for any situation. As the family butler, Lurch, Adam Grabau rounds out the Addams family. He captures the non-verbal essence of the character, contributing to every conversation with a grunt or a moan.

A foil to the Addams family and their optimism is Lucas’ skeptical father, Mal (Jeffrey Shankle). With a penchant for rhyming, Lucas’ mother, Alice, has a rosier outlook for her son’s relationship, and actress Anna Phillips-Brown offers a riveting vocal performance at the end of the first act. The hopeful Lucas is portrayed by Jackson Miller.

Dressed like ghosts, the Addams ancestors from various eras serve as the chorus for the show and add to the eerie scenery. Ancestors include Asia-Ligé Arnold, Jessica Barraclough, Brandon Bedore, Benjamin Campion, Rachel Cahoon, Carter Crosby, Joey Ellinghaus, Amanda Kaplan-Landstrom, Alexis Krey-Bedore and Ariel Messeca.

With plenty of family-friendly humor, inspired costumes and set design, wacky yet fun choreography, and strong vocal performances, “The Addams Family” is entertaining for all audiences, whether they perceive it as normal or chaos.

“The Addams Family” runs through November 10. For ticket prices and showtimes, visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com/box-office/tickets. Show tickets include a buffet inspired by “The Addams Family.” Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 410-730-8311 or by using Ticketmaster.