REVIEW: The Addams Family Live at Conkling Hall

Review by Amy Modesti

RENSSELAERVILLE - “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ooky, The Addams Family.”  

Yes, R’ville Stage Creations performed the snippet of The Addams Family theme song, written and arranged by veteran TV composer, Vic Mizzy, for the 1964 TV sitcom of the same name. And yes, Thing appeared from behind the closed curtains to snap its fingers to turn the page to the musical’s happy ending.  

Before The Addams Family became a musical, television sitcom, movie, and a cartoon show, this fictional family was created by American cartoonist, Charles Addams. Known for his darkly humorous and macabre characters, his first comic drawing of The Addams Family was featured in The New Yorker August 6, 1938, and from then on, the comic ran regularly in The New Yorker until his death on September 29,1988.  

I grew up watching re-runs of the 1964 sitcom and cartoon series on television. Little did I know that a musical would eventually be made of this popular comic until I attended the opening night of The Addams Family at Conking Hall.   

The Addams Family Review

On opening night, Friday, Oct. 17, not only did my boyfriend and I receive warm hospitality from the shows’ producers, Rachel DeLong and Margaret Kelly, we were blown away by all the impeccable talent of the cast and crew involved on stage and behind the scenes of this fabulous musical.  

Gomez (Koda Laverne) talking to Wednesday (Gabby Smachetti) during a scene in The Addams Family musical at Conking Hall, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Photo by Amy Modesti/InPlay Capital Region

The play centers around Wednesday Addams (Gabby Smachetti) and her fiancé, Lucas (Steve Key), who have yet to surprise their families with the news of their engagement. Wednesday makes a pinky promise with her father, Gomez (Koda Laverne) to help keep her engagement with Lucas a secret from Wednesday’s mother, Morticia (Tara McCormick-Hostash), for fear of parental disapproval due to perceived family differences.  

When the Beineke family meets the Addams Family for a “normal” family dinner, the encounter is anything but “normal”. Both positive and negative family secrets are revealed amongst the families at the dinner table in a rousing game of “Full Disclosure”. 

Fester (Marina Plattner) professing their love of the moon while surrounded by the phases of the moon on stage, Friday, Oct. 17,2025. Photo by Amy Modesti/InPlay Capital Region

Feelings are hurt, loved ones run away from their actions, and Fester (Marina Plattner) professes their love for the moon in the sky, which served as great comic relief to balance out the dramatic scenes in both Act One and Act Two.   

Although we weren’t familiar with the musical numbers (excluding The Addams Family theme song), the entire cast excelled in the execution of their songs perfectly. Even the “Tango de Amour” dance routine between Gomez and Morticia was fun to watch. 

The Addams Family has something for everyone. It offers spooky Halloween vibes, romance, drama, and comedy.  

If you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment this spooky season, look no further than R’ville Stage Creations’ production of The Addams Family, running through Sunday, Oct. 26.  

Where to see The Addams Family

The Addams Family musical can be seen at Conkling Hall, located at 8 Methodist Hill Rd, Rensselaerville, NY 12147, for its final three showings, beginning Friday, Oct. 24 (7:00 p.m.), Saturday, Oct. 25 (7:00 p.m.), and a sold-out final show on Sunday, Oct. 26 (2:00 p.m.). For additional information, visit Rville Stage Creations | R'ville Stage Creations.

Selected scenes taken during The Addams Family musical live on opening day at Conking Hall in Rensselaerville, NY, Friday, October 17, 2025. All photographs taken by Amy Modesti of InPlay Capital Region.