By AJ Jaffari

What happens when everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky family takes the stage with a love story at its core? The Addams Family musical blends macabre humor with heart, proving that even the strangest of households faces the same chaos when it comes to love, family, and growing up. With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the show takes the gothic charm of Charles Addams’ iconic characters and spins it into a delightfully dark yet surprisingly tender tale.

At Berkeley Playhouse, the story unfolds as Wednesday Addams shocks her ghoulish clan by falling for Lucas Beineke, a sweet, unsuspecting boy from a perfectly normal family. When the two families come together for one fateful dinner, mayhem ensues: secrets spill, tempers flare, and love is tested in both hilarious and heartfelt ways. What results is a spirited evening filled with quirky characters, witty songs, and a reminder that every family—no matter how spooky—struggles with connection, acceptance, and change.

First off, Tielle Baker absolutely shines as Morticia. Interestingly, I first saw Tielle in a concert of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music about ten years ago (yes, 16-year-old AJ was floored by her talent then!), and it was a thrill to see her take on such an iconic role now. She brought a distinct Evil Queen or Maleficent-like presence to Morticia that felt refreshingly different, and I really appreciated that choice. Her vocals paired seamlessly with her sharp, elegant dancing, making for a fantastic portrayal.

Other standouts for me included Christian Arteaga (Gomez Addams), who infused Gomez with enough heart to make me fully invested in his love for his family, while adding his own flair to an already iconic character. Billy Raphael (Uncle Fester) was equally delightful—charming, whimsical, and a finely tuned narrator throughout.

The ensemble, however, may have been what impressed me most. Each ancestor crafted a distinct persona, and they were woven throughout the production in ways that felt richer and more dynamic than I’d seen in other performances of this show. Their vocals blended beautifully, and their hauntingly precise movements gave the production an extra layer of polish and atmosphere.

Several production elements really elevated this show. I especially loved the costumes—particularly the ensemble’s. As I mentioned above, each ancestor had a distinct character, and Andrea Gorham’s designs brought out their personalities in fun, memorable ways.

The lighting and set design were also standout elements, and the two complemented each other beautifully. Lighting designer Cameron Pence captured the spooky, otherworldly mood on multiple occasions, even using spiderweb effects to drape the stage in eerie atmosphere. Meanwhile, Tricia Tecson’s set design, with its haunted-house feel, cleverly opened up to distinguish whether scenes were taking place inside or outside the Addams home. Together, the pair created a magical environment that pulled me right into the story.

All in all, this is the perfect musical for spooky season—and it’s even kid-friendly (let’s call it PG-13). While it’s not at all like Netflix’s Wednesday (which might be the draw for some), this production stands strongly on its own. I highly recommend checking it out before spooky season is over.

The Addams Family runs through October 12 and tickets are available here.