During the day, the students at Halifax West High School (HWHS) are anything but creepy and kooky. However, when the curtain rises at the Bella Rose Arts Centre for their production of “The Addams Family,” the students get into character. “This is the first character where I’ve had to delve into my chaotic and creative side,” says Ellamae Cueto, a Grade 12 student who plays the character of Uncle Fester. “It made my really work on my improvisational skills. Surprisingly, I’ve become much more comfortable with myself, ironically.” Since the fall, close to 200 students and staff at HWHS have been working on the musical comedy which premiered Thursday. “It’s just an incredibly unifying experience,” says April Cross, who directs the show and teaches drama at the Halifax-based school. “The Bella Rose Arts Centre really fosters and enables our performing arts students to have a place here at Halifax West to explore their work.” The show follows the “comedy and chaos” that ensues when the Addams family invites Wednesday‘s boyfriend and his parents over for dinner. “Lucas is supposed to be the ‘normal’ guy that Wednesday falls for,” explains Grade 11 student Jack Flinn who plays the boyfriend. “But as they make their way to the house, they realize that they’re not so normal, and that’s when the chaos ensues.” The show is brought to life not only by the actors, but also by students who constructed the sets, props and costumes. The songs are accompanied by live music courtesy of HWHS band students. “It’s incredible to see the community of Halifax West come together to perform and honour our school,” adds Cross. Along with learning choreography, students had to embrace the extra challenge of stage makeup. “The makeup was one of the most challenging aspects of this role,” adds Cueto, who has to wear bald cap for Uncle Fester. “It [makeup] takes two-and-a-half hours. But it’s incredibly rewarding because everyone, including other cast members, are frightened and entertained by it.” The four-show run will end Saturday, but the students say the memories will last a lifetime. “The cast has become a bit of a family,” adds Flinn. “We know we‘ve got each others backs. We‘ve learned to be a team and bounce off each other on stage.” Tickets are available on the Bella Rose Arts Centre website. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
