A Delightfully Dark Night at SFU

Saint Francis University’s theatre department is inviting audiences into a world of quirky charm and offbeat romance with its spring musical, “The Addams Family.” Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. April 16–18, with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 19. Seating is limited.

Inspired by Charles Addams’ iconic cartoon characters, the musical centers on Wednesday Addams, the famously morbid daughter of the Addams clan, who finds herself in an unexpected romance with a seemingly ordinary young man named Lucas. In an effort to bring the two families together, the Addamses host a dinner that quickly proves anything but typical.

Director and assistant theatre professor April Beiswenger said the story explores how people often hide parts of themselves to fit in. She points to Wednesday’s shift from her signature black attire to a bright yellow dress as a symbol of that struggle.

As the evening unfolds, the production emphasizes the importance of authenticity and human connection. “The Addamses accept people,” Beiswenger said, noting how even the most conventional characters are drawn into the family’s unique worldview. “By the end, the message is simple — you’re okay as you are. You belong, just by being yourself.”

This production marks Beiswenger’s first musical at Saint Francis University since joining the faculty in mid-2025. It also represents the program’s first musical staged in the Resinski Black Box Theatre, located within the Connors Family Fine Arts Center.

With just 75 seats arranged on three sides, the intimate venue presented a creative challenge. Beiswenger described the show as a fast-paced, one-night story that unfolds in close quarters. “We’re aiming for one normal night,” she said. “But with the Addams family, normal is never really an option.”

Ticket reservations can be made by calling Fine Arts coordinator Barb Plazek at 814-472-3051.

Cast
Joel Godissart as Gomez Addams
Tessa Paluzzi as Morticia Addams
Gavin Ross as Uncle Fester
Alexandra Martorella as Grandma
Sarah Beth Mish as Wednesday Addams
Sydney Korbanic as Pugsley Addams
Andrew Sill as Lurch
John Paul Caroff as Mal Beineke
Brenna Kern as Alice Beineke
Alexander Fry as Lucas Beineke

Ancestors Ensemble
Brady Albright, Olivia Miller, Mary Bukowski, Cody Novitski, Erin Golding, Evey O’Leary, Simon Greene, Samara Rouse, Ada-Leigh Irwin, Sophie Saylor, Cullen Kim, Elizabeth Mae Schmidt, Ava Kozar, Camilla Short and Sophia Whitmer

Stage Crew
Shelley A. Yogus, Blaze Mazey and Madeline Vermire

Production Team
Director and scenic designer — April Beiswenger
Music director — Abigail Arhart
Choreographer — Emily Koch
Technical director and lighting designer — Christopher Kolwicz
Costume designer and wardrobe supervisor — Bonnie Resinski
Sound engineer and technical advisor — Brother Marius Storm
Stage managers — Theresa Martz and Delaney Urban
Soundboard operator — Kylie Innes
Light board operator — Kelsey Crider
Star engineers — Abigail Meehan and Seraphina Callaghan