I recently caught up with Michelle Ezzy, the creative mind steering the creepy & kooky production of The Addams Family Musical on now at Roleystone Theatre. In this candid conversation, Michelle shares their insights on bringing the beloved characters to life, the challenges of staging a timeless classic, and the excitement of captivating audiences with dark humour and infectious charm.
Could you please take us on a journey through your career in theatre directing?
"I have been directing youth music theatre at John Curtin College of the Arts in 2016. I
developed quite a passion for it so started directing plays for various community theatres
which include Secret Bridesmaids’ Business for Roleystone Theatre (2019), The Appleton
Ladies’ Potato Race for Melville Theatre (2022) and Through These Lines for Marloo
Theatre (2023.)"
What first attracted you to theatrical directing?
"Actually I was required to direct as part of my job as a music theatre teacher and haven’t
stopped since! My impulse to start directing for community theatre however was due to the
lack of female roles of substance that were available. My previous shows have all been
female led and predominantly female casts. While The Addams’ Family isn’t your typical
feminist show, I love the strong female characters in the show."
Can you describe your approach to directing this production?
"Having directed a production of this show before with a youth cast, I came in with a thorough
understanding of the show. What makes it different is the new people involved. Every person
in our cast has helped shape the production into the end result."
How do you collaborate with actors, designers, and other production members to
bring your vision to life?
"Lots of discussions and play! And trusting people to bring their own skills and ideas to the
production."
What initially drew you to The Addams Family Musical?
"I’ve always loved the films and the characters, particularly Morticia and Gomez. The script is
so funny and the music is beautifully written. It’s a show I’ve directed previously, so I knew
I’d love to revisit it at the newly rebuilt Roleystone Theatre."
The characters in The Addams Family are iconic. How did you work with the actors
to develop their interpretations of these well-known roles?
"I encouraged actors to watch some of the other versions but I also wanted them to bring a
little of themselves to the part also. All these characters have been played a little differently
through the years so we felt we had room to play."
The music in The Addams Family Musical is quite memorable. How did you approach
working with the musicians and vocalists to capture the essence of the songs?
"Our cast worked hard with our Musical Director Rebecca Vouyoucalos to learn their vocals
and the blocking and chorey I think helped them capture the spirit of the songs."
Have there been any particular scenes or musical numbers that have been especially
challenging to stage, and how have you approached overcoming those challenges?
"Finding a table to fit on the stage that can seat 13 people was a massive challenge! Luckily
my fabulous set designer Peter ‘ Pear’ Carr made me a perfect size one!"
What advice would you give to aspiring directors wanting to work in musical
theatre?
"Get involved. See lots of shows! Be in shows! The more you learn about different
approaches the better. You learn the most by doing so get applying to your local theatres!"
What do you hope audiences will remember most about your production after they
leave the theatre?
"I hope they will remember how much they laughed and the joy it brought them. My cast
certainly leaves me with that feeling every time I watch them."
What are you working on next & do you aspire to work on a spooky themed show
again soon?
"I do love a spooky show and would definitely do another! However, next up is my show Dear
Edwina Jr at John Curtin College of the Arts which starts tech rehearsal a couple of days
after we close. I’ll also be diving into more of my Intimacy Direction work with several
productions including The Vicar of Dibley at Harbour Theatre and Dracula at Kooliny Arts
Centre. Dracula is sure to be a spooky and hilarious play, perfect for lovers of The Addams
Family. (Plus it’s directed by our Gomez, Christopher Alvaro and stars our Lucas, Matthew
Walford, as Dracula himself!)"
Finally, what are your top picks for must see spooky musicals?
"Perth audiences have certainly been treated to spooky musicals this year. I’ve been lucky
enough to work on both Evil Dead and Young Frankenstein as the Intimacy Director and I
think they were both fabulous shows. I also love Beetlejuice, Carrie, Jekyll and Hyde and
Little Shop of Horrors!"
The Addams Family Musical is open until Sat, 13 July at Roleystone Theatre, 587 Brookton Hwy, Roleystone WA 6111, Australia - Tickets on sale now!
Soxie The Salacious Spectre is Perth's own horror host, presenting films each month during Dreadful Frights at The Backlot Perth & the annual Perth Horror Film Festival.
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