The story of The Addams Family has gone through iteration after iteration since its original conception in the pages of The New Yorker in the 1930s. Now, the latest rendition of the dark and comedic story is set to hit the stage at Benicia High School on April 4.

When Benicia High School Theater Director Nichole Tillotson-Clark first brought up “The Addams Family Musical” to her students as a possible next show, they were immediately on board. “As soon as I mentioned it they were excited and we just ran with it,” said Tillotson-Clark.

Although the musical maintains regular popularity and has been done at several nearby high schools, this is the first time it will be done at Benicia High School.

The musical brings together aspects of The Addams Family story from various television shows and the original stand alone comics that have depicted the family for decades.

The show has a cast of 54, the largest the school has had since the COVID pandemic led to a decline in participation.

In previous years, the rehearsal process for the spring musical was 12 weeks long. This time around, the schedule only allowed for seven weeks of rehearsals, meaning the process has been sped up considerably, said Tillotson-Clark, adding that it’s posed some logistical challenges.

One of those challenges is named Cleopatra. The carnivorous plant owned by Morticia will be played by a giant puppet and with a week out from opening night, there were still some kinks to work out, says Tillotson-Clark.

The cast and crew have also been working on perfecting several special effects, including one moment where an apple is pierced above an actor’s head. “Of course we couldn’t go small, we had to go big, every working, moving part you could imagine,” said Tillotson-Clark.

The production worked closely with the Makers Club at Benicia High School for many of the effects. “We’ve been able to connect the Makers Club with the drama department in that way and have their help in fabricating some really cool moments,” said Tillotson-Clark.

Despite time constraints and technical challenges, the students are putting in the effort to deliver a great show, she says.

The musical includes a tango dance number, which has quickly become a favorite part for Tillotson-Clark. “It’s exposing students to ballroom dance. Most do not get exposed to that at all at this age level and they are doing an astounding job with it,” she says.

Another highlight is the “full-scale torture device” seen in a scene between Wednesday and Pugsley Addams, says Tillotson-Clark, noting, “You can’t help but giggle through the entire thing.”

Tillotson-Clark is wrapping up her first year as the drama instructor at Benicia High School, though she has been involved in the program for several years. “This is the first year I’ve been able to step in and really take over the department and get my hands really involved in every aspect of the theater,” she said.

Although she has been teaching theater in Benicia for around two decades, it’s been mostly to younger kids.

With high school students, often with busy schedules and various activities, scheduling has been the biggest challenge she has faced, says Tillotson-Clark, adding, “I will walk away this summer and reassess and be able to come back next year with a stronger footing.”

She’s also learned humility from her students, she says. “Their input is just as valuable and that’s just a really big thing.”

If you go …

WHAT: The Addams Family Musical

WHEN: April 4, 5, 10, 11 at 7 p.m., April 6 at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Hayley Horn Auditorium, 1101 Military W., Benicia.