I'm sure this isn't the right avenue to review this, but I had the pleasure of seeing The Addams Family last night at Kings High School. Let me preface this by saying: I'm not a fanboy parent or really a huge fan of live theater, plays, etc. in general. All things, considered: I. WAS. WOWED.
Correct me if I am wrong but many of these "kids" performances were basically pre-Broadway if not already well beyond professional quality. Do they also perform at Kings Island? Pretty much every aspect of the production was stunning: crystal clear audio, vivid visual effects, neat costume concepts and props. And then the choreography and dance; I cannot even describe how talented the dancing was. I really do get that I am not super privy to the inside world of music/ theater but I feel like the dancing and staging of this show was so on point.
I think it's easy with a high school production to think, "okay, this is a little bit cringe, but hey, they're kids and they're trying." Honest to God - not this time. I never once even dreamed I was watching a high school level production... no excuses or concessions needed to be made: they were just damned good.
One thing that I have to mention is the mostly-student pit orchestra. In high school I was probably the worst musician ever (I was in marching band and orchestra). While I wasn't particularly good myself, I do know talent when I see it. The music was essentially flawless and I think it was a bit under-recognized how high tier these student musicians were performing. They made the music score seem effortless (and trust me, I have been there and know it isn't) so I can only imagine if some of these students are on the path to be pro musicians someday.
How amazing to see a community that takes such pride in their performing arts. From the dancing, music, acting perspectives it was great to see that everyone was being valued and appreciated in their own role for contributing to the final product. I really loved that a point was made that many of these kids will go on and do completely unrelated things - business, writing, engineering - but that doesn't mean they aren't damned good at performing too. I guess truly capable people tend to turn everything they touch into gold.
This "review" of KHS is a bit abstract in that it's a review of the product of their theatre. Do I expect anyone will actually get on Yelp and see this? No. I guess if someday, maybe years later, someone from the show finds this it will be worth taking the time to reflect. To you: congratulations on such an impeccable show. The humor, visuals, music, dancing and acting make me so happy that places like Kings aren't just good at academics but also value art and culture. Keep it up. All of the hard work has clearly paid off. read more