Noonan Students to Perform ‘The Addams Family’

The stage is just about set and the lights are almost lit for Noonan Elementary Academy’s spring Drama Club performance , which will be the nostalgic “Addams Family”.

“I look at the cast from the previous year – what are their strengths and what show would work for that?”, said Drama Director Marta Koonce.

The students will play the iconic characters of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Grandma, and Lurch.

“It’s a fun and nostalgic show”, Koonce said. “Plus, it’s Principal Dunn’s favorite”.

Sophia Valentini, of Mokena and attending Lincoln-Way Central next year, who will play Wednesday Addams, said she enjoys the character because “I’ve never played a character that is dark. It’s the opposite of my personality”.

Carina Diorio, of Mokena and attending Providence Catholic next year, who will play Alice Beineke, said that she can identify with her character. “I like how she’s bubbly and calms people down in tough situations”.

Melanie Hague, of New Lenox and attending Chesterton Academy next year, who will play Morticia Addams, shared that she likes “her dark sense of humor and the dark thoughts racing through her head though she is very composed and put together on the outside”.

Annabelle Frieh, of New Lenox and attending Lincoln-Way West next year, who will play Amelia Earhart, said that she likes the character’s adventurous personality. “She is not afraid to stand up for herself. I like playing someone like that”.

Maya Krutul, of Orland Park and attending Chesterton Academy next year, who will play Morticia Addams, shared that “she has a twist of characteristics. She has a dark sense of humor, but funny moments as well”.

With opening night scheduled for Friday at 7pm, the students said that they have a lot of fun in the Drama Club and cannot wait to take the stage with all of their excitement and energy. Plus, there is a connection that many of the Drama Club members share: Many of their siblings have been a part of past performances at Noonan.

“It’s like a tradition here at Noonan”, Koonce said. “I’m very happy that the same families come back. They are great, and they support the program so much”.

Show times for “The Addams Family” are at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Noonan Elementary Academy Junior High building, 19101 Henry Drive in Mokena.

Tickets are $12 each and can be purchased by contacting belli.simon@gmail.com. Pre-purchased tickets will be held at the door for pickup the day of the performance. Tickets will also be available at the door.