McKinley Mounts 21st School Show In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ - The McKinley Kapers celebrated their 21st annual school show by staging “[The One Where] The Addams Family Comes To Town” April 4, April 5 and April 6 at McKinley Elementary School.

The show this year was written and directed by McKinley parents Meredith and Jim Scheiner, and as per tradition, the cast included 3rd, 4th and 5th graders, along with parents and staff, all of whom acted, sang, and danced, and performed a variety of musical numbers.

This year’s show told the story of how the McKinley community welcomed The Addams family to school with open hearts and minds, despite the famous family’s “mysterious and spooky” ways. Led by McKinley’s principal, Dr. Marc Biunno, and school staffer Julie Fetter, the students and teachers learned that “different doesn’t mean scary—and on the inside, we’re all the same.”

“This year Kapers celebrated how well McKinley does friendship,” said Meredith Scheiner. “At school, our kids learn to lead with their hearts and their minds, and if the Addams Family—Uncle Fester and all—really did come to McKinley, I am certain that we would open our doors and welcome them in.”

As in previous years, Kapers was run entirely by parents. This year, organizers said it was made possible by:

• the directors Meredith and Jim Scheiner;
• rehearsal leaders, Diana Hegarty, Heather Finn, Rachel Peachman, Gretchen Meyers, Megan Swenson, Marlene Beilis, Megan Brown, and Tammi Oberstein;
• numerous other parents, alumni, and volunteers behind the scenes who made props, sold tickets, and much more.
• Per Kapers tradition, the goal of the show was not only to put on a fabulous performance, but also to teach the kids about the fun and hard work that goes into a live theatrical production, officials said.

Much like the way the McKinley community welcomed the fictional Addams family to town, the students, parents, and school staff who participated this year were all welcomed to join in regardless of past experience, musical ability, acting chops, dancing skills, financial resources, or learning style.

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