All Entries in the "Carolee Carmello" Category
The Addams Family Broadway Takes Final Bow
The Addams Family played its final Broadway performance on Sunday, December 31 after 725 performances and 34 previews.
Since beginning previews on March 8 2009, The Addams Family has been seen by more than 748,000 people. Prior to Broadway, The Addams Family played an 8 week engagement at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago, where it grossed more than $12 million, making it the most successful Broadway tryout in Chicago’s history.
The national tour of The Addams Family launched on September 15 at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts in New Orleans and is booked in more than 30 cities through 2012.
Get a look back at the production, from Chicago to Broadway and beyond, below!
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus (Broadway, Chicago); Jeremy Daniel (Tour)
The current Broadway cast of The Addams Family starred Brooke Shields as Morticia, Roger Rees as Gomez; Brad Oscar as Fester, Rachel Potter as Wednesday, Jackie Hoffman as Grandma, Zachary James as Lurch, Adam Riegler as Pugsley, Heidi Blickenstaff as Alice Beineke, Adam Grupper as Mal Beineke and Jesse Swenson as Lucas Beineke; the original Broadway cast included Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth as Gomez and Morticia, Terrence Mann as Mal Beineke, Carolee Carmello as Alice Beineke, Kevin Chamberlin as Uncle Fester, Jackie Hoffman as Grandma, Zachary James as Lurch, Adam Riegler as Pugsley, Wesley Taylor as Lucas Beineke and Krysta Rodriguez as Wednesday.
The Addams Family Musical An Entertaining Afternoon of Theatre
Catherine (me) and Rick Elice
Last weekend was a whirlwind of friends, parties, and great Broadway entertainment! AND I was able to spend some time with my favorite Broadway writer, Rick Elice. Rick is that rare breed of celebrity who is unassuming, humble and completely genuine. He is such a pleasure to know – one would never guess he has two of the top 10 shows currently running on Broadway.
While Saturday was all about Jersey Boys, Sunday was reserved for The Addams Family. I had second row center seats for the matinee – up close and personal - and I was a little bit nervous. There have been mixed reviews, not only from the critics, but from a few of the readers here on the blog, and I didn’t want to go in with any preconceptions about the show. So, I went in with an open mind, and I had a blast!
From the opening number “When You’re An Addams”, to the final curtain, I had a smile on my face and a laugh in my throat. I don’t want to get into a scene by scene analysis – that’s been done to death. I just want to share my thoughts.
Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth were wonderful as Gomez and Morticia, two parents facing what all parents face when they realize that their baby is all grown up and about to leave the nest. Of course, not all parents face it in quite the same way! Bebe was gorgeous! Her flawless skin and deadpan expression were classic Morticia. She danced beautifully, and her “Just Around The Corner” was one of my favorite numbers. Nathan definitely lived up to the hype. His comedic timing is impeccable, and he had the audience in stitches.
Kevin Chamberlin was hilarious as the “moonstruck” Uncle Fester. He really got into his oddball personae, and the audience loved him.
Jackie Hoffman as Grandma was as hysterical as everyone says. Although her role was small, she made the most of each and every line, leaving the audience doubled over in laughter. At one point during “dinner”, she was obviously ad-libbing, talking about running the mara…mara…mara..thon (NY marathon was run that day), and the cast was laughing so hard, Bebe actually had to lay her head on the table so the audience wouldn’t see. Of course, being in the second row, I could see her head shaking!
As the tormented young couple, Wednesday Addams and Lucas Beineke, Krysta Rodriguez and Wesley Taylor were fantastic. They portrayed just the right amount of teenage angst, mixed with a craziness that comes with young love. Krysta’s voice was crystal clear, with a bit of a rock edge to it, and Wesley was a perfect accompaniment. Their “Crazier Than You” was another of my favorites. I’ll be keeping an eye on their careers, I’m betting they go far.
Carollee Carmello and Terrence Mann played Alice and Mal Beineke, Lucas’s “normal” parents from Ohio. If that’s normal, I’d hate to see odd. She with her bright yellow dress and rhyming speech, and he with his tough-guy “I won’t be pushed around” act (until I meet the right squid), were very entertaining, and they played the roles to perfection.
As Lurch, the mostly silent butler, Zachary James was brilliant. And Adam Riegler was terrific as Pugsley. He had a fantastic voice for such a young age, and was very enjoyable to watch. His sadness at realizing his sister was growing up and wouldn’t be around to “play” with him much longer was very touching.
And last, but certainly by no means least, the Ancestors were all superb. Each one had his/her own personality, they danced beautifully, and the way they were utilized onstage was ingenious.
On the top of my list of ”high points” has to be the set design. Congratulations to Julian Crouch and Phelim McDermott for a tremendous job! Basil Twist’s puppetry was also spectacular, adding a layer of creativity not seen in many shows. And, as usual, Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman wrote a great story, with a perfect mix of humor, seriousness, and Charles Addams absurdity.
“Just Around The Corner” and ”Crazier Than You” were my favorite musical numbers, with “When You’re An Addams” and the tango scene following close behind. Gomez had two ballady numbers that dragged a bit (for me), but Nathan performed them beautifully. And Uncle Fester and the moon, and Mal Beineke and the squid were a bit over the top, but hey, this is the Addams Family - they are over the top!
Please bear with me while I vent….I know this is a family friendly show, and yes, they sell candy at the concession stand, but people, this is a high dollar Broadway show, not a movie theater. Please have the courtesy to NOT open loud candy wrappers, slurp noisily on lollipops, or rifle through your shopping bags in the middle of the performance (yes, I experienced all of this within two rows of me, and the perpetrators were all adults.) This is not only rude to your fellow audience members, but most especially to the cast.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the entire Addams Family ‘family’ for an exciting and entertaining afternoon of theatre!
Carolee Carmello Plays A Little Cue & A With Playbill.com
Carolee Carmello, Photo by Joseph Marzullo, WENN
PLAYBILL.COM’S CUE & A: The Addams Family’s Carolee Carmello
By Matthew Blank
07 Sep 2010
Tony Award nominee Carolee Carmello, currently appearing on Broadway in The Addams Family, fills out Playbill.com’s questionnaire with random facts, backstage trivia and pop-culture tidbits.
Carmello has appeared on Broadway as Donna in Mamma Mia!, Ms. Pennywise in Urinetown, Kate in Kiss Me, Kate, Marguerite in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Abigail in 1776, Oolie in City of Angels, Cordelia in Falsettos, Gabrielle in Lestat and Lucille Frank in Parade, earning Tony nominations for the latter two roles.
Carmello’s screen credits include episodes of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Frasier,” “Ed” and “Remember W.E.N.N.” She can be heard on numerous cast albums and compilations. Visit caroleecarmello.com.
Full given name: Carolee Ann Carmello
Hometown: Albany, New York (The capital of our Empire State!)
Zodiac Sign: Virgo (Perfectionist? Yes! Laid-back? Not so much.)
Audition song/monologue: In the olde days, I used to sing the last verse of “Golden Rainbow” (from the show of the same name) because it ended with a belted E flat. Back then I figured the loudest girl got the job… I guess I haven’t changed much.
Special Skills: I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a… well, I can order take-out.
First Broadway or West End show ever saw: Ain’t Misbehavin’. I guess I’ll never be able to do a revival for old time’s sake.
If you could go back in time and catch any Broadway show, what would it be? I’m such a huge fan of Judy Holliday. I would love to see her do Bells Are Ringing, one of my very favorite shows. I can’t promise I wouldn’t steal some of her bits.
Current show you have been recommending to friends: I hear that Addams Family got great reviews!
Favorite show tune: Showtunes are for nerds, aren’t they?
MAC or PC? I’ve finally submitted to the Mac Overlord… but I went kicking and screaming.
Most played song on your iPod: I hardly ever listen to music on my iPod or in the car. I listen to audio books or podcasts. Mostly public radio shows like “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!” and “Stuff You Should Know.” Talk about nerdy!
Web obsession: OMG! Scrabble! I play it every day!
Last book you read: “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson
Must-see TV show: I don’t often get control of the remote in my house, so I watch a lot of Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.
Last movie you saw: “The Karate Kid.” See above explanation.
Pop culture guilty pleasure: I did watch a couple of episodes of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” hoping to see some of my neighbors.
First CD/Tape/LP you owned: When I was about 10, I used to dance around with my girlfriend, Kitty (a person, not a stuffed toy) in her basement and sing to the cast recording of Godspell.
Favorite or most memorable onstage role as a child/teenager: I never did theatre as a kid, but I do remember a pivotal moment in grade school. I was supposed to sing this trio in the Christmas concert with two other little girls. On the day of the concert, they were both out. The teacher asked if I wanted to cut the song or do it alone. I decided to do it, and although I messed up a few lyrics, I felt more power in that moment than I had ever felt in all my 7 years.
Favorite post-show meal: Cereal with cold milk is my reward for getting through a long day at the “office.” I’m salivating now just thinking about it.
Worst costume ever: I had this beautiful dress in Kiss Me, Kate that I wore for a little scene where I literally crossed from one side of the stage to the other. It was a complete change including jewelry, hat, shoes, hose, bra… I spent more time getting it on and off than I did wearing it onstage!
Who would play you in the movie? Betty White! She’s totally hot right now!
Worst job you ever had: Perfume sprayer in Macy’s Herald Square. People hate you and they let you know about it!
“I’ll never understand why…” …cellulite was invented! Why! Why! Why!
Jonas Brothers Visit The Addams Family
Nick and Kevin Jonas, along with little brother Frankie, visited another famous family this week – The Addams Family!
For more pics, visit broadway.com.
Cast members of “The Addams Family” to Perform at Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle has announced its events calendar for the month of July.
On Thursday, July 15 at 4:30pm, cast members of THE ADDAMS FAMILY will perform and sign copies of the original Cast Recording. Appearing at the event will be composer-lyricist Andrew Lippa, Bebe Neuwrith, Carolee Carmello, Zachary James, Adam Riegler, Wesley Taylor, Krysta Rodriguez and Jackie Hoffman.
Drama Desk 8, Tony 2
With the two measly Tony nominations for Addams Family, the eight Drama Desk nominations look just fine to the producers, I’m sure. I have them listed below.
It’s curious to me how two such well-established awards could have such drastically different outcomes. La Cage Aux Folles led the musicals in Tony noms (11) but actually had one fewer Drama Desk nom than Addams Family.
Anyone care to comment?
Drama Desk Nominations for The Addams Family
Outstanding Musical
Outstanding Actor in a Musical: Nathan Lane
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical: Kevin Chamberlin
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical: Carolee Carmello,
Outstanding Music: Andrew Lippa
Outstanding Lyrics: Andrew Lippa
Outstanding Lighting Design: Natasha Katz
Outstanding Set Design: Phelim McDermott, Julian Crouch & Basil Twist
Note: Drama Desk made an executive decision to include Basil Twist’s puppetry under Set Design.
Carolee Carmello Shares Her Cozy Addams Family Digs
from Broadway.com
Carolee Carmello, the flame-haired two-time Tony nominee, certainly knows how to make herself at home in a Broadway dressing room. The constantly working actress has inhabited a series of them in such diverse shows as City of Angels, Falsettos, 1776, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Parade, Kiss Me, Kate, Urinetown, Lestat and multiple stints in Mamma Mia!. Now Carmello has moved into a rosy (“the color is calming,” she notes) dressing room at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, where she is appearing as Alice Beineke, an uptight suburban mom at odds with the kooky, macabre family of the title, in the new musical comedy The Addams Family. The performer welcomed Broadway.com to her girly digs to show off five of her favorite personal items. Take a look!
“I included my wig [on this list] because whenever I am trying to figure out a character or work on a new part, the hair is always the key for me. Even from the very first audition, I like to figure out what the hair is going to be. Everything falls from the hair. I work from the outside in.”
“My family photos are here to remind me of the most important part of my life. They put everything into perspective.” [Pictured: Broadway actor Gregg Edelman and children Zoe and Ethan.]
“My laptop is my entertainment when I am offstage during the show: I like to play Scrabble and check my email. Right now, I am helping to work on a new website: www.caroleecarmello.com, which is launching in April, so I’m using it for that, too.”
“My running shoes are important because on these long days at the theater, I like to go running on my dinner break. It clears my head and forces me to use my dinner break for more than just eating dinner.”
“I made this silly, little table skirt about 11 or 12 years ago when I was doing 1776 at the Gershwin, and I’ve used it in all my dressing rooms since then. It’s kind of sentimental, but it also makes for great storage and hides a myriad of sins.”
Seth Rudetsky Lunches With The Ladies of “The Addams Family”
On a recent Thursday, actor, writer, music director and Chatterbox host Seth Rudetsky had the pleasure (so it seems) of lunching with the ladies of The Addams Family. He shares that experience in his February 1 Playbill.com article ONSTAGE & BACKSTAGE: Here’s to the Ladies Who Lunched:
“…On Thursday I had lunch at delicious 44×10 with Bebe Neuwirth, Krysta Rodriguez, Carolee Carmello and Jackie Hoffman, who are the four leading ladies from the The Addams Family musical. I’m writing a feature on them for the March Playbill, and we had a great/delicious time. If you’ve seen Jackie’s Joe’s Pub shows, you’d know that she’s always complaining about not getting gigs. One of her biggest laments is about not even being able to get an audition for Fiddler on the Roof. Well, true to form, as soon as we sat down, she noticed that her bread plate was empty and she quipped, “Look! It’s just like Broadway. I didn’t get a roll.” Brava on the double meaning. I bit into my delicious roll and asked her what the audition was like for the role of Grandma. She remembered that she looked at the scene and noticed there was a little salty language in it, so she figured she could do one of her original songs. The language in her act is more than a little salty, and this particular song is about her resenting being asked to do non-stop benefits. It begins with: “F*** you for asking me to do a show for free!” and then repeats that theme many times. When the song was over, she received a sea of blank faces… and no call back. However, that was for the initial workshop, and later on she was asked to go in again…this time for the Chicago-to-Broadway production. She was slated to do the Doug Cohen/Douglas Carter Beane musical Big Time, which would mean that she’d have to choose between the two if she got cast as Grandma. She knew she couldn’t sing the same song she sang before (non-stop cursing = blank British faces), so she decided to sing one of her songs from Big Time because it was fabulous and always brought down the house. She told me that she “had the chutzpah” to call the composer and ask for a copy of the music…but not tell him she was using it to audition for a show that would prevent her doing his show! He got the sheet music to her, she auditioned and got Addams Family and subsequently chose to leave Big Time. Doug Cohen, the composer, called her a few days later and warily asked, “Jackie, did you use my song for your Addams Family audition?” Jackie admitted she did. She told me that she then literally heard a wail emanate from the phone. The good news is Big Time was postponed, so hopefully she can eventually do both shows!
Speaking of auditions, Carolee was starring in Mamma Mia! when she was asked to come in for the reading of Addams Family. She looked over the monologue and was surprised that there were all of these great Broadway ladies at the audition. S he then found out that the audition wasn’t for the reading, it was for the Broadway production! She frantically took out the monologue and this time gave it more than a once over. Apparently, she sassed her audition because she got the role of Alice Beineke. She and Terrence Mann (the original Rum Tum Tugger in Cats) play a couple who are visiting the Addams family manse. She told me that she and “Terry” have a completely different style of acting in a show eight times a week. Carolee loves to figure out how something should be played and then lock it in. Terry, who plays Mal Beineke, likes to make different choices each night. And, I mean different. Bebe said that there’s one entrance he does that has a totally new take each night. At one performance it was sultry and seductive, and Bebe whispered to Nathan (Lane), “Here comes Barry White.” The next night it was high energy and rock n’ roll-ish, and Nathan whispered, “Look. It’s Rum Tum Mal.”
The ladies were all telling me that Jackie has a section of the show where she gets to improv, and I asked for an example. Bebe told her to tell me about the Dec. 31 line. Apparently, on that night, Grandma croaked out, “It’s New Year’s Eve. I’m going to go up to my room for some Dick. (long pause). Clark.”
We were all talking about Jerry Zaks, who is coming in to oversee the production, and Bebe mentioned that he was in the original cast of Fiddler on the Roof. I nodded, but then said I thought it was the national tour. She was adamant that it was the Broadway production because he knew a family friend of hers who played the Constable. I then said that the Grease tour was his first big credit, and that happened in the 70’s and Fiddler was more of a 60’s show. I mentioned that maybe the Constable did the tour as well. I could tell the whole table was annoyed at my obsession with minutiae, so I decided to get to the bottom of it. I whipped out my cell phone and texted Jerry. Of course Jackie yelled, “You have his cell phone number? I don’t have his cell phone number!” I ignored her and typed away. I wrote that I needed to know whether he did Fiddler on Broadway or on tour. Lunch ended before I heard back from him, but as I walked up Ninth Avenue I got his text: ”Alas. Only on tour.” HA! I don’t want to say, “I told you so, Bebe,”…so I’ll write it: I told you so, Bebe…”
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The Addams Family Musical Review “Recap”
Broadway In Chicago’s pre-Broadway world premiere presentation of The Addams Family, a new musical based on the bizarre family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, opened Wednesday, December 9 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts’ Oriental Theater. The production continues in Chicago through January 10, and will play Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre beginning March 4, with an anticipated opening date of April 8.
The musical stars Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth as Gomez and Morticia Adams, with Kevin Chamberlin (Uncle Fester), Jackie Hoffman (Grandmama), Zachary James (Lurch), Adam Riegler (Pugsley), and Krysta Rodriguez (Wednesday) rounding out the “Family”. Playing the “family who comes to dinner” are Terrence Mann and Carolee Carmello as Mal and Alice Beineke, and Wesley Taylor as Lucas Beineke, Wednesday’s love interest.
The production features direction and design by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch, book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, and choreography by Sergio Trujillo.
Wednesday night’s performance was attended by many critics whose reactions are mixed, but the consensus is decidedly positive. Excerpts of some of those reviews follow:
By Hedy Weiss, Theater Critic, The Chicago Sun Times
“…there is rarely a dull moment as each grand shock of the new, each adjustment to change, each recognition of aging and each surprising rebirth wraps its arms itself around the characters of “The Addams Family.”
By Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
Sneak-Peek Video of Vanity Fair Shoot
Great behind-the-scenes footage from the recent photo shoot of The Addams Family portrait for Vanity Fair’s December issue.
