Rensselaerville, NY — It’s becoming an annual tradition for R’ville Stage Creations to bring a spooky show to the stage at Conkling Hall just in time for Halloween. This year is no exception, as the company prepares to wrap up its 2025 season with six performances of the family-friendly musical The Addams Family over two weekends from October 17-26.
For nearly a century audiences have been enthralled with the creepy kooky Addams family, known for their dark humor, offbeat charm, and close-knit bonds. The characters first appeared in Charles Addams’ cartoons for The New Yorker in 1938, and have since been reimagined across nearly a dozen television, film, and stage productions. The touring version of the Broadway musical, which R’ville’s production is based on, has been widely praised for its wit, memorable music, and appeal to audiences of all ages. The story follows Wednesday Addams as she surprises her family by falling in love with a “normal” young man. When the two households meet, secrets and misunderstandings abound, offering plenty of laughs as the family navigates change in their uniquely Addams style.
A cast of 20 performers brings the story to life on the stage, combining talent from the Helderberg Hilltowns, Greene and Columbia Counties, and the greater Capital District. More than a third of the cast are appearing with R’ville Stage Creations for the first time, adding new energy to the already strong talent of the company. The production also features the returning creative team from last year’s hit Little Shop of Horrors, with Nick Graziade as music director and Moses Oscar as choreographer and assistant director.
Artistic Director Tara McCormick-Hostash is directing and performing in the show, bringing her vision and experience to both sides of the curtain.
McCormick-Hostash says, “The Addams Family is such a humorous and playful show, asking each actor to approach and explore it. What I love about this show is the message: be your authentic self and leave the madness of the world outside.”
“Put simply, the music is weird in the best way,” adds Graziade, who leads both the vocal performers and live pit band. “The score continues to challenge us with its quirky harmonies and endless key changes, and we’re having a blast keeping it all straight! The whole thing is a wild ride.”
Now in its fifteenth season, R’ville Stage Creations has grown from a grassroots theatre group formed around a kitchen table into a company drawing performers and audiences both locally and regionally. With a reputation for ambitious, well-crafted productions, it continues to make live theatre accessible and engaging in the Helderberg Hilltowns and beyond.“Most of the shows for our last two productions have sold,” adds Producer Rachel de Long, “So we definitely recommend people reserving their tickets in advance.”
Performances of The Addams Family will be held October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26, with Saturday shows at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at https://rville-stage-creations.square.site/, by phone at 518-248-3261, or at the door.
