This past Friday and Saturday, May 16th and 17th, the stage at Bergen Arts and Science Charter High School lit up with laughter, music, and a touch of spooky charm as students and alumni brought The Addams Family musical to life.
The two-night performance showcased the talent and dedication of 13 main cast members—many of whom were participating in their first musical—and featured the return of five alumni who once graced the BASCS stage in previous productions.
Unlike more traditional plays such as The Apple Tree, The Fantasticks, and Godspell, this year’s selection of The Addams Family was a modern, relatable, and fun-filled experience.
The musical’s energetic storyline and humor allowed students to fully engage with their roles, and the audience, especially younger children, connected deeply with the characters. Many students excitedly took photos with the cast after the show, creating a moment of joy and unity for the entire school community.
Gabrielle Meighan, Bergen ASCS High Class of 2019, returned as a cast member. Currently serving as the McKinney-Vento and Alumni Liaison at iLearn Schools’ Central Office, Meighan brought not only her theatrical experience but also her personal passion for uplifting students.
Her role in the production allowed her to connect more deeply with the cast, guiding them through the process by rehearsing lines together, encouraging their growth, and building their confidence. “Being in the show with them allowed them to make mistakes, laugh, and learn as a team,” Meighan shared.
Being involved in The Addams Family was a new adventure for Meighan, who also took on costume design, set building, and choreography—skills she had never tried before. While the beginning of the process posed challenges, especially as many students did not know her personally yet, the production soon became a transformative experience.
As the performance dates approached, the cast and alumni grew closer. This bond was especially meaningful for the underclassmen, who received guidance from alumni like Bronwyn and Edwin—both professionals in the world of theater.
The show also highlighted strong community involvement. Parents played essential roles in the production, with Bronwyn’s family lending their expertise in sound effects and lighting. Students like Gabriela Restrepo, Alessandro Zodiaco, Anthony Barrett Jr., Betzy Mora, Lacee Phillips , Ayten Hussein, and Abigail Edwards made their musical debuts, supported by a production team that worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
A special thank you goes out to Mr. Innocenzi, Ms. Hepple, Ms. Citko, Mr. Summonte and Mr. Prozora for their integral roles in making the musical a success. Their continued support and dedication helped bring this vision to life.
