Posted on January 17, 2017

Published by El Dorado News Times

EL DORADO — “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky. They’re all together ooky — The Addams Family.”

The South Arkansas Arts Center is happy to announce the artistic staff for “The Addams Family, A New Musical Comedy,” which will be be presented March 3-5 and March 9-11 at the arts center.

Monroe Moore, a veteran of the SAAC stage, having directed “Oliver” and choreographed “Chicago,” will return to the SAAC stage as artistic director for the play. El Dorado’s own Hannah Bowen will lead the music direction, with John Lowery as assistant director.

Moore is an award winning director and choreographer and a member of the Actors Equity Union and Society for Stage Directors and Choreographers. He holds a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre/speech. Moore has directed, designed and choreographed over 100 musical productions.

He is the performing arts department head for Camp Lindenmere in Henryville, Penn., and has taught master classes in musical theatre and dance all over the United States. Moore is executive artistic director for Broadway Bound Performing Arts Centre in Houston.

“The show is based on the 1960s television show and the two films from the 1990s. If you remember the television series, you’ll love the stage musical. All the characters from the original are there, with the addition of Wednesday’s fiancé and his parents, and although Wednesday just wants ‘one normal night’ for their meeting, the musical shows us that ‘normal’ is in the eye of the beholder. Audiences of all ages will enjoy everything about this production from its quirky characters to the fast pace and pop style music. Visually, the show will captivate audiences as we take them to a different, dark, but fun place,” said Moore.

Bowen graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a bachelor in music education and is originally from Dallas. She currently teaches music production at Washington Middle School. She has been involved in theatre and musical theatre from a very young age and she directed her first show in high school.

She has also played several roles including Ophelia in “Hamlet,” Eliza in “My Fair Lady” and Gwendolen in “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Bowen said she is excited about this show and has loved it ever since she heard the song “Pulled,” as a freshman in college.

Lowery, an El Dorado native, works as director of youth at First Presbyterian Church, as well as serving as president of the South Arkansas Arts Center’s board of directors.

When asked about this opportunity, he said, “I am so excited about this new experience as assistant director. And I’m really happy to be working with Monroe, having known him for a long time. I love it that SAAC can bring these big shows to the community with the help and support of our local businesses.”

The director said he would like to remind anyone interested in auditioning for The Addams Family that auditions will be held on Feb. 3-4 at SAAC. The audition process will begin with a singing and acting audition. Those auditioning for the production may attend at 7 p.m. on Feb. 3 or at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 4.

Visit the website, www.saac-arts.org, for details. The Addams Family, The New Musical Comedy is sponsored by SAMA Healthcare, Southern Bancorp and Teague Auto Group. For more information, call the SAAC at 870-862-5474 or visit the website.