Penn Cambria students perform a scene from the musical, “The Addams Family,” which opens today, Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m. Courtesy photo

Decorated with cobwebs and spiders, Penn Cambria High School’s auditorium invites audience members inside the Addams family’s house during their spring production of “The Addams Family.”

The musical will be presented at 7 p.m. May 7, 8 and 9 and 2 p.m. May 10.

Director Holly Smith said the audience will feel a part of the family during the show, as the ancestor characters will also interact with them

“It’s going to make it more fun,” she said. “Being that close to characters and seeing people they know … it’ll add to the mystery and the fun vibe.”

Based on the cartoon characters designed by Charles Addams, the musical follows Wednesday Addams — daughter of the ghoulish Addams family — who falls in love with seemingly ordinary Lucas. To accommodate the young couple, the Addamses host a dinner for Lucas and the family.

While media depictions of the family continue to be created today, Smith loosely based her production on the original 1964 television sitcom series due to nostalgia.

“I remember watching the characters when I was younger, and I wanted to stay true to that vibe,” she said.

Smith also chose the musical for its music and large ensemble cast, which is currently accommodating 37 student actors. Auditions were held in December, and practices began in January.

Students were excited when Smith announced the spring musical. While only some were familiar with the musical, she said cast members anticipated listening to the music. And they eagerly embraced their characters.

As the musical comes to a close this weekend, she hopes students take away the importance of individuality and family bonds.

“Be true to yourself,” she said. “You can be unique and be accepted for it.”

Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. They will be available at the door.

Cast

Charlie Golden as Gomez, Eden Davison as Morticia, Alyse Rabatin as Wednesday, Jacob Bossler as Uncle Fester, Aiden Ligas as Pugsly, Megyn Stipanovich as Grandma, Drew Latterner as Lurch, Franklin Lewis as Cousin IT, Ryan Giraud as Lucas, Sienna Nagle as Alice, Colin Spielvogle as Mal, Cain Trexler as Conquistador, Harlie Racz as Bride, Ava Braatz as Flapper, Matthew Ronan as Caveman, Camryn Ashworth as Marie, Liv Hoover as Marilyn, Kendyl Lawrence as Stewardess, Cortland Fieni as Captain, Addison Paup and Tessa Buck as Twins and Blase Long as The Colonel

Ancestors

Jesse Horning, Frank Wallis, Bentley Padilla, August Guerin, Aryana Myers, Callie Ehrenfeld, Jenna Eckenrode, Teagan Oswalt, Brayden Weaver, Wyatt Feathers, Hannah Rogers, Lily Lloyd, Athena Oklamchak, Donna Yahnert and Brielle Nunez

Director: Holly Smith

Stage manager: Mandie Manning

Stage crew: Dayne Summerville, Keegan Waddell, Mason Geist, Carter Panick, Vance Plazek and Ben Shoemaker

Lights: Gavin Wilson, Kiersten Wilson, Isabella Askins and Lily Kay