Addams family, meet the Nowak family.
The Addams Family, that iconic sitcom family from a classic age of television, is the subject of the latest musical production at the Midland Center for the Arts.
The Center Stage Theatre-produced The Addams Family is a musical that follows the Addams Family as they struggle to act "normal" as daughter Wednesday brings home her boyfriend, a regular guy from a respectable family.
Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley, Wednesday, Uncle Fester, and Lurch Addams; familiar characters entrenched in American pop culture.
But what about Bernie, Sam, and Fletcher Nowak?
All three Nowak brothers, Midland natives and graduates of Midland High School, have been cast in The Addams Family production.
Bernie, 23, plays Lurch. Sam, 20, plays Wednesday’s love interest Lucas. And Fletcher, 18, plays Fester.
"Growing up in Midland, the Center has always been there, as a museum and a theater. We’ve been going for years," Bernie says.
"It’s cool to see what happens behind the curtain."
While younger brothers Sam and Fletcher have been performing in plays and musicals all through middle and high school, the eldest Nowak had never performed in a play, never been onstage for a musical--though he did take choir at Midland High.
So when Sam and Fletcher were cast in The Addams Family, it’s understandable that Bernie took some convincing. But he relented, auditioning and even landing the part. He’s glad he did.
"It’s the perfect role for me because I’m new at this and Lurch doesn’t really talk, he just grunts and groans," Bernie says.
"The experience has been incredible. I don’t think I could have asked for a better cast and crew for a first show."
The Addams Family runs weekends Saturday, Oct. 13 through Sunday Oct. 28 at the Midland Center for the Arts. Visit them online for more information on tickets and showtimes.
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