The Addams Family: an ‘inclusical’
This year’s production by all-abilities musical theatre company, Stars and the Moon, will be “an uplifting production about embracing individuality.”
We often tell children to aim for the stars and the moon, and that is what Stars and the Moon hopes to achieve by creating an all-abilities musical theatre company, the only one of its kind in Melbourne.
This year it is presenting The Addams Family, in which Wednesday and her kooky family members take the audience on a gripping adventure with sword fights, potions and explosions.
The “inclusical” is directed by Lauren McKinnon, with musical director Charlotte Greenslade, and choreographed by Benjamin Curé.
McKinnon said this year’s production will be “an uplifting production about embracing individuality.”
It is Stars and the Moon’s largest ever cast, with 65 performers who have worked tirelessly rehearsing over the last three months.
Stars and the Moon was founded in 2021 out of a shared love of musical theatre between founder Eitan Meyerowitz and his cousin Zac Chester, an actor who lives with down syndrome.
In building the theatre company, Meyerowitz sought to create a space where performers of all abilities could share the spotlight as well as being a space for Jewish performers who keep Shabbat.
Stars and Moon president Eli Boroda reflected, “As Jews we are taught that every person has a Nitzotz Elohim, a divine spark and capacity for creativity. This deeply Jewish idea inspires our organisation in its mission to showcase and foster the unique talents and abilities of every performer.”
Similarly, producer Alex Miller told The AJN, “We all know the transformative power of theatre, yet for many of us, accessibility remains an issue. Outdated casting practices and physical barriers continue to marginalise artists and audience members living with disabilities.
“Stars and the Moon dismantles these barriers to create theatre that is truly accessible, inclusive and that celebrates the diversity of our community.”
Stars and the Moon uses a unique casting model. Performers are paired in their portrayal of each role to support one another throughout the production journey. Miller explained that “double-casting also helps performers build life-long friendships.”
Since joining the theatre group, Tamara Stanton’s mother Zoe has noticed significant growth in Tamara’s confidence and physical capabilities.
“As her parents, we know that such significant leaps are not easily achieved in traditional therapy or learning settings and can see that the combination of friendship, genuine inclusion and a shared challenging goal with her castmates is a magical combination that ticks so many of her personal (and NDIS) goals.”
Performer Gabe Harari said it has changed his life. “Being a part of the show helped me come out of my shell and be comfortable performing in front of a big audience.”
He added, “Stars and the Moon has taught me that you don’t always have to be by yourself. When you have an acting partner it makes it more fun and less lonely.”
The performances are accessible to hearing and visually impaired audience members, companion card holders and wheelchair users.
The Addams Family will be performed from August 21 to August 25 at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University Clayton Campus. To book visit: starsandthemoon.org
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