CASCO — Lake Region Community Theatre is the first community theater in Maine to produce “The Addams Family,” scheduled for performances beginning, at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday June 19 and 20, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 21 at Lake Region High School, Route 302. There show will continue the following weekend at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27. The final matinee will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 28.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for ages 12 and under. 

Recognizing that “it’s family first and family last,” the cast includes parents and children, siblings and aunts and uncles.

Melissa Mattucci portrays Morticia, while her mother, Alma, is Grandma Addams.

“My love for theater all started when I saw my mother in Lake Region Community Theatre’s productions of “The Sound of Music” and “The Wizard of Oz.” I was quite young at the time, and up until that moment, I hadn’t realized that there was an opportunity to bring the musical movies I treasured at home to life,” Melissa Mattucci said.

“It’s been about 17 years since then, and that love for the stage is still very much alive today. With each show I’ve done, my mom has been right there to offer her constructive criticism and support. She’s always encouraged me to follow my passion and pursue as many opportunities as possible. She is my hero, inspiration and the best friend a girl could ever hope for,” Mattucci added.

Mattucci’s grandmother Alma added, “My desire to be cast in the role of Grandma Addams was inspired by my daughter’s belief that I would be perfect for this role. (At least in her eyes.) It is very hard to explain in a few words what it means to a mother for her grown child to have that much confidence in her, and wanting to share that experience with me. I am so thankful to be given this opportunity to play such a fun role with such a talented cast and crew, and especially with my beautifully, talented daughter.”

One thing the Mattuccis needed to deal with is the fact that Morticia and Grandma’s relationship is the exact opposite of their own relationship in real life. Mellissa says, “It took some character development to really separate that bond while on stage..”

Chris Madura plays the father, Gomez Addams, while his uncle, Bill Libby is one of the ancestors.  “A couple of years ago my uncle performed in a show with OHMPAA. He got bit by the theatre bug, and we’ve talked about trying to be in a show together ever since,” Madura said. “Being able to be in a show with him has been a great experience. We’ve been working on set pieces together, and our dance rehearsals go by a lot faster with him cracking jokes the entire time. I’m glad I’ve gotten the chance to share the stage with him.”

Similarly, Steve Mercer, who is Mal Beinke in the show, is sharing the stage with his sister, Linda, another ancestor. “My sister and I have both been involved in theatre off and on over the years and have seen it from different perspectives. She was a stage manager in a couple of performances at Deertrees Theatre and I have been on stage as an actor. We had always hoped to be on stage together at some point and now that opportunity has come to fruition,” Mercer said. “It means a great deal to me to know that after opening night I will be able to say that I have performed in a musical with my sister. Also, the incredible work ethic and commitment involved in such a production as “The Addams Family” allows each of us to see the other working toward a goal and growing as a person and performer. The play is very entertaining and humorous, but there is a definite message about life’s challenges and how changes in the family can create division, but when people open their minds and hearts you can become close again in a different way,” Mercer said. 

During intermission, there will be a Chinese auction featuring all kinds of treasures. 

Tickets are now on sale at many locations- Bridgton-Hayes True Value and the Bridgton Public Library, Raymond-Krainin Real Estate and Raymond Village Florist, Casco Public Library, Naples Public Library, Fryeburg-Papa’s Floral and Norway-Books n Things. Tickets may also be requested by  e-mailing Lake Regional Community Theater at  [email protected].