Submitted photo
The cast of the Mifflin County High School musical-comedy production of ‘Addams Family’ makes an appearance at the recent Festival of Ice in downtown Lewistown. Cast members include front row from left: Camilla Hughes, Robert Whistler, Lucas Cramer, Jeanielys Rodriguez, Kailee Henry, Grace Flood and Heidi Tooley; second row: Cora Rankin, Noelle Miller, Aubrie Yoder, Rose Miller, Ava Harper, Kendall Russler, Relayna DeArment, Ellanie Patton, Ava Yorks, Delia Fitzgerald and Lacey Kessler; third row: Khloe Knepp, Alexa McChesney, Marianna Wilson, Ryan Bair, Mason Wian, Addi Weaver and Maeve Moyer; and back row: Sommer Smith, Abigail Berrier, Aiden Tooley, Mia Weaver, Anna Miller, Ethan McMonigal, Gavin Stroup, Luke Kintzel, Sierra Scyoc and Grace Beers.

LEWISTOWN — For generations, the Addams Family has thrived in the public imagination as a household where the unusual is ordinary and the peculiar is celebrated.

On Sunday, that world will step off the stage and into Mifflin County High School as the drama club hosts an ‘Addams Family’ musical meet-and-greet, giving young fans a chance to meet the characters face to face.

From 1 to 3 p.m., the high school at 501 Sixth Street will open its auditorium, backstage areas and commons for an afternoon of character interaction, theatrical discovery and Addams-style charm.

“If community members are not familiar with the theme of the show or the plot, they can participate in activities that catch them up a little bit,” said drama club co-adviser Erin Campbell. “It gives people a better idea of what is going to be happening on stage. They also get to spend time with cast members that they don’t get from just coming to the show.”

Admission is $15 for adults and children ages 2 and older, with proceeds supporting the club’s spring production of The Addams Family. A snow date is scheduled for Feb. 1.

Students have been developing their roles since the end of September, and the meet-and-greet allows them to inhabit the Addams world well before opening night.

Performance dates are 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, all in the auditorium.

The musical comedy follows the creepy, kooky family as they confront change, secrets and the meaning of love within their unconventional traditions.

Gomez Addams welcomes families with his trademark flourish, while Morticia’s poised elegance sets the tone. Wednesday’s deadpan calm, Pugsley’s mischievous grin and the quirks of Uncle Fester, Grandma, Lurch and the Addams ancestors round out the experience.

For children, meeting the characters in person is often the highlight. Kids can pose for photos, ask questions and interact with cast members in ways that feel spontaneous and personal.

Geared primarily toward children, the event offers a preview of the cast, costumes, sets and plot through themed activities and stations. The characters’ personalities guide each moment, creating an atmosphere that feels lifted from the musical.

Families can also take a guided stage tour for a behind-the-scenes look at where the Addamses will soon perform. Even in its early stages, the set hints at the family’s gothic world, with dramatic lighting and a home that feels both grand and slightly off-center.

Students will share brief previews of choreography and staging, along with crafts, dancing and a snack box.

“We normally get around 100 guests,” Campbell said, referring to previous meet-and-greets for “Anastasia” and “The Wizard of Oz.” “There’s definitely excitement with the recent ‘Wednesday’ show and seeing that character. This is a comedy, so it’s different from the last couple that we’ve done.”