LEWISTOWN — Normal is overrated — at least in the world of “The Addams Family.”

This darkly funny musical comedy invites audiences into a household where the unusual is celebrated, family comes first, and a simple dinner can turn into total chaos.

Rooted in the classic Addams tradition, the production leans fully into comedy while delivering a story audiences of all ages can relate to.

Directed by Chris Ruble, the Mifflin County Drama Club’s production of “The Addams Family Musical” is a comical feast of a musical that embraces the wackiness found in every family. Based on Charles Addams’ iconic cartoons, the show features an original story filled with humor, original songs, striking visuals and a cast that brings the eccentric world of the Addamses vividly to life.

“This is definitely a comedy through and through,” Ruble said. “A lot of our previous shows have mixed elements or are geared toward a central theme along with comedy, but this one really leans into the humor.”

The musical centers on Wednesday Addams (played by Jocelyn Heimbaugh), the ultimate princess of darkness, who has grown up and fallen in love. Her chosen partner, Lucas Beineke (Gavin Stroup), is a sweet, smart and very “normal” young man from a respectable family — everything the Addams family finds unsettling.

When Wednesday confides in her father, Gomez Addams (Ethan McMonigal), and begs him not to tell her mother, Gomez is faced with something he has never done before: keeping a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia (Anna Miller). That secret sets the stage for a disastrous — and hilarious — dinner when the Addams family and the Beinekes come together. As the evening unfolds, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested and family dynamics are pushed to the brink.

Along for the ride are jealous brother Pugsley (Kailee Henry), lovestruck Uncle Fester (Luke Kintzel), menacing butler Lurch (Aiden Tooley) and someone’s grandmother (Ellaine Patton) — no one is quite sure whose — joined by a meddling group of undead Addams ancestors who refuse to stay quietly in the background. Ruble said the production remains firmly grounded in the traditional “Addams Family” aesthetic that audiences have come to know over the decades.

“It does have a traditional Addams Family feel,” he said. “A lot of people are familiar with the black-and-white television show, the ‘Wednesday’ series on Netflix, or the movies. The Addams Family is fun and quirky, with a strong use of blacks, whites and grays.”

That visual palette plays a significant role in shaping the look of the show. The musical itself debuted on Broadway in 2010, with Nathan Lane originating the role of Gomez Addams. Since then, it has become a popular choice for productions, particularly in high schools over the past decade.

“This production is definitely themed after the traditional Addams Family and the early movies,” Ruble said. “It’s been widely produced over the past 10 years and it really leans into that tradition. Everybody’s going to relate.”

The scale of the production reflects that ambition. The main cast includes about 10 performers, supported by a large ensemble of 20 to 30 members, filling the stage with movement, music and visual energy. Technology also plays an important role in bringing the show to life. Ruble said the production incorporates strong set design and stage projections to enhance the storytelling.

“As a production, we incorporate set design and stage projections,” he said. “Last year, we invested in a substantial projector, which allows us to create moving scenery and add a lot of visual eye candy.”

Casting the iconic characters was another major focus. For Gomez Addams, Ruble said the actor needed to capture both the character’s passion and eccentric charm.

“What sold us on the actor was how well he fit the role — his passion, his eccentricity and how well he captured the accent,” Ruble said.

Morticia Addams, known for her cool composure and sharp wit, required a performer capable of subtlety.

“She does a great job maintaining that stone-cold expression when she speaks and she delivers her lines with a dry sense of humor,” Ruble said.

Wednesday Addams, whose emotional journey drives the story, is portrayed with a balance that respects the character while allowing room for growth.

“It’s interesting how closely her personality aligns with the character,” Ruble said. “While she isn’t naturally morbid, she connects easily with Wednesday’s perspective and communicates the character with confidence.”

Despite its dark humor and gothic style, Ruble emphasized that “The Addams Family” is ultimately a show about connection and belonging.

“Family first and family last,” he said. “Whatever comes at the end of the day, family is what’s most important.”

That theme remains central throughout the production, even as the Addams family faces change and the challenge of blending two very different worlds. While their values may seem strange by conventional standards, their loyalty to one another forms the emotional core of the show.

“Our main cast is supported by a large ensemble and overall, the feel of the show is very much a family show,” Ruble said.

With its blend of humor, traditional Addams aesthetics and heartfelt moments, “The Addams Family” offers audiences a lively and entertaining night at the theater. Whether viewers are longtime fans of the original black-and-white series, familiar with the early movies, or new to the world of the Addamses altogether, the production leans into a tradition that continues to resonate — proving that even the strangest families are, at heart, just like everyone else.

The show will be staged at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21, with an additional performance at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22. Tickets cost $10.

The Drama Club’s performances are renowned for their excellence, with some shows selling out. To ensure you don’t miss out on this spectacular production, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. Visit www.mcsdk12.org for ticket sales.