“The Addams Family Musical Opens Nov. 6 at Bemidji High School”

Community members in Bemidji will have the opportunity to enjoy a dose of Halloween spirit as “The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy” premieres on November 6, 2025, at Bemidji High School. Director Jeremiah Liend expressed excitement about the production, stating, “We’re so close to Halloween you can still taste the candy, so this show is on theme.” The musical promises a combination of catchy music and a humorous script designed to entertain audiences.

Production Details and Community Support

This year’s production received funding through a grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, supported by voters in Minnesota. The storyline revolves around the iconic Addams family as they host the family of Wednesday’s new boyfriend, leading to secrets being revealed and chaos ensuing. A release from the school describes the performance as a “heartwarming and hilarious celebration of love, acceptance, and the beautifully bizarre.”

Preparations for the show began well before the start of the academic year. Auditions occurred prior to the 2025-2026 school year, allowing the cast to dive into rehearsals immediately. “We hit the ground running this year and have been rehearsing the entire time up until this point,” Liend noted.

With a record-breaking total of 57 students participating in various roles, including cast, crew, and orchestra, this production marks the highest level of engagement Liend has observed in any of his directed shows. Among the cast is senior Isabel Neal, who portrays Morticia Addams. Neal highlighted the collective effort and talent of the cast while navigating the challenges of complex musical scores, saying, “The biggest challenge is the music. It’s very difficult music this year, but we have been so proficient at learning it.”

Challenges and Opportunities

Liend acknowledged the challenges posed by a limited rehearsal timeframe, particularly in integrating costumes and set pieces. “When you only rent your costumes for a week, it’s a very short window to be able to rehearse with all those elements together,” he explained. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the cast’s adaptability and enthusiasm. “Working with the students is my favorite part of any production,” Liend said. “They’re such quick learners, and their enthusiasm makes me excited to be showing up for rehearsal every day.”

The anticipation for opening night is palpable, with Liend eager to share the performance with an audience. “The staff watches the show and we’re just laughing our heads off the entire time,” he remarked, adding that having an audience in the auditorium will elevate the experience.

Neal also hopes that the show’s underlying message resonates with attendees. “The show is really about being yourself. You don’t have to change to please other people, and I think that’s a message that anybody can relate to,” she stated. After the performance run, Neal plans to pursue a vocal performance major, inspired by her experiences in the theatre department.

In line with previous productions, this year’s show is collaborating with a local nonprofit organization that will provide resources and support during each performance. Showtimes for “The Addams Family” are set for 7 p.m. on November 6, November 7, and November 8, at the Bemidji High School auditorium. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and $7 for students, available for purchase at the school’s box office. Please note that the show contains adult humor and depictions of tobacco use, and it is recommended that children under the age of 13 be accompanied by an adult.