May 23, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Harper brings Wednesday Addams to life

The characters in the Addams Family are well known.

But that didn’t stop the actors at St. Joseph-Ogden from putting their own spin on them.

“My favorite part of the show is the characters,” said Lauren Harper. “Most of the audience will already be familiar with the characters, so that’s challenging to live up to.”

Harper plays the eccentric daughter of the family, Wednesday Addams.

“I think we, as a cast, have put our own spin on the characters,” she said. “It’s what makes them stand out. They’re funny, relatable, and just enjoyable to portray.”

Harper and a cast of dozens more will bring the mysterious and spooky family to life Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

Tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for students and $7 for seniors and kids under 12 at the door.

Harper said she would describe Wednesday as very outspoken and independent.

“She knows what she wants, but she also wants her family’s approval,” she said. “They’re important to her.”

Harper said she was familiar with the Addams Family before she was cast as Wednesday but she feels the musical is completely different from the movies that many people are familiar with.

“I feel like it gave me a whole new perspective of the films,” she said. “This show is nothing like anything you know about the Addams Family. It’s hilarious, witty, and even emotional at times. It’s the best of theatre, and it’s a must-see.”

Harper said the most challenging part of the show has been the physical demand because the show is large with lots of musical scenes and technical pieces.

“It has really taken everything out of me,” she said. “If I’m being completely honest, I’m absolutely exhausted. However, it’s so rewarding to see all those pieces come together.”

Banner
Related Posts

PVO Junior High Second quarter honor roll

January 13, 2023

January 13, 2023

7th Grade Highest Honors (3.7-4.0)Tyler BonnyIsabella FrerichsCasen GoffGaby GomezGeorge HaleRoyce LoschenLane McKinneyAtleigh MillerAirin RashKeegan RobertsKorinne TravisEvelyn ValentineLucas WatersAdyn Westerfield 7th...

Spring Community Garage Sale dates set

January 5, 2021

January 5, 2021

The Spring St. Joseph Community Garage Sales will be held April 8, 9 and 10th. Participants select their own times...

Ask the Doctor with Dr. Jeanelle Murphy

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

Every month we will pose a question to Dr. Jeanelle Murphy of Christie Clinic in St. Joseph. This month we...

Talk of the Town with Superintendent Todd Pence

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

Every week we ask a village mayor, trustee, school administrator or board of education member three questions. This week is...

Dairy Barn still for sale

July 6, 2022

July 6, 2022

The Sidney Dairy Barn is still for sale. Listed for sale in mid-June, the iconic ice cream stand has yet...

10 things you don’t know about me… John Mills

July 10, 2019

July 10, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to give us 10 interesting facts about themselves. This week it is John...

Benefit to be held for Fisher family

March 18, 2019

March 18, 2019

Next Saturday the St. Joseph IGA and Wagner Signs and Graphics are coming together for a good cause. From 7...

5 things you don’t know about me… McKenzie Keller

August 7, 2019

August 7, 2019

McKenzie is in the running for the title of Little Princess! She is six years old. We asked her to...

Success of students, FFA is what Duitsman will remember about her time at SJO

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

This August will be a little different for Katie Duitsman. The former St. Joseph-Ogden High School agriculture teacher will not...

4 questions with C and C’S Pretties

August 11, 2023

August 11, 2023

What do you sell?What I sell is Hairbows, dish scrubbies, badge reels scrunched, and beaded pens and soon will offer...

SJO expected to vote to issue bonds for facility upgrades

June 9, 2021

June 9, 2021

Tonight at 6 p.m., the St. Joseph-Ogden Board of Education will meet to discuss issuing Taxable General Obligation School Bonds...

Spartan Spotlight… Lindsey Aden

April 8, 2020

April 8, 2020

St. Joseph-Ogden senior Lindsey Aden has big plans for her future. Aden, who lives outside of Royal, will be attending...

Allen reflects on Addams Family performance

April 6, 2022

April 6, 2022

Logan Allen loved performing with his friends. Allen played Lucas in the Addams Family which the St. Joseph-Ogden Drama Department...

SJO still waiting on property tax money

July 16, 2019

July 16, 2019

St. Joseph-Ogden High School has only received roughly $22,000 of the money it is due from Champaign County property taxes....

Around Town: Feb. 18-23

February 18, 2019

February 18, 2019

If you want your event included please email us at stjosephrecord@gmail.com Feb. 18 Story Time for Children 6:30 p.m. St...

Comments
Leave a Reply