June 10, 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

Spartan Spotlight… Kendall Ayers

April 8, 2020

April 8, 2020

Kendall Ayers has plans to travel after graduating from high school. The St. Joseph-Ogden senior plans to take a vacation...

SJO HONOR ROLL SECOND QUARTER

January 11, 2021

January 11, 2021

FreshmenAlewelt, EdwardAllen, ChloeAllinger, KadenBrown, KylerChahine, MayaDenhart, GarrettDressen, CameronGoldenstein, GraceGrant, BriannaGula, AmayaHayes, JayciLannert, LaurenLeVeck, JakeMcBride, SethMcMahon, ShannonSweet, ZoeyWaller, BraxtonWilson, SpencerWright, Mitchell...

Upcoming SJO graduate Lewis ‘excited’ to take next step at University of Kentucky

May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

Hannah Lewis always wanted to go to college out of state. She traveled to Alabama and Florida trying to find...

St. Joseph Middle School announces honor rolls

January 30, 2019

January 30, 2019

7th gradeHIGH HONORS Logan Allen Owen Baltzell Payton Carter Maya Chahine Rachel Divan Sadie Ericksen Joseph Frasca Addison Frick Logan...

Senior Spotlight… Anna Wentzloff

January 27, 2020

January 27, 2020

What are your plans after graduation?My plan after graduation is to attend college to become a Child Life Specialist concentrating...

Around town for March 25-30

March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019

If you want your event included please email us at stjosephrecord@gmail.com March 25 Summer Camp Registration All Day Registration for...

Remembering Ross Booker: ‘We are missing something special now that he’s gone’

March 8, 2022

March 8, 2022

Before responding to an accident that would ultimately claim his life, Ross Booker made a point to roll down the...

Kids say…

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

This week the students are second graders at Prairieview-Ogden South. This post is sponsored by Longview Bank. Would you like...

St. Joseph PTC sponsoring school supply drive

July 9, 2019

July 9, 2019

Katie May doesn’t want any child in St. Joseph to start the school year without the supplies they need. The...

SJO makes graduation plans for June

May 1, 2020

May 1, 2020

St. Joseph-Ogden High School is making plans for graduation to honor the Class of 2020. In a letter sent to...

SJO Second Quarter High Honor Roll

January 13, 2022

January 13, 2022

FreshmenBarton, RylieBeckett, EJBenoit, AudreyBesson, WilliamBonny, SarahBrazelton, HoldenBrown, LandonChristians, PresleeClampitt, MadisonDavenport, AerolynDewese, LaurenDietiker, EllaDitchfield, LukeEnnis, JacksonFranzen, SavannaFunk, AddisonGaines, KaidenGerdes, TaytonGetty, OliviaGuido,...

PVO Junior High 8th grade honor roll

April 27, 2023

April 27, 2023

8th Grade Highest Honors (3.7-4.0)Alec BowlinAnna HammondGarrett LoschenMason RammDennis RinebergJack WearEmerson WilliamsDalton York 8th Grade High Honors (3.4-3.69)Cylas HintonAvrianna LyttleKaden...

PVO sets return date for full in-person instruction

February 16, 2021

February 16, 2021

Starting on March 22, all the students in the Prairieview-Ogden School District will return to in-person learning daily. Superintendent Jeff...

‘He was one of a kind that can never be replaced’

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

Gerald McClendon always wanted to help people. His Facebook page even said, “I enjoy helping as many people as I...

Senior Spotlight with Payton Cain

December 12, 2019

December 12, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we spoke with Payton Cain. What do you...

Comments
Leave a Reply