April 19, 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

Live at SJO school board, January 23, 2023

January 23, 2023

January 23, 2023

I am here until 8 p.m cause Matt has to go back into work. They are discussing sports field placement...

SJO 2021-2022 1st Quarter Honor Roll

October 29, 2021

October 29, 2021

Freshmen Allinger, OliviaAltenbaumer, JaredBesson, WilliamBirt, EliBirt, MilesBowlin, ChazBrazelton, HoldenButts, LandenChatterton, SarahChristians, PresleeFrerichs, LylaGriebat, JoeGuido, MasonHesterberg, HaleyIdeus, TinleyJohnson, KendrickJohnson, SethKindle, AmilliyaKnap,...

Senior Spotlight: Libby Rowland

May 13, 2019

May 13, 2019

Leading up to graduation, we asked five seniors five questions. First up is senior Libby Rowland. What will you be...

Eye clinic aiming for March opening

January 9, 2020

January 9, 2020

2020 is the perfect year for an eye care service to open. And St. Joseph is the perfect location for...

Live at St. Joseph-Ogden High School Board

February 27, 2023

February 27, 2023

I am here so you don’t have to be. Tonight they are discussing facilities updates. They are discussing a new...

Kids say…

August 26, 2019

August 26, 2019

Every week we ask students at local schools three questions related to farming. This week we spoke to students at...

Weekend Family Fun Guide

May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

The Weekend Family Fun Guide is sponsored by Island Travel Group and Events. May 18 1-4 p.m. Museum of the...

Abbeyfield property for sale

February 8, 2019

February 8, 2019

The former Abbeyfield building in St. Joseph could have a new use soon. “We have several people looking at the...

Love of the game: Two St. Joseph residents umpire at state softball tournament

June 3, 2019

June 3, 2019

Slipping on wet grass actually helped Karl Black’s first experience working as an umpire at the high school softball state...

Wagner shines positive light on St. Joseph Grade School

May 7, 2019

May 7, 2019

Michelle Wagner is an optimist by nature. That optimism now permeates St. Joseph Grade School, where Wagner is completing her...

Safety concern prompts letter to parents

March 2, 2019

March 2, 2019

The system worked how it is supposed to. That is what St. Joseph-Ogden Superintendent Brian Brooks stressed in a letter...

5 Question Friday with Drama Director Chandler Dalton

October 28, 2022

October 28, 2022

The SJO drama department is producing “The Internet is Distract—Oh look a kitten!” Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at...

Emmert expresses himself via artwork

May 1, 2019

May 1, 2019

St. Joseph-Ogden senior Nathan Emmert loves creating art work. “I have always enjoyed making different kinds of art,” he said....

10 Things You Don’t Know About Me… Kent Brown

February 7, 2019

February 7, 2019

Every week we ask a community member to share 10 facts about themselves. This week it is St. Joseph resident...

Salon 192 to hold food drive

November 9, 2020

November 9, 2020

Amy Gibbons wants to help people. Gibbons, the owner of Salon 192 on Lincoln Street in St. Joseph, has organized...

Comments
Leave a Reply