March 25, 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, March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

I am here at SJO tonight so you don’t have to be. I missed 30 minutes but it looks like...

Planning underway for St. Joseph Festival

July 17, 2024

July 17, 2024

Carnival Arm BandsCarnival Arm Bands are for sale at Village Hall during business hours until August 7.The Arm Bands will...

Welcome home: Parade set to honor Randall

October 2, 2021

October 2, 2021

Lyndsey Leemon is proud of her brother. So proud in fact, she wants to honor him with a parade to...

SJO 2022-2023 2nd Quarter Honor Roll

January 13, 2023

January 13, 2023

FRESHMANBell, AdalynCarlson, WilliamClark, WadeCrozier, CadeCruz, AdreonaDaly, NathanDwyer, CalebEricksen, KatherineFranklin, WilliamFrick, LandonHaley, WilliamHayes, CoyHood, BryannaHouchens, BrysonMcComas, VancePreston, GraceRay, GrahamRetz, LanceSanders, EthanSexton,...

‘Julie has been the backbone of this village for a long time’

December 28, 2021

December 28, 2021

Julie Hendrickson loves St. Joseph. And a piece of the small town’s footprint will soon step away from a long-time...

Sorority gives grants to teachers

November 14, 2023

November 14, 2023

Psi Iota Xi is a National Sorority with local chapters in various midwestern states.  This philanthropic group helps people.  The...

Kidd hopes to ‘Gather the Good’ on blog

January 22, 2019

January 22, 2019

Nancy Kidd knows there is good in all people. The St. Joseph resident said that as a former juvenile detention...

What are normal sleep patterns for a newborn and how can we encourage good sleeping?

October 19, 2021

October 19, 2021

By: Jeanelle Murphy, D.O Thanks to Christie Clinic for providing this content. Newborn babies sleep a total of about 8-9...

Donation could change the face of sports and activities at SJO

February 16, 2021

February 16, 2021

An anonymous donor has made St. Joseph-Ogden High School an offer they couldn’t refuse. And because of it, SJO athletic...

A familiar face to lead PVO

February 25, 2019

February 25, 2019

Jeffrey Isenhower will start a new job on July 1, 2020. He will take over the Prairieview-Ogden superintendent for Vic...

Mabry shares social media tips for businesses

April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

Laura Mabry knows what it takes to help businesses be successful using social media. Mabry shared those techniques with the...

Weekend Family Fun Guide May 10-12

May 10, 2019

May 10, 2019

The Weekend Family Fun Guide is sponsored by Island Travel Group and Events. May 10 SJO FFA Greenhouse Plant Sale3-7...

Grade school collecting items for food pantry

January 28, 2020

January 28, 2020

The students at St. Joseph Grade School are doing more than celebrating their 100th day of school—they are helping their...

Treatment for the common cold

December 23, 2021

December 23, 2021

By Jeanelle Murphy, DO The common cold is caused by a virus. There are over 200 common cold viruses but...

Harper finds positive outlet in music

December 10, 2019

December 10, 2019

St. Joseph-Ogden sophomore Lauren Harper loves to sing. That is why she loves the choir. “It’s basically the time where...

Comments
Leave a Reply