April 8, 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

10 things you don’t know about me… The Gary Olson Family

September 23, 2022

September 23, 2022

The GARY OLSON FAMILY is being inducted into the SJO Hall of Fame tonight. Gary and Nancy Olson and their...

SJO Civics class helps those in need

January 15, 2020

January 15, 2020

St. Joseph-Ogden Senior Lindsey Aden wanted to help the community so when teacher Marshall Schacht and School Resource Officer Shawn...

Booker inspires community to serve

March 10, 2022

March 10, 2022

Ross Booker was always helping people. The community he called home is stepping up in order to honor the fallen...

Maxey named to SJO Board of Education

June 23, 2020

June 23, 2020

The St. Joseph-Ogden School Board has a new member. The Board of Educated voted to fill a vacant position with...

Kids Say

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Every week we ask five students from a local school to answer a question on a worksheet. This week the...

St. Joseph Middle School 7th grade honor roll

April 7, 2022

April 7, 2022

7th Grade Honor Roll Bello, Abigail Benoit, Zachary Canamore, Willis Colvin, Jaxson Ditchfield, Nickolas Downs, Justin Ennis, Jameson Gaines, Leah...

Senior Spotlight: Taylor Barnes

June 7, 2019

June 7, 2019

Every week we are going to do a Q and A with an SJO senior. This week we talked to...

‘As long as you put the effort into it, it can be achieved’

July 19, 2024

July 19, 2024

Logan Allen has loved Barry Manilow’s music his entire life. Allen’s mother was a huge Manilow fan. “When she had...

Kids Say…

June 24, 2019

June 24, 2019

Every week we ask five students to tell us what they think a farmer does. This week it is second...

Ingram to fly high as a Redbird

June 14, 2019

June 14, 2019

Kalli Ingram had a simple audition for the Illinois State University Dance Team. Ingram was in Washington D.C for the...

Setterdahl finds perfect fit at Clemson

May 18, 2019

May 18, 2019

Ben Setterdahl thinks he may be annoying people. The St. Joseph-Ogden senior, who is co-valedictorian, can’t stop talking about Clemson...

Live at Heritage High School Board March 15, 2021

March 15, 2021

March 15, 2021

I am here at Heritage School Board. My dog ate my computer charger so I’m on chromebook instead of my...

Weekend Family Fun Guide- June 8

June 7, 2019

June 7, 2019

June 8 Touch a truck 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Barber Park, Mahomet Kids can climb on and explore police cars, fire...

PVO announces Junior High Honor Roll

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Highest Honors– In highest GPA order 7th grade- Miranda Loosa, Caleb Ochs, Talan Miller, Colin Wayland, Brody Hausman, Hayden Williams,...

Senior spotlight…. Payton Clements

January 17, 2020

January 17, 2020

What are your post high school plans? After high school, I plan on attending Bradley university and majoring in environmental...

Comments
Leave a Reply