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By Kay Tippett/ Community Columnist

Chilton County High School Theatre Arts Guild is proud to present “The Addams Family, A New Musical Comedy.”  Show times are Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Oct. 31 at 2 p.m.; and Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $7 at the door. In true Addams Family style, the show is looney and slightly irreverent. Wednesday falls in love, and the entire family, living and dead, gets involved in her romance.

This production introduced new experiences for many students, like wearing prosthetics, wigs, and high heeled shoes. Many also participated in the construction of set pieces for the first time, which involves measuring, cutting and using small power tools. Time management becomes incredibly important to these students as they juggle class responsibilities, jobs, band, piano lessons, home chores, church, social lives and many long play practices. The cast and crew grow into a sort of family, with all that entails.

This production is unique for CCHS. This is the first show to be put onstage since the fall of 2019. This musical is also the first joint venture for the Theatre Arts Guild. After reflection on the fact that there is only one theatre program in the county for our public school children, the decision was made to invite students from other schools to audition. This show includes students from Chilton County High, Jemison High and Thorsby High schools. Hopefully, this marks the beginning of a new trend that will allow for more participation in the future. Community support is needed for the arts in our county.

According to Neil Swapp, writer for George Lucas Educational Foundation’s Edutopia, “Through the arts, students develop skills like resilience, grit, and a growth mindset to help them master their craft, do well academically, and succeed in life after high school.”

Every student benefits from an arts education, and these students have worked hard on the production. Come on out for a zany good time this Halloween season.