Yes, the gang’s all here: Gomez, Morticia and the rest of the clan are currently entertaining guests nightly at The Forestburgh Playhouse, and I do mean entertaining! The musical, based on the classic Charles Addams illustrations and written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, never really caught fire on Broadway, but the Playhouse is living up to its reputation as “The Miracle in the Forest” by presenting The Addams Family with pizzazz. Scenic designer Jenna Snyder’s mansion, dressed in delightfully ghoulish detail is wonderfully spooky, Ashleigh Poteat’s costumes are darkly perfect, complimented by Claire Autran’s flawless sound design and lit in altogether spooky style by Susan Nicholson. The dance numbers, choreographed by Abbey Sierakowski, were fun, highlighted by Gomez and Morticia's much anticipated tango. But it’s the cast that truly shines when the lights come up.

Flawlessly directed by Michael Radar, the entire company is having a ball on stage, and the joy they exude while acting, singing and dancing their way into our hearts is infectious. Stunning Rebecca Simon (Morticia) is perfectly cast, as is mournful Molly Franco (Wednesday), bratty Benjamin Thurtle (Pugsley), and the towering, caterwauling Josh Houghton (Lurch). All of the performers are skilled singers and Lippa’s score gives each great moments during the show to display their unique talents. While I loathe to single anyone out in what amounts to a truly fabulous ensemble, I was even more impressed by Franco’s vocals; and since the plot (I refuse to give it away) revolves around her, the audience is given ample opportunity to enjoy her performance. I can tell you that the storyline does introduce new characters, and handsome Michael Cefalo (Lucas), hysterical Kera Halbersleben (Alice) and droll curmudgeon Christopher Swan (Mal) are equally entertaining.

No family reunion is complete without the other relatives snapping their fingers, and Mackenzie Wright (Grandma) is a riot, breathing new life into the character, close on the heels of Brian Hoffman (Uncle Fester), whose performance is hilariously superb.

But it’s matriarch Dan Fenaughty (Gomez) who manages to steal the show from the creepy clutches of this amazingly talented ensemble. Fenaughty’s equally fresh interpretation of Gomez is perfection personified, and every moment he has on stage is golden. The entire cast explodes with talent, including the extended family members who make up the chorus of dead relatives who assist Fester in helping the plot (nope, not gonna tell you) unfold. Lippa’s lyrics are terribly clever, and the script is screamingly funny, leaving the audience breathless on the night I saw the show.

So get a witches shawl on, a broomstick you can crawl on and make your reservations to pay a call on The Addams Family. Feel free to tell ‘em I sent you.

Call the box office at 845/794-1194 or visit www.fbplayhouse.org to see The Addams Family live on stage through July 17.