On December 17, 2024, The Children’s School’s Jr. Players cast a theatrical spell over a packed house with their performance of “The Addams Family Younger@Part.” Directed by PJ Mitchell, Onyé Crews, and Heavyn-Leigh Armstrong, the musical brought the spooky-fun charm of the Addams family to life in the TCS gym, blending heart, humor and a few hauntingly good dance numbers.
The cast, made up of students in grades 3–5, chose the show themselves, drawn to its wide-ranging popularity across generations—from the Netflix series “Wednesday” to the original TV show and animated movies. But beyond the spooky fun, the directors were drawn to the show’s deeper messages.
“The show suggests that all families have their quirks and that love and acceptance are paramount,” said director PJ Mitchell. “It challenges what we define as ‘normal,’ and we love that our students are engaging with those ideas.”
Preparation for the performance spanned weeks of after-school rehearsals and at-home practice. Students learned their lines, songs and choreography while supporting one another every step of the way. “Repetition became our best friend,” said Mitchell. “And over time, the show just started to fly.”
The students’ hard work was rewarded with a sold-out show that even required standing-room-only spots.
“That kind of energy is everything,” said PJ. “You could see the switch flip on stage after that first round of applause—their confidence soared, and they started having even more fun.”
It wasn’t just on stage where the magic happened. Behind the scenes, the TCS community made the production shine. Families helped with rehearsals and costumes, and Art Specialist Kelley Taylor partnered with Onyé to create stunning hand-painted backdrops that brought the eerie Addams mansion to life.
Teachers noted that students were seen rehearsing scenes and helping each other with choreography during recess and lunch. “It’s in those moments—when students show up for each other—that we see leadership and growth,” PJ shared.
From the catchy musical numbers to the proud grins at curtain call, “The Addams Family Younger@Part” was more than just a performance—it was a joyful celebration of student voice, creativity and community.
