This week, Americana Theatre Company presents The Addams Family, bringing the beloved Broadway musical to the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 ½ Court St., with a cast of 15 professional actors from both the South Shore and across the country. The production continues the company’s tradition of pairing crowd-pleasing entertainment with stories that offer something a little deeper beneath the laughs.
For artistic director Derek Martin, choosing this summer’s production was an easy decision.
“We wanted to have a family-friendly show that was both funny and had heart,” Martin said. “In the summertime in Plymouth, people seem to love musicals, comedies and murder mysteries—or some combination of all three.”
The Addams Family offers exactly that. While audiences can expect familiar characters, outrageous comedy and memorable songs, Martin believes the show’s enduring appeal lies elsewhere.
“It is a celebration of the family unit,” he said. “And it is a celebration of being unique—that having unique qualities is a massive strength and adds color to our mundane lives.”
Those themes may resonate even more strongly today. In a year marked by uncertainty and constant headlines, Martin says he sees the production as a welcome reminder that laughter—and acceptance—still matter.
“I think the show is a blast, and a little fun escapist comedy is always a good answer to difficult times.”
The cast combines eight local professional actors with seven performers from outside the region, including artists from New York City, California and Virginia. Martin himself steps into the role of Gomez Addams, while longtime Americana favorite Payton Gobeille plays Morticia. Finley Ryan Gould takes on Wednesday Addams, a role she told Martin has long been one of her dream parts.
Guiding the production is director Marianne Savell, whose experience helps balance the show’s broad comedy with genuine emotion.
“Many scenes have the cast and crew dying laughing,” Martin said. “Other scenes have drawn tears.”
Producing a Broadway musical inside the intimate Spire Center comes with challenges. Limited backstage space means elaborate scenery gives way to inventive staging and creative storytelling—an approach that Martin believes has become part of Americana’s signature style.
Since its founding in 2011, the company has grown from a four-person production staged with work lights and minimal scenery into a year-round professional theater company presenting multiple productions annually while employing dozens of actors, designers and technicians. It has also expanded its educational mission through Studio Americana.
Martin believes that growth reflects Plymouth’s own cultural evolution. “The downtown is a thriving community,” he said. “Professional theater and the arts don’t just entertain—they strengthen the community.”
As for audiences attending The Addams Family, his hopes are simple.
“I hope they laugh. I hope they hug their loved ones. And I hope they leave lifted—and bless others with the joy they’ve experienced.” Shows this week are Thursday the 16th through Saturday the 19th. For tickets or more information go here.
Monday July 13
The Plymouth Antiquarian Society will host its week-long Summer History Program for children ages 8-12 today through July 17, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Harlow Old Fort House, 119 Sandwich St. Through hands-on activities, participants will explore the clothing, food, crafts, and customs of the Wampanoag people, 17th-century English colonists, and later Plymouth residents. The program includes traditional crafts, period games, tours of the Society’s three historic houses, and a student research presentation. Cost is $150 for non-members and $125 for members. Space is limited to 12 children, and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, visit Plymouth Antiquarian Society.
The Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., welcomes The All Worn Out Jug Band for a free concert on Monday, July 13, at 5 p.m. Blending traditional jug band favorites with American roots music, the ensemble features washboard, kazoos, slide whistles, jug, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, fiddle, banjo and more in a family-friendly performance that often has audiences dancing by the finale. Admission is free. For more information, visit the library’s events calendar at https://www.plymouthpubliclibrary.org.
Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., presents “Rose of Nevada,” a mysterious drama in which a fishing boat returns to its village 30 years after disappearing, and two men who join its crew find themselves transported back in time and mistaken for the original sailors. The English-language film is unrated and runs 1 hour, 54 minutes. Screenings are daily at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Through July16 at Plimoth Cinema. For tickets and information, visit plimoth.org.
Peter Asher: Everywhere Man will run at Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave, through July 17 at the Linn Theater. From Swinging London and Beatle-era pop to the rise of the California singer-songwriter movement, Peter Asher’s life and career intersect with some of the most iconic artists and cultural moments of the last six decades. A pop star, producer, manager, and creative force, Asher helped shape the sound and story of modern music while working alongside Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Barbra Streisand, and many more. The film is a compelling music documentary about influence, artistry, friendship, and one extraordinary life in rock and roll history. Show times are 4:30 and 7 p.m. For tickets go to www.plimoth.org.
Tuesday July 14
Take in the beauty of Boston Harbor from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for a Sunset Sail aboard the historic Mayflower II. As daylight fades and the city skyline begins to glow, guests will experience the harbor from a unique perspective while sailing aboard the faithful reproduction of the ship that carried the Pilgrims to Plymouth. Tickets and information: plimoth.org.
Priscilla Beach Theatre’s second play of the season is based on the classic farces of ancient Rome. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a hilarious, fast-paced musical romp that promises “a comedy tonight!”. The story follows Pseudolus, a wily slave who schemes to win his freedom by playing matchmaker for his young master, Hero. Performances nightly from July 14 through 18. 800 Rocky Hill Road. For tickets go here.
Wednesday July 15
Young nature detectives can investigate a wildlife mystery during “Mammal Mystery,” a free hands-on program presented by Mass Audubon at the Manomet Branch of the Plymouth Public Library, 12 Strand Ave., from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children will learn to identify mammal tracks and other animal clues through games, art, puzzles, and interactive activities in an air-conditioned setting. The program is part of the America the Beautiful Initiative. Registration and information are available here.
Project Arts will present Nineteen89, a high-energy Taylor Swift tribute band, on from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the bandstand in Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 79 Water St. The free waterfront concert is part of Project Arts’ 30th annual summer series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live music overlooking Plymouth Harbor. Food trucks and raffles will also be on site. For more information, visit projectarts.com
Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., will present the next installment of its Rev250 Movie Series on Wednesday, July 15, at 6 p.m., featuring Revolution (1985). Starring Al Pacino, Donald Sutherland and Nastassja Kinski, the PG-13 historical drama follows a trapper and his young son who become reluctant participants in the American Revolution. The film runs 2 hours, 6 minutes. Admission is free and registration is not required. For more information, visit plymouthpubliclibrary.org.
The Mayflower Society House, 4 Winslow St., will host the MA250 lecture “Pilgrim Stories: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things” at 7 p.m. The free program explores how the Pilgrims’ tradition of self-government and independent thinking helped shape the political and economic freedoms that later inspired the Revolutionary generation. The lecture highlights the contributions of ordinary colonists whose ideas and actions helped lay the foundation for American democracy. Admission is free, but reservations are encouraged. Register at the Mayflower Society’s Lecture Series: themayflowersociety.org/history/lecture-series.
Americana Theatre Company brings Broadway’s delightfully macabre musical “The Addams Family”to the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25½ Court St. Based on the iconic characters created by Charles Addams, the show follows Wednesday Addams as she falls for a charming young man from a very ordinary family, setting the stage for an unforgettable dinner where secrets, surprises, and plenty of spooky humor unfold. Performances are Thurs – Sat, July 16 through 19 this week. Show starts at 7 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For information, visit americanatheatre.org.
Friday, July 17
Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., presents “The Odyssey,” director Christopher Nolan’s sweeping adaptation of Homer’s epic, starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron. The English-language film is rated R and runs 2 hours, 52 minutes. The film opens July 17 at Plimoth Cinema. For tickets and information, visit plimoth.org.
Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., presents “The Invite,” a psychological thriller in which a dinner party between a troubled couple and their mysterious neighbors takes an increasingly dangerous turn. The English-language film’s running time and rating had not been announced at press time. The film opens July 17 at Plimoth Cinema. For tickets and information, visit plimoth.org.
Fridays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 5 to 9 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music 6 to 9 p.m. Information: The Pinehills Events Calendar.
Saturday, July 18
Saturdays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North continues weekly, from 2 to 8 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music with Crit Harmon, 3 to 6 p.m. For information go here.
Sunday, July 19
Sundays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North will continue from 12 to 6 p.m. Sundays into October. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music by Liam Hempstead, 12 to 3 p.m. For information go here.
ThreeV Sand Bar, 198 Loring Blvd., will host Shop N’ Sip from noon to 5 p.m., featuring a curated outdoor market of local artisans, makers and specialty vendors overlooking the waterfront. Visitors can browse handmade goods and unique gifts while enjoying food, drinks and ocean views. Live music follows from 1 to 8 p.m. For information go here.