JCHS Class of 2016 Presents The Adams Family Inaugural Performance in James D. Swann Performing Arts Center

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

For the fourteenth year, the senior class of Jefferson County High School wowed audiences with their talent as they presented the Class of 2016 Senior Play. While every year is special and every performance has been stellar, this year was a little extra special. The Class of 2016 gave their inaugural performance of The Addams Family in the new James D. Swann Performing Arts Center. A long standing dream of many in Jefferson County, the new facility is a point of pride for students, faculty and the community.

This year’s performance was spectacular and, as always, it was an even larger display of talent than what one might expect, as the students of Jefferson County High School are not only the performers who dance, sing, and act with such grace and spirit, they are also the hands and hearts behind the scenes that create and design such beautiful sets.

Principal actors in this year’s musical were Joshua Booker as Gomez Addams, Scarlett Edmonds as Morticia Addams, Logan Townsend as Uncle Fester, Morgan Wallen as Wednesday Addams, Josh Hazelwood as Pugsley Addams, and Christian Hawkins as Grandma. Rounding out the cast were Erin Corum as Alice Beineke, Spenser Edmonds as Mal Beineke, Cole Snowden as Lucas Beineke, and Gorel Soumare as everyone’s favorite butler Lurch. Tassel was played by Allie Alder, and Natalie Arnold brought life to Cousin Itt.

A host of dancers, stage crew and assistants, ushers, and “Ancestors” did their part to make the musical scarily entertaining. Of course, a production like The Addams Family takes many hours of work to execute and the dedication of not only the students but faculty as well. Kudos to Director Melanie Hodge and Co-Producers David and Linda Noonkesser for putting out another great offering. They were assisted by Music Director Andrew Alder, Choreographer Liza Rutherford, and Assistant Farrah Hodge, Properties and Make -up Designers Jim Hodge and Heidi Williams, Set Design and Construction Oversight David Noonkesser and David Seal, Light and Sound Technicians Ian Braun and Elijah Harris, and Production Team Jennifer Moore, Brandy Arnold, Alan Reece, and Teresa Vest. A special nod to David Seal’s HVAC & Construction Fundamentals Class and Alan Reece’s Digital Design II & III Classes for their contributions.

The James D. Swann Performing Arts Center has added a new dimension to what can be done for and by students at Jefferson County High School. It is the new creative hub for young talent and a meeting place for the community. As beautiful as it is now, there is still work to be done to fully capitalize on the new space. To that end, a foundation has been set up to raise funds to complete the internal workings of the facility and make it a fully functioning theatre for Jefferson County. Those who wish to support this endeavor with a donation can contact Jennifer Moore, JCHS Bookkeeper.

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew