Dancing with the Dead: Nathan Wright Brings THE ADDAMS FAMILY To Life
They’re creepy and they’re kooky — and they’re dancing like never before. Teatro’s production of The Addams Family brings a deliciously dark sense of fun to the stage, transforming the iconic household into a riot of gothic glamour and eccentric choreography. With deadpan humour and unexpected warmth, this production celebrates everything that makes the Addamses delightfully abnormal.
Behind the show’s distinctive movement is Nathan M. Wright, choreographer and co-founder of Teatro. Known for his ability to fuse storytelling with physicality, Nathan brings a playful precision to his work — crafting dances that are as character-driven as they are spectacular. As a creative leader within Teatro, his vision has helped shape the company’s signature mix of boldness, youth, and theatrical sophistication.
The Addamses are iconic — how did you give each character their own movement language?
Nathan: I start with who they are, I don’t start with steps. Gomez leads with heart and hips, playful, impulsive. Morticia is all glide, less is more. Wednesday is clean and direct. Pugsley is messy curiosity. Fester floats, or should I say rolls in this production. He is slightly weightless. The Ancestors each sit on a different dial so the picture reads instantly. I loved creating the choreography for the Ancestors.
How do you make sure the choreography serves the story, not just decorates it?
Nathan: I treat each number like a scene. What changes? Who wants what? If a step doesn’t move the story forward, it goes. When the movement is doing its job, you don’t notice the choreography first, you feel the moment.
Any styles or eras that inspired this show?
Nathan: Vaudeville and Golden age musical with a good dose of Latin (the tango is in Gomez and Morticia’s bones), I had the pleasure of collaborating with Jarryd Byrne on the Tango. I tried to use some 60s TV camp, and a touch of silent film for Fester and Grandma.
As co founder of Teatro, how does this production reflect your values?
Nathan: We care about brave choices, and giving artists real chances. This show holds a high bar while making space for emerging performers to stand next to seasoned leads. It’s generous, detailed and built for the audience to feel included.
What is it like choreographing such heightened, stylised characters?
Nathan: Fun and freeing. Once we set clear physical rules for each character, the cast can play without losing truth. That’s where the comedy and heart live. In the end, they move like one odd, loving family.
The Addams Family is now playing at Teatro at the Italian Forum.
Click here for tickets and more information.
