‘Addams Family’ Helps Habima Explore Normal

Jerry’s Habima Theatre kicks off its 25th season with the musical “The Addams Family” on Thursday, March 1, at the Marcus Jewish Community Center.

Habima, which features adult actors with developmental disabilities, wanted to do something a little different this year.

“Our cast mentioned they had done a lot of Disney in the past five to six years, so we looked for a more contemporary show,” JCC Arts & Culture Assistant Director Kim Goodfriend said.

The musical is about Wednesday Addams’ desire to date someone different from her family, while she struggles with the concept of “normal.”

“The human race wants to put a label on everybody,” Goodfriend said. “Certainly, on any of our actors or anyone seen out, everyone wants a label, and this show is about that. But it’s also nice to think that we don’t have to have labels or can look beyond them.”

Actor Michael Silver, who has performed with the theater for more than 20 years, said what he likes most about Habima is the opportunity to work with other actors.

“I think that people will walk away saying, ‘That’s not what I expected,’” Goodfriend said. “If they didn’t know, perhaps they would have no idea that the actors had developmental disabilities.”

What: “The Addams Family”

Where: Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody

When: Eight shows from March 1 to 11

Tickets: $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under for JCC members, $35 and $15 for others; atlantajcc.org/habima or 678-812-4002