Addams Family to assist in relief efforts

MANILA, Philippines - The Addams Family musical writing team of Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice and Andrew Lippa and licensing agent Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW) have donated royalties from the Philippine run of the show to the Red Cross to assist in its relief efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda).

The disaster hit Nov. 8, killing thousands and leaving at least a half a million people displaced after having their homes destroyed. Many are in desperate need of food, water, clothing and shelter.

The Addams Family cast gave a special curtain call speech at the end of yesterday’s opening night, asking audiences to join the relief campaign. The cast members were in the audience with Red Cross bags, taking donations for immediate use of the victims of the storm.

Shortly after the devastating storm ripped through the nation, TRW president and CEO Steve Spiegel contacted the writing team about the donation and they agreed without hesitation. “Marshall, Rick and Andrew are generous, thoughtful and caring artists and I knew they would be enthusiastic about helping to stem the human suffering throughout this difficult time for the people of the Philippines,” Spiegel said upon receiving confirmation of the donation.

TRW director of professional and international licensing Sean Cercone contacted the producers of the show and after learning that they would forge ahead with the production was eager to help. “Once in a while, in this business, we have an opportunity to reach out and help, and this is a time when we can see that borders and oceans may separate us, but this is one world. We’re doing what we can.”

The Manila production includes Eula Valdes as Morticia and Arnell Ignacio as Gomez. Arnell responded to the efforts saying, “We are truly touched by the generosity of the writers of The Addams Family and Theatrical Rights Worldwide. It is heartwarming to see the world extend us a helping hand as we go through this gargantuan test to our nation. Many, many thanks!”

 The Addams Family runs until Dec. 1 at the Meralco Theater and is mounted by Atlantis Productions.