InTucker Magazine

The Addams Family Comes to Tucker

This is not your average middle school play.

Unlike most middle school shows, TMS’s cast is full of both experienced students and new performers bringing their talent to the stage. Their production standards are high. They work to ensure a high value entertainment experience, and they have even found the need to create VIP sections for their shows. Even though the cast members are middle school students, they conduct themselves professionally.

TMS productions are a big deal at the school and in the Tucker community. “It’s not a middle school production for us,” said TMS drama teacher and the show’s director, Artanza Denson. “It is the Super Bowl for us.”

The cast has worked on the show for months. The production team met in August to begin planning the show. This was followed by auditions in October, and since November, the cast has rehearsed dance routines with choreographer and assistant director Lauren Tally. Cast members can be seen walking the halls of TMS with scripts in hand, studying their lines with color-coded tabs. Many even practiced during the winter break.

Several cast members have appeared in musicals such as The Little Mermaid and The Lion King. Some have even performed in Main Street Theatre productions.

Director Denson is impressed by the level of talent she sees and feels fortunate that the Tucker community helps nurture these young performers. “Our students are now auditioning to leave here to go to the DeKalb School of the Arts,” Denson said. “We’re getting some really good talent, and now they are choosing to pursue it a little bit further… Livsey has a theatre program, so now we’re getting talent from one of the elementary schools.”

In addition to talent, Denson is grateful for the strong community support the program receives. There are always volunteers who help to construct sets during build days and prepare for performances. Local businesses support the department by hosting fundraising events.

Denson appreciates the parents of TMS students. They help with makeup and even provide meals for the students. In one instance, art director Brittany Ranew shared a sketch of her vision for set design with a parent, who listened and used his skills to create a 3D model rendering within hours. That same parent then connected the production team with the Cofer Brothers, and TMS now works with them for supplies.

“It would not be possible without the support,” said Denson. “This community has embraced what we are doing.”

Denson hopes that audiences will enjoy the show’s dark humor and leave with a message about the importance of truth, family and love.

CAST LIST