2,000 Souls, 65 Students, 1 Word: Amor!
Claremore Fine Arts Wows with their production of The Addams Family
Claremore Public Schools' Fine Arts Department brought the house down, and then some, with their lively and unforgettable production of The Addams Family musical at the Robinson Performing Arts Center (RPAC).
Directed by Mr. Ruiel Doonkeen and co-directed by Mr. Josh Gibson, with musical direction and stage management from Mrs. Riley Ketterling, the show was a true showcase of the talent, grit, and creativity that define Claremore Public Schools. Over four performances, the production drew an estimated 2,000 "souls" to watch the show.
The production was a massive team effort involving more than 65 students:
30 cast members who brought the story to life on stage
4 student crew members managing technical operations
4 Junior ROTC drone operators filming overhead scenes
1 student artist creating scenic elements
28 theater production students handling sets, lighting, sound, and backstage management
Leading the cast were: Campbell Crum as Gomez, Mila Ilyushenko as Morticia, Anastasiia Denysenko as Wednesday, Bryce Rhoades as Fester, Franklin Hawkins as Pugsley, Tennessee Suiter as Lucas, Lauren Floyd as Alice, Caden Fox as Mal, Millie Henry as Grandma, and Gabe Dennis as Lurch.
Supported by a whole ensemble of Addams ancestors, these students captivated audiences with humor, heart, and unforgettable performances.
But the success of The Addams Family was about more than just entertaining a crowd — it was a hands-on lesson in perseverance, time management, creativity, leadership, and collaboration. From January through the final curtain call, students dedicated an estimated 190 to 220 hours (outside of school) to the production, depending on their level of involvement. Those hours included evenings, weekends, and holidays — sacrificing personal time to perfect every scene, design, and technical detail.
Through this experience, students built essential skills that extend far beyond the stage. They learned how to communicate effectively, work as part of a team under pressure, adapt when challenges arise, and see a complex project through from start to finish - all skills that directly support their growth as students and leaders both now and in the future.
The technical theater program, led by Mr. Gibson, created immersive sets and effects that transported audiences into the world of the Addams family.
Reflecting on the experience, Director Ruiel Doonkeen shared that the cast and crew embraced a single word from the show as their theme throughout the production process: "Amor!"
"We wrapped up our long evening rehearsals with 'Amor!' That sums up the whole experience for all of us," he said. The word, meaning love, became a symbol of the passion, commitment, and family-like bond that grew through months of hard work and dedication.
The Addams Family production perfectly embodied Claremore Public Schools' mission to increase learning for all by offering authentic, real-world opportunities where students can lead, create, and thrive. Productions like this teach students not only how to perform but how to persevere, solve problems, and work toward a shared vision; essential skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Special thanks go to RCB Bank for their generous financial contributions and to the Claremore Choir Boosters and the parents of the cast and crew for their invaluable support with set construction, programming, and costuming.
Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, directors, production team, and supporters. Your hard work, heart, and talent made The Addams Family an unforgettable success — and a perfect reminder that every day is a great day to be a Zebra! 🦓🎭
🎭 Cast
Gomez Addams — Campbell Crum
Morticia Addams — Mila Ilyushenko
Wednesday Addams — Anastasiia Denysenko
Fester Addams — Bryce Rhoades
Pugsley Addams — Franklin Hawkins
Grandma Addams — Millie Henry
Lurch — Gabe Dennis
Lucas Beineke — Tennessee Suiter
Mal Beineke — Caden Fox
Alice Beineke — Lauren Floyd
Thing — Emily Maloy
Cousin It — Gracelyn Moore
👻Addams Ancestors (Ensemble):
Sydnie Abshire
Kenslee Barnwell
Kimara BAiley
Marlissa Basks
Nix Berglund
Crow Bratt
Rin Carroll
Amelia Edwards
Claire Joseph
Sarah Nunley
Elina Palii
Blane Salisbury
Hadley Smith
Kayley Smith
Riley Thornton
Isabella Thrun
Jaden VonAshen
Mazzi Leonard
🎬 Production and Crew
Director — Ruiel Doonkeen
Co-Director/Technical Director — Josh Gibson
Music Director — Riley Ketterling
Stage Managers — Allee Crooks & Mady Sharp
Light Technician — Raylin DuBois
Spotlight Operator — Chip Dunn
Set Construction — Theatre Production Classes, Parent Volunteers, Choir Boosters
Drone Footage — Junior ROTC Drone Team
Theater Production Classes - Mason Alspach, Jordan Briscoe, Jesus CCano-Zavala, Lorena Castro, Atlas Caywood, Alee Crooks, Gabe Dennis, Scot Gabel, Fernanda Hernandez Carlos, Addison Holmes, Zoey Houston, Ty Jones, Gage Lee, Austin Lilly, Judah May, Chase McElhany, Dean McGuirk, Brogan Pitman, Ethan Raleigh, Austin Shanks, Mady Sharp, GAvin Sorrells, Carter Southerland, Alanah Spahr, Carter Spinks, Caden Story, Makalyn Vangilder, and Jason Wright.