The Adams Family Musical

Last weekend, the bizarre and dark presence of the Adams family was brought to Johnson & Wales through the talent and passion of the JWU Players. Using Schnieder Auditorium located in Xavier on the Downcity campus, the JWU Players transformed the stage into a freighting world of comedy, family, and darkness.

The play ran from April 12 through April 14. It featured a 7 p.m. showing on the Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. showing on the Sunday. Please see below for a transcript of my interview with Rachel Lokshin, who played Gomez Adams. 

Interview With Rachel Lokshin, Who Played Gomez Adams

Will Jones:

How did it feel to play such an important role in the musical? 

Rachel Lokshin:

Very exciting. A lot it was a lot of hard work. A lot of time and effort goes into learning all of the lines and, songs, and dance parts. But, it's just all my, like, I've become friends with everyone in the cast. And so, it is a lot of pressure. But, every time I get to see them, you know, it makes it worth it. And we all have fun together. 

Will Jones:

What were some of the challenges of playing Gomez Adams? 

Rachel Lokshin:

Definitely, the fact that I'm not a man. Also the fact that his character is, he's a proud Latin man. He has, his character is also so well known by the public. So, everyone has already a specific image of Gomez Adams. And they have specific expectations for that character. So it's trying to live up to those expectations. 

Will Jones:

What was it like to play a role that is traditionally played by a male? Was there any pushback? And what do you hope to achieve for other actors through this?

Rachel Lokshin:

I personally had a lot of fun playing the man. It's like a different side of me, and it was a lot of fun, and I know there's especially in like current musical theater on Broadway, there's, cause this relates to like trans issues and non-binary people in theater, and it's heavily looked down upon. And it's also when you transition into these roles as like a different gender, your voice parts are typically different, which makes it a lot harder to actually perform the role. And having more, like different genders and playing different parts, I think, is a great step going forward. Just for inclusivity, and I think it opens up more, like more conversation just about inclusivity. And I really hope going forward that this will continue to happen and that it'll be a more accepting place for like non-binary or trans actors. And even go as far to change vocal parts to actually fit the actor because I know I struggled with some of the lower notes. And this is true for all for many trans or non-binary people who are trying to find roles. So hopefully, they're able to see this, and become more accepting, and actually change part of the roles for these actors. 

Will Jones:

What is your favorite song, slash character, or costume?

Rachel Lokshin:

Favorite song, vocally; it would either be pulled or crazier than you. I think they're just vocally, like, impressive songs, and they're just fun to listen to. 

Will Jones:

What about character? 

Rachel Lokshin:

I think actually my favorite character is Fester, Uncle Fester, because he's just, just like, what is he, like, so silly.

Will Jones:

Yeah. What was your favorite costume that you guys had? 

Rachel Lokshin:

I want to say the ensemble, like the ancestors. They had some of my favorite costumes. Because the ancestors, they're supposed to be in all white and there's, they really like picked a personality and they portrayed it through their costume and through their makeup, and I thought it was really cool. One of the ancestors, I think, was a rock star. Painted giant star. On her eye, and then like, the cool rocker, Fit in all white, and I was like, this is so cool.

Will Jones:

What is your favorite part about being in the JWU players? 

Rachel Lokshin:

I think it's just the friends you meet and getting the opportunity to just spend time with them.

Will Jones:

Last Question. I know that there were some of the JWU players who graduated in the audience What was it like seeing them and receiving their support?  

Rachel Lokshin:

Honestly, it's so nice because they come back and they watch the show and now they're not not a, like a part of it, but like, they still are, they're still invested, and they still care deeply, and they want you to succeed, so you know you have that automatic support.