My husband was actually the one who wanted to go see this, and a date night was reason enough for me. He hoped it would be based on the original comics, as the poster seems to imply. But it’s definitely a new version, with Wednesday as a young adult. It’s a storyline almost anyone can identify with: a teenager in love, a mother struggling to hold onto her own sexuality, and a father torn between trying to keep both of them happy.

But aside from Gomez (Douglas Sills) and Pugsley (Patrick D. Kennedy), many of the characters seem forced into the musical numbers, and rather uncomfortable about it. Even during the most lively dance numbers, Morticia (Sara Gettelfinger) and Wednesday (Cortney Wolfson) are striving to be entirely expressionless. From the back rows, it must’ve looked like Morticia wasn’t moving at all – even when she’s clearly going for dramatic in the final tango. Honestly I wondered if it’s partly because she’s afraid of spilling out of her dress. She’s great to look at, to the point that it’s almost distracting, but it leaves Gomez to carry the show. He’s great – charismatic and handsome with a powerful voice.

My surprise favorite is Alice Beineke (Gaelen Gilliland), and her outrageous transformation after drinking the “darkness” potion.

There are a lot of sexual innuendos and jokes – but I still think it’s acceptable for kids over age 6 or so. There were plenty of times I laughed out loud at zingers even other adults missed.

In spite of a redeeming performance by Sills, I was surprised it got a standing ovation. Unless you are a fan who is determined to see every Broadway play that comes to Denver, I’d say skip this one.

Runs through July 1, 2012 at the Buell Theater.

Tickets start at $25.

Family Guide: Appropriate for ages 7 and up.

Run time: 2 hr 30 min, includes 1 intermission.

Tickets: www.denvercenter.org/buy-tickets/shows/theaddamsfamily/home.aspx

More information: www.theaddamsfamilymusicaltour.com/index.php