Nate Abbott ‘16 played Gomez Addams in the SAAS production of The Addams Family.
Q: How did you get involved in the theater?
A: I first got involved in theater because I needed a credit. Then Michael Cimino asked me to do some more theater classes and from there he asked me to audition for the The Addams Family.
Q: What inspired you to get involved in The Addams Family?
A: Well The Addams Family is an American classic so when Michael asked me to audition I was very excited because Gomez is such an iconic character and I wanted to have the opportunity to play him.
Q: What was your favorite part of the process of preparing and performing The Addams Family?”
A: I loved meeting new people, I loved the music, and honestly the dancing was fun especially because I hadn’t done any dancing of this sort before. But I’d have to say my favorite process was becoming a family with all of the cast and seeing their process and their love for our production.
Q: What was your relationship like with Michael Cimino, the director of The Addams Family?
A: Michael Cimino pushed me and pushed me to do a play and I finally did. He told me that it might be overwhelming but throughout the process he helped make it manageable. He taught me how to balance the humor of my character and the sincerity Gomez portrays. He was supportive; he always made it very clear that I could come to him with anything. My relationship with him was very open and honest. He was more than just a director for all of us; he really cared and made that clear.
Q: The Addams Family was your first theatrical performance at SAAS. What was it like to take the stage for the first time with such a big role?
A: It was incredible, I tried to keep the fact that it was my first theatrical performance on the down low because I was nervous enough and I didn’t want anyone to be nervous for me. It was amazing because the cast was so welcoming and the crowd was so supportive and part of me regrets not doing one earlier but I’m so happy that The Addams Family was my first performance.
Q: Outside of rehearsals, what did you do to prepare for your performance in The Addams Family?
A: Outside of rehearsal I was always rehearsing, constantly reciting lines, practicing my accent, and singing my songs. I tried to balance my work and the show but I honestly wanted to make the show my life. I wanted to get as much out of the play as I could.
Q: What were some of the challenges you faced in preparing to play Gomez Addams?
A: Well contrary to popular belief, I can’t dance. I think that’s why I enjoy singing so much. The hardest part of this production was the dancing part, specifically the Tango section. I think the thing that helped me the most was that my stage partner Kat Stokes is such a great dancer and helped me a lot.
Q: What are your plans for future performances at SAAS?
A: Unfortunately, I do not think I have many more opportunities to do theater at SAAS, but the spring production may be something I partake in.
Q: Would you want to act as a career? Why or why not?
A: After this amazing experience I am heavily considering pursuing theater in college, I enjoy the process, the people, and it’s a great way to build skills and spend time. I'm very excited about the potential to do more in the future.