After days of auditions, and hours spent in anticipation, the cast list is finally posted. Every single member has proven their extreme talent and skill time and time again— and a rising actor might just be finding himself in the spotlight.
Sophomore Andy McGrew has just landed a leading role in this year’s student musical: The Addams Family. This is uncharted territory for an underclassman, but McGrew’s talent seems to have shone through. Just last week, he was Andy. Now, he’s stepping into the limelight as Lucas, the boyfriend of titular character Wednesday Addams.
“The cast is just so good. Everybody in the production is amazing,” McGrew said. “All of the leads are so talented, [as well as] the ensemble. Everybody worked their way in there, and they’re really, really good.”
The cast approached the musical with the knowledge that it would be a massive undertaking, and the understanding that they would be lost without a sense of community. Each new member says that they have been welcomed with open arms, and McGrew affirms that he’s been no exception.
“I guess I’m not really nervous because I’m working with people who I work with all the time,” Mcgrew said. “Kate was my dance partner [in show choir] last year and I learned so much from that.”
Junior Kate Boice is the actress for Wednesday Addams—Lucas’ love interest—in the upcoming show. The history between these two performers not only adds to their onstage chemistry, but has resulted in an emotional bond like none other.
“I think when you’re dance partners with someone, you have to really know a lot about them, because you have to be able to predict their movement,” Boice said.
From their beginnings, it was clear to the two of them that there would be a long lasting connection between these artists—one that will continue past the confines of the dance floor.
“Andy is very accomplished,” Boice said. “I was in middle school show choir with him, he is just so talented, and I’m really excited to work with him.”
Mcgrew’s performance repertoire stretches far beyond just being a thespian. He sings, of course. But he also plays seven instruments. Yes, that’s correct—seven.
“I play trumpet at school,” Mcgrew said. “I also play alto saxophone, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, baritone ukulele and soprano ukulele.”
McGrew’s talent isn’t the only thing he’s found himself juggling. He’s also been caught in a delicate balancing act of school work, theater, and his personal life. Amidst this, he still finds the time to consider his future.
“I’d try to minor in music, or maybe even get a secondary degree,” Mcgrew said. “But honestly, it just depends on, can I support my family? Can I make a living with it?”
McGrew’s passion stems from his early years. Between singing with his mother in the car, and being taught guitar by his classically trained father, McGrew’s earliest memories were experiences with the arts- and he only hopes to make more.
“That’s just been what I love,” Mcgrew said. “Since, well, since before I can even remember.”
