Free State High School students will take their fall musical on the road after being selected as one of five schools statewide to participate in a festival.
Free State Troupe No. 5773 will perform “The Addams Family: School Edition” at the 2026 Kansas Thespian Festival. The five area high schools were chosen through an audition process.
Mimi Wood, senior at Free State, said she’s excited but nervous to revive the special production. Wood plays Morticia, the matriarch, who Woods said is complex, cherishes her family and exudes determination and confidence.
With lighting, costuming, blocking, choreography and more needing to be adjusted to the festival’s stage, Wood said she’s looking forward to seeing the show in a new light.
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“Although this is a huge honor, it is completely nerve wracking to perform in front of so many like-minded people,” Wood said via email. “I typically can calm my nerves for the audiences at Free State because they mostly consist of friends and family; However, this whole new space and environment will change many of the habits the Addams Family cast has become accustomed to at Free State.”
Free State senior Owen Gerrish’s character, Uncle Fester, narrates the show. An actor who enjoys making new choices each show, Gerrish said his character allows him to interact with the audience in the name of spontaneity.
“He is so fun to play because you don’t know what’s going to happen next, and I feel like when I put on the bald cap and put on all of the makeup, I feel like I can be as crazy as I want to be,” Gerrish said.
The festival is set for Jan. 8-10 in Wichita, with Free State on the mainstage on Jan. 9.
But before leaving, the troupe will treat the community with one more local performance.
The show is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4 in the auditorium at Free State, 4700 Overland Drive. Tickets cost $5 for students and $7 for adults at the door.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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Contributed photoFree State High School troupe selected to perform at Wichita festival; local performance to send them off
Nathan Kramer/Lawrence Times
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
