Creepy, kooky and thunderous: Trine alumni, students perform in ‘Addams Family’

Lurch wasn’t sporting a Thunder jersey and there wasn’t a white tiger in the set decor, but the recent Gaslight Playhouse production of “The Addams Family” still had a strong Trine University presence throughout.

Six Trine alumni and current students were part of the cast, with performances held July 24-26 in Kendallville, Indiana.

Kaitlyn Lee, a 2022 English and communication alumna, played the role of macabre matriarch Morticia Addams, with Ivy Witmer, who started at the university this fall and is majoring in psychology, playing daughter Wednesday.

Jaden Hyre, a 2022 social studies education graduate, played Mal Beineke, whose son falls in love with Wednesday. Lydia Roop, a 2022 English graduate, played Mal’s wife Alice. 

Macy Bonifield, a senior studying elementary education with special education dual licensure, and Alyssa Martin, a senior studying social studies education, played Ancestors and served as understudies for Morticia and Wednesday, respectively.

Staying on stage

Roop, who works as director of student engagement at Trine, said her interest in theatre didn’t end after graduation. She continues to perform as an actor and serves as assistant director for Trine Theatre productions.  

“Over the course of the last ten years, I've been involved in over 20 shows as an actor, director or member of the tech crew,” she said. “Community theatre organizations are alive and well, and they are a great opportunity for people of all ages to get involved with theatre.”

Lee, who has been part of theatre since age 10, said she loves the opportunity theatre gives her to “step outside of myself and collaborate with other passionate people to create something special.”

“While the show’s run may be fleeting, the relationships and memories last a lifetime,” she said.

‘Addams’ aficionados

Lee was part of Gaslight Playhouse’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” earlier this year when she heard about plans for “The Addams Family.”

She was skeptical about making the drive from her home in Coldwater, Michigan, for the production but said her good friend Roop, whom she met in Trine Theatre, encouraged her to audition.

She was ecstatic to be cast as Morticia, saying, “Her precision, poise and poison inspire me daily.”

“I’ve been a fan of The Addams Family for as long as I can remember,” she said. “The first Halloween costume I put together by myself was actually Wednesday Addams. I devoured the comics and the movies and jumped at my chance to see the first national tour of the musical back in 2012. It really felt like a full circle moment for me to be able to be a part of this kooky family!”

Roop is another Gaslight veteran, having performed in “Big Fish” in 2025. She learned about “Addams Family” during that production.

“ ‘Addams Family’ is one of my favorite musicals, plus I'm good friends with the director and knew a lot of people who intended to audition,” she said.

Roop said she “was bouncing off the walls” when she was cast as Alice.

“She's been one of my dream characters to play, ever since I was in ‘The Addams Family’ nine years ago with the Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre,” she said.

Witmer was encouraged to audition by her brother Judah, who also is a psychology major at Trine and a part of past Trine Theatre and Gaslight Playhouse productions.

“I was extremely excited about being Wednesday,” she said. 

Working with, making friends

Witmer said she enjoyed having fellow cast members who matched her level of enthusiasm for the show.

“I think it was neat to have other Trine individuals in the production, and it helped me get closer to those students before I start at Trine this fall,” she said.

Martin agreed, stating that it was easier for her to start talking with other people in the show since she already knew a few.

“I had friends when I first got to the auditions and made more friends over the course of the show,” she said.

Roop said the production had some of the highest ticket sales in recent years for Gaslight Playhouse.

Lee credited the cast and their chemistry for the production’s success.

“By the end of the run, we were all exhausted, but it was so worth it,” she commented. “I was able to bring to life a character that has meant so much to me, while also working alongside two of my closest friends (Jaden and Lydia) all summer. Plus, I got to meet so many talented, hardworking people along the way!”

Small but mighty

Roop will return to Trine Theatre as assistant director for the fall play, “Clue,” with Witmer and Martin planning to audition for the production.

Roop described Trine Theatre as a “small but mighty group of students and alumni,” and Lee agreed.

“For a school that isn’t artistically focused, (Trine) still draws some incredibly dedicated and passionate artists,” Lee said. “Clearly, the connections I made at Trine Theatre have remained strong throughout the years and continue to encourage me, even as a young professional.”