The spooky Addams Family has taken to the road in a classic and horrifying tale of a nontraditional family in the formidable “normal” world.

Gomez and the gang hit the stage at the Fox Theater on Sept. 28 as the start of the U.S. Bank Broadway Series.  With elaborate sets, fantastical special effects and a surprisingly loveable cast of characters, the Addams family embarks into a relatively undesirable land—the land of love and normality.

To the family, “normal” is the equivalent of any number of four letter words. In the most satirical of fashions, the idea of a nuclear family is both idealized and shattered by the dysfunctional family. In Wednesday’s song, “Pulled in a New Direction,” she cites Chia pets, Disney World and puppy dogs as the vital components of everyday life in the “normal” world.

This tale for “the living, dead and undecided,” as Gomez so eloquently prefaces in the first act, is no longer the slightly spooky children’s story but, in this stage production, a subtle political commentary focused on an older audience.

With left-wing references to politically touchy subjects like healthcare, one of the few flaws of the musical was found in the infusion of the real world into the obliviously terrifying Addams household.

Beyond these unnecessarily controversial undertones, the plot itself was questionable. The story revolves around Wednesday’s newest love interest, Lucas, whom she knows to be “The One.” Lucas is part of the “normal” world, though, and not openly accepted into the macabre clan. The conflict that stems from this situation propels the play in such an exaggerated fashion that it was more off-putting than relatable, as was the goal.

There was no lack of talent on the stage,  with stellar voices and hauntingly humorous character depictions (literally) combining to make this classic ghastly family come together. Gomez and Morticia lead the cast with an electric chemistry and a dry comicality. Supporting characters Grandma and Lurch solidify this humor with finesse and, in Grandma’s case, a shocking sense of honesty.

To add to the mystique of the Fox Theater, whimsical scenery and elaborate special effects created an awe-inspiring visual masterpiece. In part, the Addams family’s ancestors are to thank for this treat. Skilled dancers and singers donned all-white garb and effortlessly moved from background to forefront, seamlessly and creatively transforming each scene.

A scene reminiscent of the Last Supper ends with the ancestral crew holding candles throughout the stage, lights dimming on the eerie cliffhanger of Wednesday’s questioned love. The aesthetics were likely one of the most universally redeeming aspects of the play, balancing out the exclusivity of the Baby Boomer-era references.

The ghoulish family, while not as kid-friendly as might be expected, was engaging and unexpectedly witty. The cast combined incredibly a spectrum of characters ranging from little Pugsley to the fantastically senile Grandma, working harmoniously for an excellent familial dynamic.

Overall, well worth the time. Don’t worry, they’ll leave the lights off for you.