At Ralph Emerson Elementary School, musical theatre is about more than putting on a show. It’s about making the performing arts accessible to every student who wants to participate.
Following last year’s hit production of Seussical Jr., Emerson’s second musical, The Addams Family: Young@Part, brings together more than 50 students in grades three through five. Participation has grown significantly in the program’s second year, with students involved onstage, backstage and in house management. Several lead roles have been double cast to further expand opportunities across the student community.
“Equity among our student population is extremely important to me,” said Principal Jennifer Almer-Johnson. “An opportunity to participate in a production such as this can be a life-changing experience for many kids. We want every student who wants to be involved to have that opportunity.”
Directed and produced by Emerson parents Dominic and Lindsey Catrambone, and made possible by the support and leadership of Principal Jennifer Almer-Johnson, the production welcomes students of all interests and experience levels.
“When students came to audition, some wanted to be onstage, some wanted to be part of the ensemble, and others were hoping for a bigger role. Some wanted to work backstage or serve as an assistant stage manager,” Dominic said. “Whatever they wanted to do, I assured them we would find a place for them to participate.”
Launched with funding from California Proposition 28, Emerson’s musical theatre program also offers workshops for younger students during the school day.
One of the program’s defining features is the professional expertise within its parent community. Parents who work in live entertainment volunteer in choreography, musical direction, costuming, lighting, technical theatre, stage management and scenic art. Their experience elevates the production with professional-level artistry and technical polish while giving students a firsthand look at how a high-caliber live show comes together. Students have also connected with Broadway talent, including Tony Award-nominated actor Kevin Chamberlin, who recently visited the school.
For producer Lindsey Catrambone, the program’s impact reaches beyond the stage.
“The program has really brought our community closer together,” she said. “Students who might not otherwise interact across grade levels are forming friendships, and parents who may never have crossed paths are building meaningful relationships. After working together on a production, there’s a shorthand that develops among the volunteers. Everyone understands how the pieces fit together, and that sense of connection makes the whole experience even more rewarding.”
In The Addams Family: Young@Part, Wednesday Addams falls in love with a young man from a seemingly “normal” family. When she asks her father, Gomez, to keep the relationship secret from Morticia, the family faces a dilemma that comes to a head when they host dinner for Wednesday’s boyfriend and his parents.
The musical features a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on characters created by Charles Addams. The Young@Part edition is adapted for elementary and middle schools and youth theatres through Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
Event Details
What: The Addams Family: Young@Part
Where: Ralph Emerson Elementary School, 720 E. Cypress Avenue, Burbank, CA 91501
When: November 5-8, 2026
Performances: Thursday at 5p.m., Friday at 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
ASL interpretation: Both Saturday performances
Running time: Approximately 60 minutes
Tickets: $15 at emersonstars.simpletix.com
