Piedmont Players’ production of “The Addams Family” will have you snapping and clapping along with reprises of familiar music, some new tunes and, of course, a dirge or two.

This ghoulish comedy features classic Addams Family grim and gruesome humor, along with some unexpected and almost cheerful twists. This story keeps the audience on its toes with snappy one-liners dropped in the middle of heated arguments and heartfelt moments, and proves that keeping it light doesn’t necessarily mean a story can’t have its shadows.

Marshall Brickman and Rice Elice’s “The Addams Family” thrives on situational humor, character confusion, and well- (or ill-) kept secrets. Director Reid Leonard’s simple, monochrome set design is made to look shabby, but is anything but. From an elegant crypt to a collection of three giant, slatted wood screens reminiscent of blinds, the set is as simple as it is versatile. With some subtle lighting choices, it’s positively eerie.

The cast shivers across the stage in high-step dance and high-note tunes and cracks grimacing smiles or whip out graveside humor at just the right moment.

Newcomer Emily Olzewski showcases a Wednesday that may be unfamiliar to many Addams Family fans. This Wednesday is fiery, stubborn, and … in love? Though seemingly out of character for the Wednesday many know and love, Olzewski brings this older Wednesday to vivid life, and her fight to balance family tradition with her own desires hits the bull’s-eye.

Ryan Miles, Amy McKay and Carl Bolt feature as Lucas, Alice and Mal, a seemingly normal family from Ohio that’s keeping some dark secrets under wraps. Miles plays Lucas, a love-struck young man who learns to accept his unusual hobbies when he meets Wednesday.

And though this is her first production at Piedmont Players, McKay’s Alice is as brilliant as her yellow cardigan, and her voice and skill shine through in “Secrets” and “Waiting.”

Emily Ramirez is a newcomer to Piedmont Player’s Theater, but she may have been made for the role of Morticia Addams. Ramirez sashays across the stage; her Morticia is alluring, mysterious and in charge. Ramirez really gets to show off her incredible range during “Secrets,” and her history in professional ballet is evident in Morticia’s leggy choreography.

But Josh Wainright steals the stage with his touching performance as Gomez Addams. Though not particularly light of foot and with a voice that’s a little rough around the edges on most of the numbers, Wainright packs every line with emotion. He’ll have you in tears during “Wednesday’s Growing Up” and “Happy/Sad” and laughing at his unfortunate predicament in “Trapped.” Wainright’s Gomez is funny, sharp-witted, gentlemanly, and painfully (and hilariously) struggling between loyalty to wife and daughter. Gomez and his “Russian/Spanish/Dracula-nese” will sneak into your heart before you know it.

Robin Rogers as Grandma, Blake Barrier as Puglsey, and Dennis Welch as Uncle Fester provide comedic relief once the play takes off and help push the plot forward with mischief as they vie to derail Wednesday and Lucas’s earnest efforts — or to ensure their success.

This cobwebby comedy also features some Addamses from beyond the veil, a ghostly troupe of ancestors who stand in the background, provide haunting harmony, cutting commentary, and give characters the nudge they need. They do quick dance steps in every style imaginable — from ballet to a conga line.

Though the actors, stage direction and set are flawless, if you’re a particular fan of Wednesday Addams, you may want to pass on this play. While Olszewski plays her perfectly, Brickman and Elice’s version of Wednesday Addams has grown up and decided she wants to settle down. She spends a good half of the play wearing yellow, instead of the family black, and in the first act she confesses that she’s tired of the gloom and doom of the Addams household. In “One Normal Night” she begs the family to pretend they aren’t so cozy with the occult.

But if you’re a fan of the Addams Family’s awkward, uncaring interactions with regular society, this could be the play for you.

During the first performance, there did seem to be some problems with microphone volume. The sound was often too loud when the actors really belted out the notes, and it was difficult to hear softer-spoken characters like Uncle Fester. But that should even out as performances continue.

The play does feature language and a lot of adult humor, so it’s not for kids. Older teens and up should be ok, though.

“The Addams Family” continues tonight, Saturday and Oct. 14-17 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee will be presented Sunday at 2:30 p.m. 

 Ticket prices are adults $18, seniors/students $15. For more information, call 704-633-5471 orgo to www.Piedmont Players.com. The play is being presented at the Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St.