Luke Rudo
As a vocalist, spring is a barrage of late-night rehearsals for an upcoming musical and chorus concerts. This spring was slightly more special, knowing it would be the final curtain for my high school performances. This year, I was honored with the role of Uncle Fester in The Addams Family musical. The role is comedic and requires a blend of eccentric charm and heartfelt sincerity, making it both a challenge and a joy to perform.
As a bass vocalist, this role was particularly exciting because it allowed me to explore the richness of my higher register while also experimenting with comedic vocal inflections. One of the highlights of playing Fester was getting to perform “The Moon and Me,” a beautifully quirky ballad that showcases his lovably bizarre personality. The song, written in a waltz-like 3/4 time, has a dreamlike quality, with its gentle, lilting melody and whimsical lyrics about Fester’s love for the moon
One of my favorite moments of the entire production was during “The Moon and Me”, when I had the unique opportunity to accompany myself on the banjolele. Strumming the light, twinkling chords added an extra layer of charm to the performance. The banjolele’s bright, plucky tone contrasted beautifully with my deep voice, creating a whimsical sound that felt perfectly in tune with the character’s oddball nature. The instrument became more than just a prop—it was an extension of Fester’s personality and helped me connect even more deeply with the role.
As the final performance approaches, I feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. It was a culmination of years spent growing as a vocalist and stage performer. “The Moon and Me” took on new meaning, not just as Fester’s love song but as my own farewell to the stage that had shaped me. And in my final moment, donning an old leather aviator hat, I stood center stage, beaming as Fester prepared to “fly to the moon.” The audience laughed and cheered as I … (don’t want to spoil it) … as I stepped into the spotlight one last time. As the lights dimmed and the curtain fell, I felt as though I, too, was soaring—leaving behind the world of high school theater but carrying its magic with me into my next journey.
