By Amy Lipson
17 Nov 2009

The Addams Family, a new musical, began its pre-Broadway engagement at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre in Chicago. Opening night in the Windy City is Dec. 9.

With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the musical features Tony Award winners Bebe Neuwirth and Nathan Lane as the creepy heads-of-household, Morticia and Gomez, respectively. Direction and design duties are handled by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch.

According to the producers, "In this original story, the famously macabre Addams Family is put to the test when outsiders come to dinner, hurling Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Fester, Grandmama and Lurch headlong into a night that will change the family forever."

Here is a look at the cast in rehearsal:

View the Entire Photo Gallery Bebe Neuwirth and Nathan Lane Photo by Joan Marcus

Broadway previews will begin March 4, 2010, at Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 W. 46th Street). The show will open on Broadway April 8.

For Broadway tickets, call (877) 250-2929 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.theaddamsfamilymusical.com.