When I was a Vashon youngster, the beginning of the fall school term always felt like the beginning of the year rather than Jan. 1. Fall meant hunkering down to indoor activities to escape the rain and find ways for my creativity to engage with stories, music, and good friends.

It’s in this spirit that Drama Dock — Vashon’s longest-running theatre company, in its 45th year — launches into fall with an exciting new partnership with Vashon Center for the Arts. The partnership will bring the Young@Part Broadway version of The Addams Family, a whacky, fun musical spin on the iconic TV series — expect to see and hear familiar characters such as Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Pugsley, and even a 7-foot tall Lurch, the half-dead butler, all performed by island students ages 13 to 18.

The show will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, and 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at VCA. Tickets are on sale now at vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Nothing can replace the magic of musicals. Musical theatre is robust story-telling enhanced and propelled by compelling, catchy songs. And, as a multi-skill art form, musicals require a high level of commitment to incorporate singing, movement, scene study, voice, character interpretation, and a strong commitment for a cast to grow into a cohesive team.

Theatre is always about collaboration, and never more so than in the realm of musical theatre. I’m happy to say that these qualities flow from Drama Dock’s newly minted mission – the guiding focus of why Drama Dock does what it does, and who Drama Dock aims to be within the Vashon community.

Drama Dock’s mission welcomes professionals and newcomers to the theatrical stage, “producing classic and contemporary plays and musicals including the development of original theatrical works that foster artistic excellence, showcase established and emerging talent, and celebrate community.”

The Addams Family starts the season, followed by a new play in April 2022, “House Fire Project,” written and performed by Kaytlin McIntyre, and in May 2022, “Winghaven Park,” a romantic new musical based on Vashon’s turbulent WW2 history.

In short, Drama Dock is a theatre of hope and opportunity – a professionally-led, community-owned, non-profit theatre that builds bridges between artists, and gives talent a place to shine. Come on out and support our young people in “The Addams Family” next week at Vashon Center for the Arts. You’ll be glad you did.

And also join us on Dec. 19 for our Holiday Gala, Fun, Food and Festivities Fundraiser. Visit dramadock.org for more information and tickets.

Lisa Peretti is the artistic director of Drama Dock.