Gomez has written a play for the Family to celebrate Wednesday's birthday. Cousin Itt, Uncle Fester and Lurch all want to be the hero. Cousin Itt is brilliant as the hero, Claude, much to Fester's disgust. Now all they need is a director, so Gomez decides to hire a professional. Erich von Bissell, who wants to rekindle his faded career, thinks the play is beneath him, until Gomez offers $50,000. Meanwhile, Fester takes Itt to the play room and locks him in an old chest so he can play the hero. Fester is in turn locked in the mummy sarcophagus by Lurch, who also wants the role.