Jekyll & Hyde
My thoughts on Jekyll & Hyde or…the heat is on.
The first time I saw Jekyll & Hyde I left at intermission. Jekyll was played by a rock star who could not act and liked to scream/sing. I sat through a national tour starring a former “American Idol” contestant and thought it was ok. If Lyric Stage’s production, directed by Michael Serrecchia, had been my initial exposure to the musical, my opinion would have been drastically different as this show is thrilling in all sorts of ways.
Lyric’s production envelopes you from the moment you enter the theater. A projection of Victorian London with a strange greenish tint is shown behind Scott Guenther’s set that allows for London to always be seen. There’s also a rainstorm going on which adds to the bleak foreboding atmosphere. It’s unsettling and apt preparation for the story that follows
Most of us know the story of Jekyll & Hyde either from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel or countless film and television adaptations. Henry Jekyll, a noted physician, wants to cure his mentally ill father by separating good from evil in the human brain. He creates a formula and tests it on himself. He becomes the murderous Mr. Hyde killing off most of the hospital board members who refused to let him experiment in the hospital and others. Complicating matters Jekyll is betrothed to the aristocratic Emma Carew. Later both Jekyll and Hyde become involved with the prostitute, Lucy Harris, and tragedy ensues. The body count is high and there’s no happy ending for anyone.
The Leslie Bricusse/Frank Wildhorn musical of Jekyll & Hyde is sung through with bits of scattered dialogue. The dramatic pop/rock score, played superbly by Music Director Larry Miller and his band.is really more of a rock opera. The score demands strong and versatile voices which Serrecchia’s cast has in abundance. The ensemble numbers are stirring as the denizens of London are almost literally in your face in the intimate performance space.
The ensemble includes many talented and experienced actors. They are Madeline Carter, Colton Daniel, who also plays the scary pimp Spyder, Sydney Hamil, Wyatt Hartz, Alexandru Istrate, who also plays the loyal manservant Poole, Varsha Jagarlamudi, Caitlin Martelle, Christine Phelan, who also impresses as the haughty Lady Beaconsfield, Jessie Prince, Justin Prince, Jayden Russell, who is also the charming prostitute Nellie, and Jacob Thomason. This ensemble not only performs outstandingly, but they also look amazing in Tricia Guenther’s gorgeous period costumes. Guenther also serves as the choreographer and the ensemble performs her moves flawlessly, particularly the women in the provocative “Bring on the Men.”
Director Serrecchia’s sharp eye for casting continues with the supporting players. Here they are so perfect for their parts that they reminded me of characters from British horror movies of the 1970’s and indeed there is a wonderfully cinematic feel to the entire production. Ben Meaders, king of the bass notes, is the smug Simon Stride, a character Meaders skillfully makes easy to dislike. James Williams is a commanding presence as the retired moralistic military man General Lord Glossop, A.J. Martinez brings some much needed laughs to the musical as the flamboyant but cowardly Lord Savage, Andy Searcy makes an impression as the wealthy Sir Archibald Proops, who along with the others is a board member of the hospital, Doug Fowler, in one of Tricia Guenther’s best costumes, looks like a Victorian clergyman from Central Casting and wholly embodies the hypocritical Bishop of Basingstoke. All of these gentlemen are despicable in one way or another and though they are superior singers, it was great fun watching them get murdered one by one.
Speaking of superior voices, I am delighted to see the gifted actor Hector Garcia back on stage again. Garcia is Sir Danvers Carew, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the hospital and father of Jekyll’s bride to be Emma. Carew is a doting father who is concerned about his daughter’s future with Jekyll and Garcia captures the character flawlessly.
Hunter Lewis is simply a marvel as Gabriel John Utterson, Jekyll’s closest friend and confidante. Utterson also serves as the narrator of Jekyll’s story. Lewis has the voice and the presence to engage an audience and excels in the narration and as Jekyll’s loving and concerned friend.
Emma Carew is a different sort of Victorian woman. She is aristocratic and proper but is also a free spirit and fiercely devoted to Jekyll. Nicole Brady-Chen, with her gorgeous soprano and appealing demeanor, is an excellent Emma. Brady-Chen brings an authenticity to the character and wins our sympathy as this character who represents the good or blonde, if you will, side of Dr. Jekyll.
And on the dark side, we have the phenomenal Julia Rose Hartman as Lucy Harris, the fiery prostitute who becomes involved with both Jekyll and his alter ego. Lucy knows how to use her sexuality and attractiveness to get what she wants, and Hartman gives the character her sensual, sexy all in a fearlessly passionate performance that kept me enthralled. It’s impossible to turn away from Hartman as she rules the stage in a red corset. Lucy’s the polar opposite of the proper Victorian woman and Hartman makes the character fierce belting out “Bring on the Men.” However, there is another side to Lucy. Under her toughness there is insecurity and vulnerability which Hartman portrays equally well and her interpretation of the romantic and hopeful ballad “Someone Like You” brings all the feels. What a performance this is.
The astonishing Cameron Vargas is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This is the fourth role I have seen Vargas play and I have admired every one of them. However, here he has taken on a huge challenge and with his exciting voice and exceptional skill made it his own. To go from respected doctor and scientist to murderous madman in the same performance is no easy task but Vargas, boyish looks and all, makes the transition riveting theater. Vargas has one of those great musical theater voices perfectly suited to big songs like “This is the Moment” which evokes cheers from the audience. But his truly big moment comes when he duets with himself in “Confrontation” as Hyde is projected behind him. He chews up and spits out every bit of scenery on the stage. It’s visceral, explosive theater performed by a highly gifted young man.
When Hartman and Vargas have scenes together the sexual tension is palpable. They generate so much stage heat that Lyric should probably keep the fire department on standby. I think their duet “Dangerous Game” may be the single most erotic scene I’ve witnessed in DFW. By the time the song was over, I needed a cigarette, and I’ve never smoked. This definitely a heavy PG-13 show.
Serrecchia’s Jekyll & Hyde is a sensual work of art. He knows how to create beautiful and enticing stage pictures and Scott Guenther’s remarkable lighting makes the murders more murderous and the heat even hotter. Take a walk on the wild side while you can as I don’t believe you will ever see this musical done better.
Photos by Kris Ikejiri
