A Review by Keola Kinghorn, Front Row Reviewers
On Pitch Performing Arts’ (OPPA) production of Jekyll & Hyde, was a surprise to me in the best of ways. From stunning vocals, incredible costume design and construction by Stacey Haslam, to unique set design by Brandon Stauffer. Add to this is the talent of Director Dan Tate who knows what he is doing–he has assembled a stellar team that had me captivated. Jekyll & Hyde opens with the line, “In each of us there are two natures. If this primitive duality of man – good and evil – could be housed in separate identities, life would be relieved of all that is unbearable. It is the curse of mankind that these polar twins should be constantly struggling.” That is writing that knows how to captivate an audience.
The framework of the original Victorian classic horror story Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson, stays the same. Jekyll & Hyde the musical, with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, and music by Frank Wildhorn brings this startling and unsettling story to the stage. Henry Jekyll (Austin Payne) accidentally unleashes his evil alternate personality in his quest to cure his father’s mental illness. The doctor has few people in his life except his best friend and trusted confidante Gabriel John Utterson (Robert R. P. Lytle). However, the musical adds many liberties after that basic plot that gives the musical more to interest the audience. The most prevalent changes involves a love triangle between Dr. Jekyll and his fiancée Emma (Madeleine Curletto/Caitlin Olsen) and a prostitute Lucy (Heather Ann Jackson/Cariel Goodwin) and many more murders that weren’t in the book. Payne as Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, had his work cut out for him switching between the two personas from a gentle-hearted Henry and rough, zealot Hyde. Payne does this through the tone of his voice, which became scratchy as Hyde. He carried his body completely different to make a distinction between the two characters. Haslam designed a really Victorian/Steam Punk Hyde costume complete with dark sunglasses, a paisley scarf, a ripped black cloak, and a metal-ended walking stick that he uses to assault victims. Lighting designer Madison Tate aided in his transformation with the use of red lights as he transforms into Hyde. Payne has a gorgeous baritone voice and timbre in his vibrato. I could listen to him sing all day. My favorite solo was, “This is the Moment,” which has always been a favorite of mine. I’m happy to say, this fine actor did it justice and them some.
Henry and Emma (who is double cast, played by Madeleine Curletto on the night I attended) share a duet early on in the first act, as her father Sir Danvers (Tyler Neil) looks on. This song gave me Sweeney Todd vibes, and I loved the sass and confidence that Curletto brings to Emma’s character, especially when she remarks to Lady Beaconsfield (Laura Crossett/Kathi Luke), “Comments on style should never be made by those who have none.” I also loved when she sings to Henry, “I’m not the protégé to waste your time on, I’m complete.”
Lucy, (also double cast, played by Heather Ann Jackson on the night I attended) has a knock out solo, “Someone Like You” right before the end of the first act. This lovely song is my other favorite song in the musical, and Jackson nails it. Her costume is just as stunning as Jekyll’s. Haslam outdid herself with this one: Black velvet gloves, a short velvet cape, black corset, and floral high-waisted skirt with pleats on the back. It is spectacular.
The large ensemble numbers “Façade” and “Murder, Murder” are amazing. I have seen a lot of community theater, and this production is one I enjoyed so very much. Music Director Jenn Morgan did a phenomenal job with this cast of unpaid actors and Sound Designer Josh Rice makes them sound incredible in this unique space.
Heather Poulsen (Set Build/Paint) built an awe-inspiring spiraling ramp to a center platform in the middle of the theatre in the round. It is something to see. Choreographer Hunter Williams utilizes that lovely structure during the musical numbers.
You don’t want to miss OPPA’s Jekyll & Hyde. It’s scary and delightful and fun.
On Pitch Performing Arts presents Jekyll & Hyde, book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, and music by Frank Wildhorn.
On Pitch Performing Arts, 587 N Main Street, Layton, UT 84041
Contact: 385-209-1557, info@onpitchperformingarts.com
July 13-15, 2023
Tickets: $18
Preview video
On Pitch Performing Arts Facebook Page
Photos by Rice Media Group.
Intimacy Coordination by Anna Graff Rice.
Sound Intern: Schyler Jarvis
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