Review By Emilie Minshew, Front Row Reviewers
Jekyll and Hyde at Salt Lake City’s Capitol Theatre is a dark and exciting Ballet West premiere. Having thoroughly enjoyed last season’s Halloween ballet, Dracula, I was looking forward to Jekyll and Hyde. However, I was certainly not expecting it to be one of, if not the best, live dance performances I have ever seen. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Ballet West is a crown jewel of the Utah Arts community and we are lucky to have them. They have outdone themselves this time as this show is truly some of the best that contemporary ballet has to offer.
Jekyll and Hyde, adapted for Ballet West by the brilliant choreographer Val Caniparoli, is based on the novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. The show begins with Stevenson himself ill in bed writing the story and while he writes, his characters come to life around him to tell their story. Ballet West audiences can then expect to follow Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde into a terrifying descent to madness.
Firstly, hats off to Val Caniparoli and his team. This show is utterly stunning. The choreography is evocative and avant-garde. You cannot help but feel a visceral reaction while watching and though the entire show is phenomenal, I have two favorite numbers which I think especially warrant praise. The first scene is the dance in the insane asylum, where a number of sickly patients trapped in the asylum that Dr. Jekyll does his research. Dancers writhe and shake uncontrollably in rusty hospital beds while they line up for examination by cold hospital staff. Their gut-wrenching wails fill the air, breaking the unspoken ballet rule of silence onstage. The selective use of voices gave me goosebumps and set the eerie tone for the entire show.
However, what I believe to be the absolute highlight of the show is the confrontation pas de deux between Jekyll and Hyde. Pas de deux means “step of two” in French and they are usually between a man and a woman, and are often romantic in nature. This one is a sinister battle for control between a man and his monster, and it is superb. The number plays on mirroring and opposition, darkness and light. At one point, Hyde grabs Jekyll by the face and diabolically licks him chin to forehead in what feels like an assertion of dominance. The audience was transfixed. You truly could hear a pin drop. The confrontation is likely the best live dance number I have ever seen.
Which brings me to the two incredible leading men of the production, Jordan Viet as Dr. Jekyll and David Huffmire as Mr. Hyde. Bravo gentlemen, bravo! Their incredible dancing effectively brings these complex characters to life before right before your eyes. Dancing two sides of the same person sounds impossible, but these two pull it off brilliantly. Tyler Gum dances a haunting Robert Louis Stevenson that both puppets the story he writes while simultaneously being tormented by his characters. Last but certainly not least, are the gorgeous Katyln Addison and Emily Adams as Nellie and Rowena. Adams’ performance is beautiful and heartbreaking. Her facial expressions are critical to conveying her character’s devastating arc. Addison has become of my favorite Ballet West dancers as she makes even the most difficult steps look completely effortless. Her softness is a nice juxtaposition to the men’s hardness.
The lighting, sets, costumes, and music set a ghostly tone for the show. I think that Jekyll and Hyde is the first ever production I have seen in which the lighting design feels as though it is a part of the plot which was highly impressive. Designed by Jim French, the lights change in color to reflect whether Jekyll or Hyde is in control. They are dazzling and cut through the hazy streets of London. The sets and costumes by Tony Award nominated David Reynoso, are striking. His use of color theory, particularly the color red, is commendable. The show features melancholy music from Fredric Chopin, Henryk Gorecki, Wojciech Kilar, Kryzstof Penderecki, and Henryk Wieniawski, and is very well arranged by Ramona Pansegrau. It features a hybrid score using both the Ballet West pit orchestra and electronic elements to achieve its atmospheric tone.
Take in one of Utah’s most beautiful historical landmarks at Capitol Theatre. It makes for the perfect venue to see this macabre tale. Tickets start at $30 and the ballet is performed until November 2nd. Give in to your dark side with Ballet West’s Jekyll and Hyde.
Please note that this show is not suitable for all ages as it contains strong adult themes.
For the most up to date casting information please refer to the Ballet West website. Last-minute changes will be posted on a sign located just outside the theatre.
Ballet West presents Jekyll and Hyde
Capitol Theatre 50 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
October 25-November 2, 2024, dates and times vary.
Contact: 801-869-6900
Ballet West Facebook Page
Ballet West’s Jekyll and Hyde Promo Reel
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