By Whitney Sorensen
Jekyll & Hyde the musical varies in several key ways from Robert Louis Stevenson’s original novel, so even if you think you know the story, Springville Playhouse’s production will surprise you. This community theater group stages this musical at Merit Academy in Springville, which is a little out of the way but also has a medieval knight atmosphere that feels theatrical and suited to the intense drama and emotion of Jekyll & Hyde.
The show opens on a prologue meant to reveal the motivations of Dr. Henry Jekyll (Bob Bauer). Jekyll mourns over a mental illness that has left his father in an asylum. He wishes to use his medical knowledge to find a cure for what caused his father’s condition; he tells the audience, “I Need to Know.” Unfortunately, the script doesn’t do a great job of connecting this opening scene to Jekyll’s later actions.
The story then jumps to years later. The ensemble introduces us to the dark forces in London and the play’s main theme in “Façade.” The action then zooms in as Jekyll petitions the “Board of Governors” at St. Jude’s Hospital in London for permission to conduct experiments on a human subject. They refuse. A distraught Jekyll then arrives late at his own engagement party, where faithful fiancée Emma Carew (Kristin Bauer) awaits him. They share a private moment and discuss whether Jekyll’s dedication to his work will cause problems in their relationship during “Take Me as I Am.”
After this declaration of passion, Jekyll drags his friend, John Utterson (Paul McNiven), to a seedier part of London for an impromptu bachelor party. It felt odd to me that Jekyll insists on this journey, even over Utterson’s protests, particularly after his touching scene with Emma, but that’s another fault of the musical’s book and not the production itself.
At an establishment called The Red Rat, Jekyll and Utterson enjoy a show put on by Lucy Harris (Cindy Thompson), who sings “Bring on the Men.” Springville Playhouse stages this number as tamely as possible, and the only giveaways to the ladies’ line of work are their slightly revealing skirts that ruffle and rise above the knee like those of saloon women from the Old West. This is only one of the many adaptations they made to the show to make it more appropriate for a family audience in Utah County.
This number is also where the show really begins to pick up the pace. I credit that partly to the play finally being finished with the extensive exposition and partly to Thompson’s wonderful voice, which is perfectly suited for this role. Lucy is a musical theatre descendant of both Nancy from Oliver! and Eponine from Les Miserables, and I enjoyed every song she sang.
Bob Bauer has great stage presence as Dr. Jekyll, and he sings with tenderness and pain when he embodies that. However, he truly shines as Mr. Hyde, fully transforming his stance and facial expressions. The transformation scene is definitely one of the play’s highlights, and the show keeps good pace after that moment.
I don’t want to give away all the spooky moments, but I do need to point out the best chorus number, which is “Murder, Murder” that starts the action back up after the intermission. The ensemble projects and enunciates best on this number, the choreography by Tori Rimmington is simple but effective, and the lyrics are also just deliciously wicked and playful.
Director Robinne Booth and producer Karen Amsden have assembled an excellent cast of supporting actors and chorus members. She also acts as chief costumer, with assistance from Connie Warenski and Heidi Jungheim. Everything the cast wears conveys time, place, and character. The costumers also clearly made careful color choices. They dress Jekyll and Hyde in blacks with splashes of gold and deep purple, and this color combination looks great against the purple backdrop and among the red and purple lights. Credit is due to Mark Shipley for the set artwork and Jon Haws, Kirk McCausland, Starr Christensen, Amsdne, and Jungheim for lighting.
If you or your older-than-12 child is overeager for Halloween to arrive, take a trip to see Springville Playhouse’s Jekyll & Hyde. The story is both spooky and thought-provoking, and the overall production value is quite high for a community theater group. Seating is general admission, so get there early if you want a front-row seat.
Springville Playhouse presents Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical Book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Music by Frank Wildhorn
Merit Academy, 1440 W Center Street, Springville, UT 84663
August 24-September 15, 2018 7:30 PM
Tickets: $10-12
Springville Playhouse on Facebook
SP’s Jekyll & Hyde Facebook event
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