By Michelle MooreSalty Dinner Theater’s production of Jekyll and Hyde at the Taylorsville Leatherbys brought a full crowd laughing and even dancing. Wait, isn’t Jekyll and Hyde a rather dark story? Well, the traditional version of this story is a Gothic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886 and there have been many adaptations since. Here again, the audience gets to see, perhaps for the first time, a wonderful adaptation of the story which is accessible for all; from young to old and from regular theater goers to first time audience members. And it’s fun!
The format of dinner theater style entertainment is unique. As the audience is led to their seats they are greeted by the characters who chat with each table before the show begins. There’s a first act, dinner break with songs, dancing, and an audience participation game. Then, a second act, followed by dessert with more songs, and finally the third act. Throughout the show, the scenes are played to the characters and dialogue is periodically addressed to the audience.
Characters Rose (Kassandra Torres) and Dr. Benson (Jason Jones) open the show mixing potions and giving exposition to the audience. While giving exposition there is plenty of “self aware” comedy as the characters acknowledge they’re talking to themselves or explaining things to each other that they’re fully aware of. Torres as Rose shines from start to finish with the comedy in this show. Her delivery of the dialogue, audience interactions, improvisations, and nuanced facial expressions make her an audience favorite. We quickly learn that she is wildly attracted to Dr. Jekyll, which brings constant laughs throughout the show.
Dr. Jekyll (Dan Ogden) is also quite expressive with his face and, in the dinner theater setting, I found myself appreciating those subtleties so much more. When the audience is introduced to Hyde (after a high dose of this new strange potion), Ogden easily navigates between the Jekyll and Hyde characters, distinguished not only by the voice he uses but also by body language and mannerisms. Again, a high caliber of acting skill that one might not expect from a genre of theater that is often farcical and trite. Not with Salty Dinner Theater. While there is plenty of comedy, in this Halloween show there is real drama and the stakes are high.
Dr. Benson works in the lab with Rose and, spoiler alert, he is murdered before dinner. Fear not though, he finds his way back into the show as “host” to dinner break activities. This actor is completely at ease both on stage in his character and scenes as well as emcee. Jones has charisma and quick wit; and never misses an opportunity to crack a joke. He plays off of the audience freely and is very entertaining.
During the dinner break the audience is treated to songs by a new character- a singer named Mina (Brooke Anne Holladay).While her character is not a part of the story line, Holladay brings plenty of character to her songs. The energy, power, and stamina of her performance is impressive. During this highly interactive portion of the show, the audience can stand and dance before their food arrives, participate in a game, and/or simply sit back and enjoy some superb singing. Mina sings some Halloween favorites along with some others that somehow feel very spooky when sung by a steam punk ghost. “Disturbia” by Rihanna is an example of such a song and even more surprisingly the Megan Trainor song “Me Too”. Seriously fun!
In the second act we get to see the inspector, (Andrew Cole) a bit more. He hears of a death and comes to investigate. The inspector brings a bit of unexpected flamboyance to his character. He is playful for what could easily be portrayed as a stiff officer of the law. Audiences will appreciate this approach but make no mistake- he is still intent on finding the murderer and puts up a good fight in a rather impressive fight scene. I won’t spoil how that ends for you.
The beautiful Victoria (Amaris DiScuillo), love interest and fiancé to Dr. Jekyll, is lovely and demure but “modern” enough to not shy away from telling Jekyll how things will be when they are married. She is always fighting for Jekyll’s time and attention as he is often preoccupied with finding an antidote to rid the world of evil. This motivates her actions throughout and provides the catalyst for how her story ends in the Salty Dinner Theater adaptation. In her Salty Dinner Theater debut, DiScuillo brings comedic delivery and depth of character.
For a creepy and comical evening of entertainment, head to any one of several different performance venues and see Salty Dinner Theater’s Jekyll and Hyde.
Salty Dinner Theater Presents Jekyll and Hyde written by Steven Williams
October 20-30, 2018 Seating begins at 7:00 and show starts at 7:30
Tickets $10-16 (dinner not included)
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