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Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical
Originally conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn
Book and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Music by Frank Wildhorn
Directed by Stephen M. Genovese
Music Director/Conductor Nick Sula
Choreographer Brenda Didier
Produced by BoHo Theatre
Bohemian Theatre Ensemble
At the Theatre Building Chicago
1225 W. Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL
Call 773-327-5252, tickets $20 - $27
Thursdays & Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 4 & 8 pm
Sundays at 6 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through July 20, 2008
Unique treatment of Jekyll & Hyde creates mixed results
BoHo Theatre’s self proclaimed ‘unique stamp’ on “Jekyll & Hyde – The Musical” was a brave attempt to reconceptualize the gothic tale. The result was a show that had major tone shifts. It is part campy dark comedy in the Rocky Horror fashion complete with the actors wearing dark eye shadow make up. The cast plays their camp in a gay oriented swishy manner while the leads maintained serious dramatic tones. These tone problems plus the over staged movement by the ensemble cluttered many scenes needlessly.
John Zuiker’s two level set with windows and large centered double doors work nicely to expand the Theatre Building Chicago’s North stage. This over produced musical found several strange staging choices by director Stephen M. Genovese. Why does Dr Jekyll (Courtney Crouse) have his back to the audience during the “Board of Governors” song?
Why are there so many noisy scene changes during key moments while a solo is being sung? When Jekyll sings his “This Is The Moment,” several actors are distracting the audience with busy scene changes. That moment was lost due to that distraction. The distinct lack of emotion and the underplaying of the dramatic tension rendered the show more of a camp comedy than a gothic musical. The evil Hyde comes across as more of a comic caricature than a purely evil spirit.
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Bricusse and Wildhorn’s lush pop operetta needs strong and wide ranging voices that were not present in the leads. Courtney Crouse worked hard but seemed over matched by the musical range demanded as Jekyll/Hyde. He had trouble hitting several notes in Wildhorn’s score. He spoke much too fast in his Hyde scenes. Laura McClain, as Emma, failed to project enough to be heard at times. Her voice was weak. Monica Szafliok played Lucy fine but her bland, almost flat, voice rendered the anthem “Someone Like You” quite hollow. These players failed to enrich the score with enough heart, emotion and vocal prowess.
The ensemble players offered energetic takes on the style employed. This production played the camp and dark comedy with zest. They sang some nice harmonies. The four piece orchestra sounded excellent. I appreciate Courtney Crouse tireless work ethic and John B. Leen’s effectively steady work as John Utterson, the show’s narrator.
In summary, “Jekyll & Hyde – The Musical” had its moments and, for a non-Equity cast, was somewhat effective. Wildhorn’s lush score really needs big voices. This show is worth a look and for a $20-$27 ticket, it satisfies.
Somewhat Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Jeff Recommended
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