Theatrical Review: Jekyll and Hyde

JEKYLL AND HYDE
Written by: Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn
Book and Lyrics by: Leslie Bricusse
Directed by: Kelly Foley
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Our Good Friends at The Pocono Lively Arts’ production of Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn‘ “Jekyll and Hyde.” The company continued earning its reputation for presenting entertaining plays to satisfy the family oriented taste of their audience. “Jekyll and Hyde” not only add its name to the list of such productions, but enhances the joy of audiences who‘ve come to find great delight in the Broadway Musicals that have been performed during the last 15-20 years.

Numerous musical productions on Broadway have gone beyond the theatrical formulas of the past which consisted of a blend of dialogue with show tunes toward a more operaesque presentation of the work. Examples of this would be the productions of “Les Misérables“ and “The Phantom of the Opera.” “Jekyll and Hyde” follows this trend and does so much to its credit. There was a sense of one song with few variations flowing throughout the play which gave it an unique feeling of continuity and connection between the characters and the situations they found themselves in. However, there were a number of stand alone pieces which help to avid a feeling of monotony that may have occurred for some members of the audience.

“Jekyll and Hyde” is based on the famous horror story written by Robert Lewis Stevenson which was said to be inspired by a nightmare he once had. The work explore Man’s (in the non gender sense of the word) duality of good and evil. How we all possess both of these traits and how we often try to deny one in favor of the other. However, doing so may cause some undesired results as our repressed emotions rebel and make their desires known.

Our Good Friends at The Pocono Lively Arts’ production of “Jekyll and Hyde” captured the nightmarish inspiration of the work through its dreamlike sets, costuming, and staging. This created an atmosphere for the audience which enhanced their experience of the show. The play also explored the duality theme more fully by depicting people of the Victorian gentile members of society as not always being what they pretend to be and those of the so called, “Lower” order possessing many admirable traits in spite (or because) of their social standing.

The play was very well acted as the presentational style well associated with Victorian theatre was mimicked for an added effect. The quality of the acting shown through even the technical difficulties which presented themselves during the evening I attended. This distracted from the play and it is hoped this situation will be remedied soon.

Although the play was well done and performed, I did have some contention with the ending. It felt contrived and awkward. There was an attempt to counteract this sensation with a preceding narrative, but the feeling of the scene was created just to give the play an ending persisted. Luckily, it didn’t ruin the entire experience but it did leave a questionable taste in one’s mouth.

The only other unfortunate aspect of the play is the same of any short run production. It’s over. Therefore, I’m unable to encourage anyone to come out to enjoy the theatrical experience. However, I could encourage you to remain aware of future productions of The Pocono Lively Arts which are coming to Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre. This will be the case of their production of Disney‘s “High School Musical” taking place July 27th - 29th. Please explore The Pocono Lively Arts Website at www.poconolivelyarts.org for more information.

The Production was Directed by Kelly Foley who also designed the set, Musically Directed by Nancy Joy Koch, The Production Manager was Dale Foley, and Stage Managed by Marie Gannon. The cast included Jeffery Gilbert who portrayed Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, Evie Korovesis who portrayed Lucy Harris, Jessica Krupshi who portrayed Emma Carew, Luke Ackerman who portrayed Gabriel John Utterson, Neil Snuffer who portrayed Sir Danvers Carew, Jason Zimmer who portrayed Simon Stride, Jane Asher who portrayed Lady Beaconsfield, Steve Spangler who portrayed The Bishop of Basingstoke, Spencer Taylor who portrayed Lord Savage, Bill Doherty who portrayed General Lord Glossop, Gilbert James who portrayed Sir Archibald Proops, Judy Lawler who portrayed Nellie-a prostitute, Dan Eash who portrayed Spider, a pimp, and a priest, Michael Doherty who portrayed Poole-Manservant, Mike Catrillo, Ryan Groff, and Frank Shierloh portrayed some men of society while Kathie Avery, Heather dean, Beth Spangler, Olivia Weiss, Alexandra Dickenson, and Molly Brunkard portrayed some women of society.

Numerous people participated in this production as staff personnel. Although they are not listed here, they should be complimented for their outstanding contributions to the production. Their behind the scenes work helped make this and all of Our Good Friends at The Pocono Lively Arts’ productions an enjoyable experience.

Numerous photographs relating to the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Jekyll and Hyde Gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at myspace.com/forwardian_arts and at IIP Studios’ Website at www.iipstudios.com.

Trinity at Stroud

Our Good Friends at Stroud Township in Stroudsburg, PA presented the nostalgic sounds of The Trinity Centennial Band on Sunday June 24th as part of their summer concert series. A delighted audience were thoroughly entertained by the memorable and rousing tunes that touched composed by John Phillip Sousa, Roger and Hammerstein along with many many more. Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz were among those who enjoyed the performance. The next concert at Our Good Friends at Stroud Township will feature Zac Lawless on July 22nd at 6pm. Please contact Our Good Friends at Stroud Township at 570-421-3362 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Trinity Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Saycon Senbloh Bookhouse

Our Good Friends at The Eastern Monroe Public Library (EMPL) in Stroudsburg, PA presented an Evening with Saycon Senbloh sharing a variety of Broadway Show Tunes along with some very soulful ones on Friday June 22nd. It was a delightful evening filling the audience with a sense of enchantment as Ms. Shebloh shared her considerable talents demonstrated through her intoxicating renderings of the memorable compositions she performed. And, when I say she performed the songs, I don’t mean she merely sung them. She became an intricate part of each piece making them her own. This may be attributed to her immense theatrical skills gained through her extensive experience on Broadway and other venues including film and television. The evening also featured Scott Patterson whose fine and expert interpretation of the program’s songs added even more delight to an audience who enjoyed the sounds of the library’s piano through his considerable skill. Our Good Friends Rob Ramos and Linnae Cintron (both of The EMPL) co produced the event while Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz and Mrk Litchy were among the very large and appreciative audience who attended the event. The Next Bookhouse concert will be Singer-Songwriter Robin Greenstein on July 27th at 7pm. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Eastern Monroe Public Library at 570-421-0800 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Saycon at The Bookhouse Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

One Hill of a Show

Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented the exciting yet relaxing sounds of The Nelson Hill Band on Sunday June 17th as part of their summer concert series. Our Good Friend Arline M. Smeltz were among those who enjoyed the performance. The next concert at Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain will feature Our Good Friend Saralyn Whitaker on Sunday June 24th at 6pm. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain at 570-992-3934 for more information. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society PCOM 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

ArtBeat the Sherman

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented “The Artbeat Dance Concert” featuring works choreographed by members of the PA Dance Network on Sunday June 17th. The proceeds of this great show benefited PA Dance Vision, Inc and Our Good Friends at The Fine Arts Discovery Series. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz and Theresa (both of the Sherman) were there along with Our Good Friend Arline M. Smeltz to enjoy the performance during the entrancing afternoon. The next show at Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre will be Our Good Friends at The Pocono Lively Arts production of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” taking place June 22nd - 24th. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Artbeat Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Magical Sherman

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented “A Night of Magic” featuring Mark Clark, Mark Mysterrio, and Bill Wisch on Saturday June 16th. Proceeds of the performance benefited the Salvation Army and The Penn Tech Search and Rescue Units. An enthusiastic gathering of children of all ages expressed their delight in the magical experience. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz and Cheryl Yost (all of the Sherman) were there along with Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz and Mark Litchy to enjoy the mystifying event. The next show at Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre will be Our Good Friends at The Pocono Lively Arts production of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” taking place June 22nd - 24th. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Magical Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

June COTA

Our Good Friends at The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) held their monthly meeting to plan their annual festival honoring all areas of the arts especially the lively yet relaxed form of Jazz Music at Our Good Friends at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Tuesday June 12th. The General Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month and all who wish to participate in the great event are welcomed to attend. Volunteers in Security, Stage Crew, Ticket Sales, and other areas are always valued. Our Good Friends Tim Helman and Cyndie Dutkiewicz (who both chaired the meeting), along with Our Good Friends Jill Goodwin, Lauren Chamberlain-Mussner, Jim Wyckoff, Cheryl Joubert, Cheryl Reed, and Christine Trembly (Board Members of COTA) were among those who attended. Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz, David Coulter, Bill Goodwin, and Garth Woods along with Bob and Jamie Garner were also present. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Celebration of the Arts at 570-424-2210 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society COTA Meetings 2007 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

A Gentle Reed at The Gazebo

Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain (PCOM) in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented their summer Gazebo Concert series featuring the sweet and relaxing sounds of Our Good Friends Spencer and Nancy Reed along with Our Good Friend Bill Goodwin on Sunday June 10th. A delighted audience were thoroughly entertained by the memorable tunes that touched their ears and hearts. Our Good Friends Michael Wetmore of Support Your Local poets-Hooray (SYLP-H), Jill Goodwin, Jacqueline Lima, and Arline M. Smeltz were among those who enjoyed the performance. The next concert at Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain will feature The Nelson Hill Band on June 17th at 6pm. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain at 570-992-3934 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society PCOM 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Music Up The Pike (County)

Our Good Friends at The Milford Music Festival in Milford (Pike County), PA held their Fifth Annual Event throughout the area from June 8th until the 10th. It was a wonderful experience especially since it ran in conjunction with the town’s “Art After Dark” event which allows the wonderful art galleries opportunities to share the work of their gifted artists with those who can admire the insightfulness of their work. These Mecas to the visual arts included Our Good Friends at The Artery, The Highland Photography Guild, Pike Modern, and The Golden Fish Galleries. The music festival itself presented numerous musicians throughout the town settled upon the porches of many area businesses including Our Good Friend Celeste who performed her very soulful Celtic renderings at The TLC Salon and Spa located along a very enchanting stream. There were also a main stage sharing the musical entertainments of numerous styles including The Alfred James Band and Dave Mason. I met many of Our Good Friends while wandering the streets of Milford and they included Rep. John Siptroth and his wife along with Arline M. Smeltz. I personally look forward to next year’s festival and I hope to be able to share it with you. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Milford Music Festival at 570-296-1339 for more information. You’ll find numberous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Milford Music Festival 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Exploring The Filmmaker

The Cast of Our Good Friends at The Shining Star Productions’ film entitled, “The Filmmaker” met with writer and director Dave Morton to explore the film before the actual production begins. The film features the talents of Michael Demyan as Will Sennet, Don "Charlie" Johnson as Mike, Angel Berlane as Mary, Talya Lockwood as Ashley, Lou Lebron as Jimmy DeMille, Our Good Friend Paul Adam Smeltz (that’s me) as Professor Roberts, Merrill McGuiness as Lauren, Daniel McLaughlin as Grant, Jason Pallay as Gary, Armando Medina as Mr. DeMille, Matthew Davidson as Brad, Raj Shankar as Big Boy, Elly Koening as The Girl on Date, and Our Good Friend Angelo Revilla as The Guy on Date at The Dale Snow Theatre of The Fine Arts Buliding on the Campus of East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, PA on Monday June 4th. The film is a comedy relating to the dreams of a young filmmaker as he encounters the life changing decisions many artists makes when their dreams seem to be in conflict with whatever reality deems more important. We‘re pretty sure. Please visit Our Good Friends at The Shining Star Productions at www.myspace.com/shiningstar_productions for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Filmmaker Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Music Led by A Child

Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented the first of their summer concert series featuring the sweet and relaxing sounds of Bonnie Childs along with Walter Bibinger and Evan Gregor on Sunday June 3rd. A delighted audience were thoroughly entertained by the memorable tunes that touched their ears and hearts. Our Good Friends Michael Wetmore of Support Your Local poets-Hooray (SYLP-H) and Arline M. Smeltz were among those who enjoyed the performance. The next concert at Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain will feature Our Good Friends Spencer and Nancy Reed Sunday June 10th. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain at 570-992-3934 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Music AMJ 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Sherman Century

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Pocono Choral Society’s presentation of “Music for a New Century” featuring works composed during the last seven years on Sunday June 3rd. A small but dedicated crowd showed up to share their enthusiasm for this wonderful art form. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz, Cheryl Yost, and Bill Kelly (all of the Sherman) were there along with Our Good Friend Arline M. Smeltz to enjoy the performance. Our Good Friends Bob Hartman, Linda Ross, Eileen Cox, and Danny Grae were among the very talented singers who lent their voices to the enjoyable afternoon. The next show at Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre will be their Summer Slam ‘07 taking place Friday June 15th. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Music AMJ 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

June on Main

Our Good Friends at The Jacob Stroud Corporation in Stroudsburg, PA held their monthly Evening on Main event on Saturday June 2nd. A great number of visual and performing artists lent their talents to help make the evening a wonderful event for all who come to experience it. A great number of people came to the event and I’ve met up with many of Our Good Friends in the fellowship. They are too many to name here without the risk of forgetting a few. However, I do welcome any of you who would like to share their recollections with me. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Jacob Stroud Corporation at 570-424-9131 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts AMJ 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.