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.