Based on the classic horror tale by Robert Louis Stevenson, Lyric’s latest production “Jekyll and Hyde –The Musical” is a pop-rock adaptation of the story of a young scientist who uses himself as the guinea pig in an experiment to separate the good and evil in man and then proceeds to murder those who called him mad.
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The show has gathered an acquired taste over the years for theatre-goers who enjoy something different and millions of people have acquired that taste so I wasn’t surprised that the musical received a wild response on opening night.
Director Stephen Amati’s very competent mounting of this production is outstanding, the set is an interactive assemblage of wrought iron lacework and gothic arches, rotated and unfolded to various iterations and retains a high level of visual interest throughout.
Excellent costume and lighting design along with some clever special effects give the show a look resembling a Victorian Gothic night out.
A shout out to the brilliant orchestra conducted by award-winning musical director Ian Govan.
In the title role Jekyll/Hyde, Dylan Shalless who co-starred as Judas in last year’s Jesus Christ Superstar really gets in touch with his feelings creating a disturbing transformation between well-meaning doctor and beast, driven solely by dark impulses.
As Hyde, he is terrifying and he morphs dramatically between the two extremes. Frank Wildhorn’s music starts emotionally big and keeps Shalless at that level all night long.
By comparison, the musical's leading lady - Lucy Harris (Megan Scott), is more of a supporting role but she sings some of the score's best songs including the nightclub number, "Bring on the Men” and the tragic, but superb, “Someone like you”.
Playing Dr.Jekyll’s fiancé, Emma is Carmen Morris beautifully cast and brings some generally poignant moments to her performance especially singing “Once upon a Dream”.
She is a vision of purity and her vocals are drop dead gorgeous.
Both ladies are at their very best in the duet “In His Eyes” Jekyll and Hyde moves between tense soliloquies and bustling street scenes with flurries of colour and movement made all the more exciting by the excellent chorus of singers under the direction of Robyn Womersley and Carolyn Bennett and the choreography by the highly talented Katherine Armati.
Together, they create an almighty sound and visual presentation.
Other well-directed characters include Gareth Grainger as Jekyll’s lawyer and best friend John, Carolyn Bennett as Lady Beaconsfield, Linda Ogier as Nellie the lusty woman in charge of the prostitutes at the Red Rat club and bar, Liam Kelly as the owner of the establishment and Matthew Henderson as Simon Stride, in fact, the entire principal cast are worthy of a mention as the show is very much an ensemble success. Well worth a visit but not for children.
When all is concluded, “Jekyll and Hyde-The Musical” leaves you questioning whether man is basically good and compassionate, or if, in truth, it is ‘all a facade’?
Jekyll and Hyde - The Musical
Ballarat Lyric Theatre
Wendouree Centre of Performing Arts
Tuesday through Sunday, March 10th
