Rebuffed by the hypocritical power brokers, Jekyll turns his experiments on himself, and his lofty goals unleash his inner evil. Kameron Going as Jekyll/Hyde is an impressive new voice at RWT. Travis Williams is back as Jekyll’s friend John Utterson, and his voice gets better with every show. Kelly Lofton shines as the pure and noble Emma, and we fear for Sally Hecksel, the not so pure, but equally sincere lady of questionable repute who looks to Jekyll to save her.
Kudos to director/set designer, Tom Ferris, for his simple but elegant set of three scrim panels, finished to suggest the 1895 period, and choreographed to be versatile characters in the show, creating not only places but also experiences coordinated with dramatic lighting by James B. Brunk III. Stage Manager Rita Deibler managed a team of set movers dressed as street people, so they blended into the scenes. All the costumes were impressive and communicated the different social strata. (Ashley Hampton managed a team of costume helpers.) Fancy hairdos by Laura Croff, too.
The show is probably PG 13, as there is some brothel biz… and, of course, the murders, all tasteful, but probably not what you want to bring young kids to. The next musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in January, promises to be the bright antidote to this beautifully dark show.
Jekyll & Hyde continues through September 16 - Center section was full on opening night, so make your reservations soon.
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http://www.riverwalktheatre.com