Witness the Metamorphosis

Lake City Playhouses presentation of Jekyll & Hyde was a pleasant surprise as I have not been an enthusiast of musicals in the past. With a powerful opening act the stage lit up with brilliant set design, spot on vocals, and powerful acting.  The captivating story, accompanied by a fantastic cast kept my interest for the entire two hour performance.  The acoustics of the building allowed for an remarkable score to be heard clearly throughout without the need of any microphones at all. 

It isn’t often you find a show with such a large, seemingly tight knit cast.  The chemistry between Dr. Jekyll\Mr. Hyde and his two love interests was astounding and outwardly apparent.  The dual role of Dr. Jekyll\Mr. Hyde was played very well, with very distinct mannerisms and vocal tones to each, never once removing the suspension of disbelief, an extraordinary job by actor Mike Haynes.   All in all, it was a fantastic show that I would see many times over.

Treat yourself to a full fledged theater production of Jekyll and Hyde directed by Jared Helm at Lake City Playhouse in Coeur D’Alene.   Upon entering the seating area you’ll hear the soft rain of London with a low rumble of thunder.  As a backdrop the silhouette of a London skyline with muted blue light gives the impression of twilight falling.  Flickering lamps and a scientist’s lab of antique beakers set the mood as you find your seat and wait for the magic to begin. 

The authentic wardrobe and detailed antique items scattered throughout each scene carry the audience to another time.  It reminds us that not so long ago medicine to heal the mind was unheard of, the thought of personality altering chemicals were an outrage, blasphemous. It doesn’t often occur to us how far medicine and it’s wide acceptance has progressed now in an age where they are a mainstay of societies daily lives.  It serves as jolting reminder that a mild miscalculation in quantity or content can turn a meek man to a monster.

The score was paramount to the overall mood with melodic disconcerting undertones.  It spans almost the entire performance faultlessly accomplished by the unseen Rita Huber.  The acoustics of the theater allow the music to hauntingly dance and echo about the spectators.

The beginning acts serve to endear one to Dr. Jekyll.  He’s idealistic and tender hearted; driven to cure mankind of its wickedness and his father of mental illness.  It feels as if his close group of friends and love that he’s built will not be shaken by his adversaries. 

Then, what seems like a sweet drama with soft lullabies that would continue on as an almost too lucid enactment is suddenly ruptured with an uncanny upsurge as Mr. Edward Hyde enters the picture.  The reality of the darker side that lurks just below the surface of us all is unleashed.  Countered in his efforts by the Hospital’s board he decides to conquer the endeavor on his own, using himself as the test subject.  We all know it’s coming since we’ve seen it remade a hundred times, but the incredible execution of the transformation by Michael Hynes unsettles deeply.  So believable is he in his duality seamlessly transferring between mild and bestial, that it literally made me flinch a few times.  He’s consummate as both hero and villain; I’ve never seen the like.  I would honestly say the masterpiece of the play was his solo as he wars with himself changing violently between Jekyll and Hyde.

Hyde’s Mistress Lucy Harris who is also the main attraction at the Red Rat played by Emily Bayne also represents a weakness and desire common to human nature; to give in to something sinister and instinctual.  As she suffers the battle between reason and impulse, she feels the danger but is quickened as well as frightened.  Her vocal abilities lit up the stage and awaken a sympathetic sadness in the audience for her misfortune.  She dreams of better things and is in love with both the man and the monster although she doesn’t realize they are one in the same.

Jekyll’s fiancée, Emma, is played masterfully by Amy Schoedel.  Her kindness and understanding for a man driven to make a breakthrough no matter the cost is endearing.  Her mezzo soprano range is impressive and unwavering even in complex trios.  Her performance beautifully represented the strength of love even in the face of utter darkness that overtakes her betrothed.

The dramatic climax and end scene made us all jump in our seats and left us all with a deep impression.

In its entirety the musical was strikingly directed by the intriguing Jared Helm with an extremely well choreographed and synchronized crew.  It was yet another remarkable quality presentation we have come to expect from the wonderful gem of a theater the Lake City Playhouse.

April 29 - May 23

All Thursday to Saturday Curtain Times are 7:30 p.m.
Sunday Matinee Curtain Times are 2 p.m.

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Cast

Directed By: Jared Helm | Musical Director: Emily Bayne | Accompanist: Rita Huber | Stage Manager: Jay Anders | Crew: Mike Steiner

Also starring: Carra Bray, Megan Curran, Angela Dredge, Melina Beschta, Grant Beschta, Desmond Oliver, Shane Brown, Phletha Wynn, Jana Siebrecht.