The dark irony of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical has been not only preserved but greatly amplified in the presentation by the L.A. Pierce College Theatre Arts Department, a chilling rendition that carries the viewer through Dr. Henry Jekyll’s ill-fated yet impassioned hunt for a method to isolate – and ultimately eliminate – evil from the human nature.
Originally conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn, the musical was directed by Gene Putnam, chair of the theater arts department.
The San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Domine, powerfully accompanied each scene throughout the varying stages of Jekyll’s (Geoffrey Going) controversial experiment and the aftermath it results in for those surrounding him, including his fiancé, his closest friend and the aristocratic board of governors of St. Jude’s Hospital.
A stellar vocal prologue by Going nodded the musical past the first rite of passage and instilled an eagerness to hear the rest of the performances. The contrasting natures of songs such as the lighthearted “Bring on the Men” and the minor-toned “Murder, Murder” did not disappoint.
Tasteful casting proved to be strongest where it counted the most, as some of the best singing and synergy took place between the lead roles of Jekyll, his fiancé Emma Carew (Debbie Kagy, but also played by Kristina Reyes, depending on the night) and the prostitute Lucy Harris (Cynthia Stults, alternatively Lauren Santos).
Gloomy set design and selective lighting submerged the Performing Arts Mainstage into a brooding and foreshadowing fog which imbued morbidity even into the few lighthearted scenes the musical had to offer.
Costumes ranging from black cloaks and hats to corsets and lace helped the cast stay true to their Victorian identities, despite some sporadic and rare personality flaws in supporting roles. Special effects such as fog and explosions were utilized minimally, allowing them to achieve dramatic results when appropriate.
The climactic scenes were spared no detail by Going or the rest of the cast as the battle between Hyde’s beastly evil and Jekyll’s well-intended zeal ripped and raged into the very core of the human essence, allowing the audience to truly witness the “fine line between a good man and a bad.”
The July 18 opening of the musical drew crowds that persisted throughout the weekend and the last available showing dates are tomorrow at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for students and seniors and $25 for general admission. More information is available by calling 818-719-6488.
Dr. Henry Jekyll (Geoffrey Going) fails to suppress the personality of his chemically-empowered evil nature, which manifests itself in the character of Edward Hyde. (Yvonne K. Kleiman)