Artistry Community Theatre and the Strand Center for the Arts will present the North County premiere of the musical production Jekyll & Hyde this week at the historic Strand Center Theatre in Plattsburgh.
The musical had its Broadway debut in 1997. It is loosely based on the 1886 novella The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. The music is composed by Frank Wildhorn, who wrote the lyrics with Leslie Bricusse and Steve Cuden. Bricusse’s lyrics can also be heard the title song to the James Bond film Goldfinger, and in the many delicious numbers from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
In the story, a devoted man of science, Dr. Henry Jekyll, is driven to find a chemical breakthrough that can solve some of mankind’s most challenging medical dilemmas. Rebuffed by the powers that be, he decides to make himself the subject of his own experimental treatments, accidentally unleashing his inner demons along with the man that the world would come to know as Mr. Hyde.
“I am so excited to work on a show that has not been done in this area,” states music director Kathleen Kokes. “It has offered me an opportunity to work with fresh music, fresh characters, and fresh ideas. Working with this blank slate has been challenging and energizing.”
Kokes adds, “Even though the story was first introduced in the late 1800’s, the themes and conflicts are relevant today. A person’s struggle to do what is right; choosing between good and evil; and then realizing that “good” is not always obvious, are as prevalent in the show as they are in today’s news. I love how the music has been deliberately composed and orchestrated to reflect the struggle that the character is going through at that moment. People need to come out to see this one…they may not get another chance in this area for quite a while.”
“It’s taken me 30-years to get to this moment,” states director, Derrick A. Hopkins. “The score: it’s simply to die for! It transcended the Broadway songbook and onto the pop charts. This fabulous score, attached to this story of a man who is so conflicted by family lineage, the expectations of society, his love, and of himself, he breaks his soul in two in an attempt to find the answers that he desperately seeks. Audiences are in for a real treat. We have assembled a stellar cast, crew, team of directors, musicians, and volunteers. Their work and meticulous attention to detail will leave audiences spellbound. Fabulous music, a show not seen in this area, and an innovative interpretation to a classic story is a great way to spend a few hours. It will be the greatest moment of them all!”
All performances will be held at the historic Strand Theatre at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh, NY. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.