By Sheila Barth
BOX INFO: Two-act Broadway Gothic musical thriller, book by Leslie Bricusse, music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Bricusse, Wildhorn and Steve Cuden, appearing at Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre62 Dunham Road, Beverly through Oct.7: Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday matinees, 2 pm. $59-$84. 978-232-7200, nsmt.org.
North Shore Music Theatre’s powerful production of the musical horror drama, “Jekyll and Hyde,” loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 classic mystery-horror novella, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is far more moving, and sensational on stage than in print or movie adaptations. And this is the time for families to see and experience it- pre-Halloween – when witches, goblins, monsters and evil-doers roam the streets.
Robert Cuccioli, who originally portrayed Jekyll/Hyde on Broadway in 1997, directs this terrific cast in this hair-raising, powerful production that’s laden with jaw-dropping stage effects. Scenic-lighting designer Jack Mehler’s blood-red lighting at times highlight Jekyll’s stirring transformation, from gentlemanly Jekyll to monstrous Hyde, and during Hyde’s terrifying killing spree. Cuccioli makes sure that the theatergoers’ attention is transfixed throughout the play. The actors, garbed in splendid 19th century costumes, parade up and down the aisles, standing near theatergoers, and making eye contact. The actors emerge seemingly from everywhere – below the stage center, on platforms above and nearby, and on a descending-ascending stairway on stage.
Daryl Bornstein’s battery of sound effects and explosions, along with fiery stage effects, punctuate the terror bristling in 19th century London’s streets, and music conductor Milton Granger and his marvelous musicians accentuate horrific as well as also tender love scenes.
Constantine Maroulis, who performed brilliantly in NSMT’s production of “Evita” last season, starred in this show’s national tour of and the 2013 Broadway revival. He delivers a magnificent, potent performance as Jekyll/Hyde. His voice soars in solos, “Lost in the Darkness,” “I Need to Know,” ”This is the Moment,” and “Streak of Madness,” and captivates in the song, “Transformation,” as he becomes Hyde.
Broadway veteran and American Idol finalist Diana DeGarmo also delivers a stirring performance, reprising her national touring role as Lucy Harris, the poor, abused performer-prostitute from Camden Town, the seedy side of London. DeGarmo is seductive and sensuous in her cabaret number, “Bring on the Men,” and touching in songs, “Sympathy, Tenderness,” and her hope for “A New Life”.
After a stirring ensemble opening, London lawyer Gabriel John Utterson (Tom Galantich), friend and adviser to Jekyll, narrates the tale. Henry Jekyll, whose brilliant father went mad, has one main goal. He believes his father’s evil side overtook his soul, and believes that by proving man inherently has two sides, good and evil, he can perhaps eradicate evil from the world by injecting evil-doers with his serum. But he needs a human guinea pig, and the hospital board of governors, whose well-heeled members he considers hypocritical, refuses to grant permission for his highly controversial experiment.
In his locked laboratory, replete with scientific beakers containing potions and serums, Jekyll injects himself with his potion, unleashing his evil side, metamorphosing into a murderous monster, Edward Hyde, who savagely beats and stabs victims to death. Jekyll is engaged to the beautiful Emma Carew (a wonderful Tess Primack), but her father, Sir Danvers Carew (Jim Brochu), worries about her upcoming marriage to the headstrong, resolute Jekyll. But Emma loves Henry and believes in him, despite warnings.
Jekyll’s devoted butler, Poole, is concerned, too. He tells Utterson Jekyll has secluded himself for weeks, and he has heard terrible sounds coming from the laboratory. As time passes, Jekyll can’t control his inner demon. Maroulis drew gasps from the awe-stricken audience, during Jekyll’s final struggle between Jekyll and Hyde, earning him thunderous applause in his solo, “Confrontation.” But the ending is even more startling. Come and see for yourself, but it closes next weekend.
