"Jekyll & Hyde" Takes the Ultra-Goth Route, But Needs a Modern Revamp
Kokandy Productions' 1990 musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novella is an unapologetic spectacle that commits wholeheartedly to its ultra-goth bodice-ripping monster mash genre. Director Derek Van Barham brings this lurid tale to life with a passion for pyrotechnic vocals, lavish orchestras, and garish set design.
The story itself may lack a hero, but the musical more than makes up for it in sheer spectacle. At its core is Dr. Henry Jekyll (David Moreland), a megalomaniac who believes he can create a chemical procedure to excise humanity's darker impulses. The plot hinges on his discovery and the ensuing chaos that ensues when his "evil" alter ego, Edward Hyde, emerges.
While some aspects of Stevenson's original novella are admirable in their ambition, others remain dated. Jekyll's idea of playing god through science feels more like a mid-19th-century fantasy than a viable solution to humanity's problems. However, Moreland shines as Jekyll, delivering a show-stopping performance in "This is the Moment" that is both heart-pounding and emotionally resonant.
Ava Lane Stovall, as Lucy Harris, brings her own brand of seductive charm to the role, channeling everything from Pan to Aphrodite in an electrifying burlesque romp. Emily McCormick, as Jekyll's fiancée Emma Carew, delivers a clarion soprano that fills the stage with emotion in "Once Upon a Dream."
Kevin Webb shines as Gabriel Utterson, Jekyll's best friend and confidant, bringing a dapper gent's panache to the role. Costume designer Rachel Sypniewski deserves credit for crafting looks that are both period-perfect and visually striking.
Van Barham's direction is unapologetically over-the-top, transforming "Jekyll & Hyde" into a nightmarish wonderland with Syd Genco's makeup design and G. “Max” Maxin IV's lighting. Brenda Didier's choreography is equally prolific and diverse, ranging from ghostly waltzes to seductive dance numbers that feel more like they belong in a 1970s disco.
Despite its commitment to the ultra-goth genre, "Jekyll & Hyde" could benefit from a modern reboot. The story remains tied to problematic attitudes towards science, morality, and humanity's darker impulses. However, with Kokandy Productions' spectacular production, even this dated material can be made compelling again.
Ultimately, "Jekyll & Hyde" is an unapologetic spectacle that prioritizes pyrotechnic performances and lavish set design over nuanced storytelling. While it may not be the most accessible or thought-provoking adaptation of Stevenson's novella, its sheer energy and spectacle make it a must-see for fans of the genre.
Kokandy Productions' 1990 musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novella is an unapologetic spectacle that commits wholeheartedly to its ultra-goth bodice-ripping monster mash genre. Director Derek Van Barham brings this lurid tale to life with a passion for pyrotechnic vocals, lavish orchestras, and garish set design.
The story itself may lack a hero, but the musical more than makes up for it in sheer spectacle. At its core is Dr. Henry Jekyll (David Moreland), a megalomaniac who believes he can create a chemical procedure to excise humanity's darker impulses. The plot hinges on his discovery and the ensuing chaos that ensues when his "evil" alter ego, Edward Hyde, emerges.
While some aspects of Stevenson's original novella are admirable in their ambition, others remain dated. Jekyll's idea of playing god through science feels more like a mid-19th-century fantasy than a viable solution to humanity's problems. However, Moreland shines as Jekyll, delivering a show-stopping performance in "This is the Moment" that is both heart-pounding and emotionally resonant.
Ava Lane Stovall, as Lucy Harris, brings her own brand of seductive charm to the role, channeling everything from Pan to Aphrodite in an electrifying burlesque romp. Emily McCormick, as Jekyll's fiancée Emma Carew, delivers a clarion soprano that fills the stage with emotion in "Once Upon a Dream."
Kevin Webb shines as Gabriel Utterson, Jekyll's best friend and confidant, bringing a dapper gent's panache to the role. Costume designer Rachel Sypniewski deserves credit for crafting looks that are both period-perfect and visually striking.
Van Barham's direction is unapologetically over-the-top, transforming "Jekyll & Hyde" into a nightmarish wonderland with Syd Genco's makeup design and G. “Max” Maxin IV's lighting. Brenda Didier's choreography is equally prolific and diverse, ranging from ghostly waltzes to seductive dance numbers that feel more like they belong in a 1970s disco.
Despite its commitment to the ultra-goth genre, "Jekyll & Hyde" could benefit from a modern reboot. The story remains tied to problematic attitudes towards science, morality, and humanity's darker impulses. However, with Kokandy Productions' spectacular production, even this dated material can be made compelling again.
Ultimately, "Jekyll & Hyde" is an unapologetic spectacle that prioritizes pyrotechnic performances and lavish set design over nuanced storytelling. While it may not be the most accessible or thought-provoking adaptation of Stevenson's novella, its sheer energy and spectacle make it a must-see for fans of the genre.
i mean, dr jekyll & hyde is like so old already 
but i guess it's not bad if u like that kinda thing... pyrotechnic vocals are kinda lit 
but the storyline is super weird... like what's up with jekyll trying to play god and stuff? 
and why do ppl still think science can solve all life's problems? 
but overall it's just a bunch of noise with no real depth or anything 
, but I gotta say, it feels like they're still stuck in the past 
. But hey, at least they're bringing their A-game with all the pyrotechnics and spectacle 
! David Moreland is giving me LIFE as Dr. Jekyll 
, and Ava Lane Stovall is serving looks as Lucy Harris 
. Let's just say I need a modern reboot to make this tale feel more relevant and less like a relic of the past 
It's like they took all the drama and passion of the original story and turned it up to 11 
, and Ava Lane Stovall as Lucy Harris brings that sultry vibe 
But honestly, I'm not sure how much more of this ultra-goth goodness I can handle 
The set design is insane and Brenda Didier's choreography is on point 
Overall, it's a wild ride that's hard to look away from 
. David Moreland shined as Jekyll, and Ava Lane Stovall brought that sassy vibe to Lucy Harris 
. But what really got me was how they pushed the boundaries of the original story 
. I mean, it's still a bit problematic with all that science-y business 
, but who cares when you've got pyrotechnic vocals and lavish orchestras 
? It's like, bring on the spectacle 
. Can we get a modern reboot that still delivers on the energy and spectacle, but maybe tackles those problematic bits in a new way? That'd be 
!
and Ava Lane Stovall's seductive charm as Lucy Harris is giving me LIFE 
it feels so tied to problematic attitudes towards science and humanity, but at the same time, Kokandy Productions is making it look SO GOOD that even I'm not complaining lol. anyway, gotta see this production ASAP!!! 
the latest ultra-goth musical is all about spectacle over substance... sounds like they're relying too much on pyrotechnics to carry the show 
. I mean, who needs nuanced storytelling when you can just have lots of loud music and flashy lights? 
... they're all about the spectacle, you know? And yeah, Kokandy Productions really went all out with the sets and makeup 
".
i mean, let's be real, jekyll's whole "playing god" thing is super problematic by today's standards 
like, can't he just talk to his therapist or something? 
) and ava lane stovall brings a seductive vibe to lucy harris that's just pure magic 
emily mccormick's vocals are also on point 
but overall, i think this adaptation needs a bit of a refresh to make it more relatable to today's audiences 
. David Moreland's performance as Dr. Henry Jekyll is top-notch, I mean that song "This is the Moment" though? Chills every time 
.
. And can we talk about how they could've taken it in a more modern direction? But hey, at least Kokandy Productions is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in a stage production.
. If they could just tweak that narrative a bit to make it more relatable to today's audience... but overall, I'm here for the spectacle 
. I mean, Ava Lane Stovall's Lucy Harris is serving up some serious seductive charm 
.
meanwhile, ava lane stovall as lucy harris is all over the place 
maybe make jekyll's idea of playing god a bit more nuanced or something 
We need some modern twists to make it more relatable to today's audiences. And don't even get me started on the costumes - they're so on point