Woodminster’s “Jekyll & Hyde” Lights Up The Stars!
By Jan Miller
Summer is here, and nothing can be finer than attending performances at this year’s Woodminster Summer Musicals in the hills of Oakland, CA. The season kicks off with an outstanding musical production of “Jekyll & Hyde”, currently performing through June 21. While a musical production, it still performs as a gripping tale based on the novella by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Taking place in the late 1880’s in Victorian London, Dr. Henry Jekyll believes he has devised a potion that will chemically separate human good and evil. However, when the Board of Governors denies him permission to test it on other human subjects, he is disappointed, so instead, he elects to experiment on himself. He then shows up at an engagement event with his Fiance, Emma. Following this event, an inebriated Jekyll then decides to wander off to a seedy bar, where he encounters a prostitute, Lucy, who encourages their friendship. Jekyll then returns to his lab determined to use himself as a test subject, and downs the chemical potion he concocted himself, thus releasing his evil alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde.
The second act focuses on Jekyll becoming Hyde, who goes to the dark side on a killing rampage. Hyde then lapses back to Jekyll, then back and forth again. Realizing the dangers of his work, Jekyll tries to reverse the course of his experiments up until the show’s final scene
The “Jekyll & Hyde” cast is extremely talented, led by Michael Parrott (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), whose vocal talents are extraordinary, and that alone is worth the price of admission. Still, his acting talents are equally extraordinary he transitions from a formal gentleman as Dr. Jekyll to a killing menace as Mr. Hyde.
Brianne Moore (making her Woodminster Summer Musicals’ debut), as Dr. Jekyll’s finance, Emma Carew, is equally outstanding.
While the entire ensemble is excellent, special kudos go to the following multi-talented performers, many of whom perform multiple roles: Elie Kulppermann (as Lucy Harris, who offers some of the productions’ most emotional moments); Benjamin Pierson, as Lord Savage, who shows great energy, as well as Tony Howard (Gabriel John Utterson), Juliet Heiler (Lady Beaconsfield), etc. all have great energy and charisma. The Red Rat Dancers (Jenna Brandt, Rebecca Davis, Seana Nicol, and Ashton Taylor) also add some spice to the performance.
Special accolades also go out to scenic designer Joel Schlader as the various sets offer a true resemblance to times of old, especially with a rotating center stage with two levels, which offers instant set transitions. At the same time, the varied sets allow for multiple points of entrance and exits for the cast.
The choreography (Sarah Pon), lighting (Riley Richardson), costumes (Jody Jaron), hair and make-up (Jen Brooks and Ashley Garlick) each add flair to the convincing theme of the production.
Finally, conductor Rick Reynolds and glorious orchestra is, indeed, superb!
The stage is set. The cast is ready. There’s no better way to celebrate the start of the summer than treating yourself to a magical evening under the stars in the Oakland hills. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Woodminster’s production of “Jekyll & Hyde”. It’s a grand stage show that you definitely will not want to miss!
Other Woodminster Summer Musicals that you won’t want to miss include “Carousel” (July 10-12, 16-19), “The Full Monty” (August 7-9, 13-16), and “Rumors” (August 28-30). For tickets or more information please visit www.woodminster.com.
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Photo caption: The audience emphatically applauds the performance of the cast of Woodminster Summer Musicals’ production of “Jekyll & Hyde”.