Music On Stage Explores Relatable Conflicts in 'Jekyll and Hyde'

Palatine's Music on Stage theatre will open its fall run of dramatic musical production, Jekyll and Hyde on Oct. 2. The theatre enters its 54^th season as it delivers the popular adaptation of 19^th century story by Robert Louis Stevenson; music is by Frank Wildhorn, with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.

The show will be performed in Palatine's Cutting Hall for three weekends, ending on Oct. 17^th.

Music on Stage, named appropriately, performs strictly musicals, and runs a production committee comprised of a carefully selected board of directors. The theatre's board operates from a cornucopia of professional backgrounds - from law to acting - but each member harbors an avid appreciation for theater.

Todd Bulmash, Vice Chairman of Marketing, said the board is dedicated to delivering high-level productions, with scripts that engage audiences. Bulmash said, "people go to Music on Stage because they can see well-done productions for less demanding prices."

Given an economy still struggling to find its balance, this aims to offer a boost for Palatine's cultural community.

Music on Stage fosters artistic diversity as it holds open auditions for each of its productions, not only for actors, but also for directors and choreographers. Bulmash, who performed with the company originally as an actor, has been affiliated with Music on Stage for six years. He says he appreciates that new directors are featured with each show because the company can offer audiences a fresh perspective for all productions.

A revolving directorial cast doesn't take away from the theatre's ability to remain family-oriented, however.

"The wonderful thing about Music on Stage, is that it functions like a family," Bulmash said. According to the marketing chairman, actors and directors can walk away after a performance run knowing they're always welcomed back as part of the Music on Stage family.  

The original story of Jekyll and Hyde focuses thematically on a division of distinct personalities. Bulmash said that while it's dramatic, the adapted musical can appeal to anyone new to the world of theater, as well as to theater buffs.

"Hyde" powerfully portrays what happens when one personality trait, be it "good," is taken away from its balance: "evil." People can relate to this split between good and bad judgment because it's a universal conflict, Bulmash said. Favorite song selections, such as "The Moment," and "Someone Like You," allow audiences further into the minds of characters, contributing to the performance's overall impact.

Ostensibly, mixing a family-friendly cast with relatable story threads would bode well for Music on Stage's success with Jekyll and Hyde. Experience the division between good and evil at 150 E. Wood St. Resident musical director: Ann Stewart; directed by Kevin Wiczer; choreography by Kara Williams. Ticket information is available at http://www.musiconstage.org/index.html.