Jekyll and Hyde Makes Awaited Debut at KAT

Kensington Arts Theatre is bringing Jekyll and Hyde to the town Armory. The play is based on the novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson, but the musical was adapted by Leslie Bricusse and given a fresh plotline.

Jekyll & Hyde is a play about a brilliant doctor who creates a “split personality.” Dr. Henry Jekyll believes that he can cure his father’s mental illness by separating his good and evil. He unwittingly unleashes his own dark side, and wreaks havoc in the streets of late 19-century London as the savage, maniacal Edward Hyde.

When Artistic Director Craig Pettinati approached Darnell Morris about directing a production with KAT, they discussed several options but kept revisiting one: Jekyll and Hyde.

“The piece was bold and thought-provoking,” said Morris, director of the play. “Jekyll and Hyde is a show that I have been drawn to since I first heard the soundtrack at age 11."

After many calls and e-mails, they decided now was the time to bring the production to KAT and held auditions in early February.

“We were fortunately able to put together a production team that was dedicated to bring this period piece to life,” Brown said. “This production has a modern, edgy feel that will appeal to our audience. We have assembled one of the most gorgeous orchestras I have heard play on KAT’s stage.”

Playing the part of both Jekyll and Hyde is Ryan Burke, who was last seen in KAT’s of this year.

The musical production of Jekyll and Hyde premieres Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m., with performances through May 28. For a complete list of performances and more information, visit KAT online.