Jekyll and Hyde The Musical

Fans of Jekyll and Hyde The Musical have had their fair share of disappointments in recent times with no less than three professional productions failing to get to the stage - the latest being Opera Australia's proposed season starring Teddy Tahu  Rhodes and Jemma Rix.

So the work with the timeless classic songs "This is the moment" and "Someone like you" is back on the community theatre circuit.  Opera Australia and John Frost "postponed" the production in 2015 because of poor ticket sales but also cited dissatisfaction with the latest script.

There might be something to the weaknesses in the script as the first 40 minutes of the musical are a little on the slow side. Dr Jekyll's application for support for his experiment to divide good from evil is rejected by hospital staff then it takes a good 40 minutes before the real drama begins.

The Manly Musical Society used a modern looking set rather than a historical set piece. On stage was raw metal scaffolding and steps raised above a green wall that was the back drop of Dr Jekyll's laboratory. The company would have been better to dress this set more in tune with the period.  

The role of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a mountainous one. Another community theatre production I saw had two men playing the dual role.  Antony Warlow, who sung the title song on the original album, has balked at performing on stage in this role.

At Manly whilst the very top notes were a slight stretch for Stuart Oliver, he warmed to the part and seemed to get stronger as the night wore on. He was a formidable villain.

The leading lady was Georgia Ellis as Lucy Harris, the lady of the night who tempts Mr Hyde. Her performance was passionate and thrilling. 

A tight and disciplined chorus and band provided ballast to the production. Manly staged a gritty and compelling performance which is well worth a look.

David Spicer