Idle Muse Theatre presents the World Premiere of THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE.
Playwright Michael Dalberg reimagines and expands on the familiar story of a mild-mannered doctor transforming into a raging monster. Dalberg’s tale has all the same characters. Yet, in this version, Dr. Jekyll (played by an impressive Brandi Jiminez Lee) is a woman and the daughter of the deceased physician. Following in her father’s footsteps, the younger Jekyll continues exploration into the dark psyche of the human spirit. Her Mr. Hyde (played by a wickedly disturbing Jack Sharkey) is conjured up out of oppressive Victorian mores. Dahlberg cleverly turns multiple taboos into triggers. When Jekyll unleashes her anger, her lust, her paranoia, Hyde appears to push her over the edge into madness.
Director Morgan Manasa paces this show perfectly… especially for a whodunit. The show engages immediately with the music. Sound/Music Designer L.J. Luthringer creates a sexy-sinister melody that both sets the tone for forbidden acts and aids the scene transitions. The cracker-jack ensemble tether the audience to the strange happenings at Dr. Jekyll’s place. The show opens with cousins, Shane Richlen (John) and Ian Saderholm (Richard), discussing a hook-up. An agitated Sharkey disrupts their conversation. His abrupt actions spark curiosity for Richlen, Saderholm and the audience. The story begins to unravel as strands of information are disclosed.
Since Dahlberg has penned a sophisticated English play, Manasa doesn’t dump the puzzle pieces in a pile. She elegantly lays them out. A proper Lee downplays Richlen’s concern over a patient. Richlen intellectually spars with Joel Thompson (Hastie). These formal interactions dramatically change with the provocative appearance of Sharkey. Hyde doesn’t hide! (nod out to Dahlberg’s word puns). An outstanding Sharkey is audacious. He continually crosses the lines between seductive flirt, aggressive creep and savage killer. Every time the demure Lee is onstage, there is tension watching and waiting for Sharkey to pounce. Whether Lee is making out with her boyfriend or reprimanding a colleague, Sharkey’s arrival is unsettling.
THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE is a mystery to be experienced. Dahlberg’s ‘monster’ created by societal suppression, Manasa’s tight and intriguing orchestration and a committed ensemble chasing the truth in the darkness all work together for masterful storytelling.
Running Time: Two hours includes an intermission
The Edge Off-Broadway Theater, 1133 W. Catalpa
Based on the Gothic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson
Adapted by Michael Dalberg
Directed by Morgan Manasa
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
Sundays at 3pm
Thru October 23rd
For more information or tickets
Photography by Steven Townshend, Distant Era
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