The Fourth Walsh

Broadway in Chicago presents Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed JEKYLL & HYDE.

Henry Jekyll is curious about the psyche. He wants to determine the line between morality and derangement. When the Board of Governors shut down his request for research subjects, Jekyll decides to experiment on himself. When he ingests chemicals, he unleashes his inner Edward Hyde. While Dr. Jekyll is torn between his respectable fiancee and his friendship with a prostitute, Mr. Hyde knows exactly what he wants… revenge, blood and domination.

Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson, the creative team of Steve Cruden (story), Frank Wildhorn (story and music) and Leslie Bricusse (book and lyrics) debuted their gothic musical in 1990 followed by a 1997 Broadway run. Kokandy Productions presented their Jeff Award-winning production last year under the leadership of Derek Van Barham (Director), Nick Sula (Music Director) and Brenda Didier (Choreographer). The 2025 Non-Equity Jeff Award Musical has returned to stage, featuring original cast members.

Van Barham delivers a directorial tour de force. Along with Sula and Didier, Van Barham creates a visually arresting emotional whirlwind. In the lead, David Moreland (Jekyll/Hyde) mesmerizes. He transforms from posh gentleman to surly lunatic with a jerk of his hand, a tussle of his hair, a change of accent and a seizure-like attack on his body. The transfiguration happens repeatedly and sometimes during a song. We always know when the creepy Hyde is in the room. Moreland gives a herculean performance, physically and vocally that garnered him the 2025 Jeff Award for performance.

Also receiving 2025 Jeff Awards for performance, Ava Lane Stovall (Lucy) and Emily McCormick (Emma) are individually distinct and collectively harmonious. In many ways, this musical is more like a concert. Every song receives show-stopping applause and even standing ovations, Stovall and McCormick are the impetus for the well-deserved admiration. The diva-licous Stovall has fun with this role. She leads the ensemble in a hilariously bawdy “Bring on the Men” kicking up her heals and shaking her ta-tas. In her multiple solos like “Someone like You’ and ‘A New Life’, her voice is breathtakingly beautiful and emotionally piercing.

Stovall and McCormick duet in a searing and memorable “In His Eyes.” Although the lovely McCormick shows spunk telling off a socialite criticizing her fiancee, her role is trusting girlfriend to the guarded Moreland. Her luminous voice soars with aching vulnerability in “Once Upon a Dream.” The entire ensemble is phenomenally dynamic. They are in constant motion moving between virtue and risqué. A couple standouts, the nimble Quinn Simmons and sinister Quinn Kelch establish presence in all the chaos. And nod out to the hilarious Jon Parker Johnson as the wedding celebrant.    

This show is a designers’ showcase. Sotirios Livaditis, U.S.A. (scenic) sets the stage with a rustic, wooden frame. Rachel Sypniewski (costume) fills it with sophisticated buttoned-up brocade and seedy fishnet. Keith Ryan (hair and wig) and Syd Genco (make-up) punctuate it with color and style. And G “Max” Maxin IV (lighting) and Matt Reich (sound) conspire to create the vibe for escalating dread.    

JEKYLL & HYDE is fantastic! The high caliber of the performances and this production rivals and often exceeds visiting Broadway touring companies. What makes it extraordinary is Kokandy Productions is a non-Equity theatre company. For non-theatre folks that means, this cast and crew have day jobs. For Chicagoans this means, this cast and crew are our neighbors. Just in time for Halloween, Kokandy’s JEKYLL & HYDE, returns for a Chicago treat. We have gotten a second chance to experience this sensational production. Don’t be tricked into missing it!

Running Time: Two hours and thirty-five minutes includes an intermission

Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut

Based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson

Conceived for the stage by Steve Cruden and Frank Wildhorn

Book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse

Music by Frank Wildhorn

Directed by Derek Van Barham

Music direction by Nick Sula

Choreography by Brenda Didier

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7pm

Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm

Sundays at 1pm and 6:30pm

November 8

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Amy Boyle Photography

For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago