Re(View): Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde ~ Ensemble Stage
Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of horror comes alive with comedy in Ensemble Stage’s production of Burt Grinstead & Anna Stromburg’s two-person adaptation. Scott Wilson co-stars as the famous scientist-turned-murderer and Laura Hodos picks up the other 15 characters, both in a masterful performance that displays skill, strength, and a great deal of theatrical magic.
Both Hodos and Wilson are crowd favorites of this small professional theatre company tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and this play clearly shows why. The energy with which they perform makes the audience feel surprised that the end has arrived. Although the performance is just over an hour and a half, the 26 scenes are fast-paced to the point that I feel left wanting more in the best of ways. I am very lucky to work with this company, and I have witnessed their performances many times. Each time there is something new snuck in that makes me burst into laughter.
What I like most about this production is its dual overtones, which transcend beyond the “two” main characters (played by Wilson). The healthy dose of comedy throughout makes the moments of horror shine through. Most especially, Mr. Hyde’s teeth terrify me to my core (I’m pretty sure I’ve had nightmares about those teeth all week), yet I can’t look away when he’s on stage. The amount of red hidden around the set lends an eerie atmosphere that is unsettling from the start.
“Well, the theatre is no place to be entertained, Utterson. You know that……I should cut that joke from my proposal….” - Dr. Jekyll
Hodos plays 15 characters, which from an acting perspective is terrifying, and she rises to the occasion with each character feeling distinct and exciting with every costume change. In one scene, she transforms into 4 characters onstage, sharing conversations between them and with Dr. Jekyll. It’s the sort of role that demands greatness from the performer, and Hodos is powerful in the manner of the great comediennes of ages past. My favorite part of her performance is when her characters realize they’ve just made a joke (which happens quite a bit). The joy she radiates into the house is contagious. As she put it recently: there are not many roles like this specifically for women. Of course, many roles could be played by an actor of any gender, but most are written with a man in mind. Her performance in this play makes me beg for more opportunities like this written for her, specifically, and for other great women performers in the world.
Wilson’s performance as both Jekyll and Hyde pairs perfectly with Hodos. His two characters are so different that I find myself wondering if they’ve snuck a third actor onstage. His sleight of hand with voices and expressions makes each shift between the good and evil shocking and thrilling (not to mention changing teeth in the middle of a line). His Jekyll makes me feel hopeful that he can solve the problem of temptation. At the same time, Hyde brings out my rebellious side like watching a heel wrestler you can’t help but love. I want to start a chant and cheer when he breaks a child’s leg! Other actors would struggle to evoke such strong emotions in audiences, but Wilson does this in a way that seems only natural.
This production of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde opens tonight, June 16 at 7:30 PM. You have 2 weekends plus a performance Tuesday evening (June 20). If you don’t see this show, you will have missed an excellent performance. If you knew what you’d miss (and now you do), you’d be mad at yourself for not going (sorry I don’t make these rules).
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde runs June 16-25 at Ensemble Stage, in Banner Elk, NC.
The artistic team for the production is: Director Gary Smith, Production Manager Lisa Lamont, Set Designer Michael Helms, Costume Designer Sue Williams, Lighting Designer John Marty, Stage Manager Nicole Pehan, Technical Director Yours Truly (wink wink).
See you there? Tickets here: Ensemble Stage on Tix
PS: You also have the opportunity for a bonus round of Hodos as she performs Back to Broadway, a cabaret concert to benefit the theatre. Wilson will join me onstage in the second show of our season, City of Dreadful Night.
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