The epic struggle between good and evil will come to life on stage as the musical phenomenon, Jekyll & Hyde, commences performances at the intimate Hayes Theatre this weekend.
Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson and featuring a thrilling score of pop rock hits from multi-Grammy and Tony-nominated Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse, Jekyll & Hyde has mesmerised the world over.
Directed by globally acclaimed performer, Hayden Tee, and featuring a spectacular cast of 14 – including 6 actor musicians as the Board of Governors – Jekyll & Hyde will take the audience on an immersive adventure in Hayes’ intimate theatre. Tear up your discharge papers and stay a while because the lunatics are taking over the asylum.
In this captivating new production, set in 1947 London, the Second World War is over, but the battle for our soul rages on inside St Jude’s Military Asylum. The gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, Jekyll and Hyde features the classic songs This is the Moment, In His Eyes, Someone Like You and A New Life.
Critically acclaimed entertainer, Brendan Maclean stars in titular roles of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Joining him to create the infamous and tragic love triangle are Australia’s fastest rising musical theatre star Georgina Hopson as Emma Carew, and New Zealand powerhouse vocalist and actress Brady Peeti as Lucy Harris. In a world first, acclaimed actress Madeleine Jones will play John Utterson, the best friend of the titular main character and narrator of the show, in this traditionally male-cast role.
Commenting on this world-premiere casting, director Hayden Tee (Les Misérables, Matilda) said, “When it came to the role of John Utterson, Madeleine Jones was the best person who auditioned and from her audition it became evident that the agency of shutting down male violence needed to be given to a woman.” Hayden continued, “I’m very pleased composer Frank Wildhorn gave us his blessing and thrilled Madeleine said yes.”
Completing the cast are Melanie Bird (Next to Normal) as Nellie, Mitchell Cox (Grease) Spider/ Bissett & Savage, Luke Leong-Tay (Young Frankenstein) as Bishop of Basingstoke, Rob McDougall (Les Misérables) as Stride/Poole¸ Sarah Murr (Bonnie & Clyde) as Lady Beaconsfield, Mitchell Roberts (Next to Normal) as Proops, Rutene Spooner (Jersey Boys) as Sir Danvers Carew, and Billie Palin (HMS Pinafore) and Matthew Predny (Gypsy) as swings.
Director: Hayden Tee | Musical Supervisor and Orchestrator: Nigel Ubrihien | Musical Director: Chris King, Steven Kramer | Assistant Director & Stage Manager: Daniel Cottier | Choreographer: Siobhan Ginty | Set Designer: Melanie Liertz | Costume Designer: Mason Browne | Lighting Designer: Anthony Pearson | Sound Designer: Paris Daniel | Assistant Stage Manager: Nathan Sandy | Executive Producers: Lisa Campbell and Richard Carroll
Jekyll and Hyde The Musical
Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point
Season: 29 July – 27 August 2022
Information and Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au
Image: Georgina Hopson, Brendan Maclean and Brady Peeti star in Jekyll and Hyde – photo by Phil Erbacher