Jekyll & Hyde
Mon, 13 June 2005, 09:27 pmWalter Plinge18 posts in thread
Jekyll & Hyde
Mon, 13 June 2005, 09:27 pmI attended a performance of Jekyll & Hyde at the Limelight Theatre on Sat. 11th June with a little tripidation as it is one of my favourites. This was the first time in WA I believe so I was keen to see the outcome.
I was pleasantly surprised and although I can be a little picky, overall most enjoyable. Plus as a relatively unknown musical to most, unless into theatre circles, I saw that the audience enjoy the evening too.
The role of Jekyll was played by David Dockery, he was cast wonderfully not only did he have the look but a voice to go with it. I noticed in the first act he seemed a little stilted in his movements going to where he was 'supposed' to be in an obvious way and none to naturally. However in the second act he seem to have settled into his comfort zone. His voice made up for any picky things I saw.
Mr Hyde played by Ryan Taaffe was a sinister character but at times too sinister in the fact that it was difficult to understand him as it was for the people sitting next to me. Underneath his raged voice I felt that he to had a very decent vocal ability. However I do hope he does not loose his voice due to a bit overdoing the roughness. Once again in the second act he was more understandable.
Nicole, Dr Jekll's fiancee Emma Carew presented a decent part. At times the breaking point in her voice went pop like but overall was nice, her solo 's were good.
The mistress played by Sonni Byrne cast wonderfully also! stole the show! she is in excellent voice, very comfortable on stage and moving in her solos. Can someone grab this young lady and give her a pro go!
I would have liked more depth to the chorus musically although they presented well I felt the needed more omf! Too many higher range voices? Prostitutes beware of the close scenes at the front of the stage a little more is showing than you thought! The elderly lady beside me almost fainted!!!!
Board of Governors you came across just like a board I can imagine from that era! There was a few problems with mic's on the night but we got the gist of it.
All supporting actors you did a great job, worth a metion David Nelson, David Goodall you like just like a Bishop!
Scenery was minamal and effective however I did feel the lighting on faces could have come up somewhat. I know you were looking for effect and to a certain extent it worked. Call me old fashioned but we are used to cues with lighting and seeing faces, I felt too much in the dark.
Orchestra was great and the Musical Director Lyn Brown did a wonderful job as did Director Robert Benson-Parry. Good on the Limelight for taking this on it is well worth a look.
I was pleasantly surprised and although I can be a little picky, overall most enjoyable. Plus as a relatively unknown musical to most, unless into theatre circles, I saw that the audience enjoy the evening too.
The role of Jekyll was played by David Dockery, he was cast wonderfully not only did he have the look but a voice to go with it. I noticed in the first act he seemed a little stilted in his movements going to where he was 'supposed' to be in an obvious way and none to naturally. However in the second act he seem to have settled into his comfort zone. His voice made up for any picky things I saw.
Mr Hyde played by Ryan Taaffe was a sinister character but at times too sinister in the fact that it was difficult to understand him as it was for the people sitting next to me. Underneath his raged voice I felt that he to had a very decent vocal ability. However I do hope he does not loose his voice due to a bit overdoing the roughness. Once again in the second act he was more understandable.
Nicole, Dr Jekll's fiancee Emma Carew presented a decent part. At times the breaking point in her voice went pop like but overall was nice, her solo 's were good.
The mistress played by Sonni Byrne cast wonderfully also! stole the show! she is in excellent voice, very comfortable on stage and moving in her solos. Can someone grab this young lady and give her a pro go!
I would have liked more depth to the chorus musically although they presented well I felt the needed more omf! Too many higher range voices? Prostitutes beware of the close scenes at the front of the stage a little more is showing than you thought! The elderly lady beside me almost fainted!!!!
Board of Governors you came across just like a board I can imagine from that era! There was a few problems with mic's on the night but we got the gist of it.
All supporting actors you did a great job, worth a metion David Nelson, David Goodall you like just like a Bishop!
Scenery was minamal and effective however I did feel the lighting on faces could have come up somewhat. I know you were looking for effect and to a certain extent it worked. Call me old fashioned but we are used to cues with lighting and seeing faces, I felt too much in the dark.
Orchestra was great and the Musical Director Lyn Brown did a wonderful job as did Director Robert Benson-Parry. Good on the Limelight for taking this on it is well worth a look.
Walter PlingeMon, 13 June 2005, 09:27 pm
I attended a performance of Jekyll & Hyde at the Limelight Theatre on Sat. 11th June with a little tripidation as it is one of my favourites. This was the first time in WA I believe so I was keen to see the outcome.
I was pleasantly surprised and although I can be a little picky, overall most enjoyable. Plus as a relatively unknown musical to most, unless into theatre circles, I saw that the audience enjoy the evening too.
The role of Jekyll was played by David Dockery, he was cast wonderfully not only did he have the look but a voice to go with it. I noticed in the first act he seemed a little stilted in his movements going to where he was 'supposed' to be in an obvious way and none to naturally. However in the second act he seem to have settled into his comfort zone. His voice made up for any picky things I saw.
Mr Hyde played by Ryan Taaffe was a sinister character but at times too sinister in the fact that it was difficult to understand him as it was for the people sitting next to me. Underneath his raged voice I felt that he to had a very decent vocal ability. However I do hope he does not loose his voice due to a bit overdoing the roughness. Once again in the second act he was more understandable.
Nicole, Dr Jekll's fiancee Emma Carew presented a decent part. At times the breaking point in her voice went pop like but overall was nice, her solo 's were good.
The mistress played by Sonni Byrne cast wonderfully also! stole the show! she is in excellent voice, very comfortable on stage and moving in her solos. Can someone grab this young lady and give her a pro go!
I would have liked more depth to the chorus musically although they presented well I felt the needed more omf! Too many higher range voices? Prostitutes beware of the close scenes at the front of the stage a little more is showing than you thought! The elderly lady beside me almost fainted!!!!
Board of Governors you came across just like a board I can imagine from that era! There was a few problems with mic's on the night but we got the gist of it.
All supporting actors you did a great job, worth a metion David Nelson, David Goodall you like just like a Bishop!
Scenery was minamal and effective however I did feel the lighting on faces could have come up somewhat. I know you were looking for effect and to a certain extent it worked. Call me old fashioned but we are used to cues with lighting and seeing faces, I felt too much in the dark.
Orchestra was great and the Musical Director Lyn Brown did a wonderful job as did Director Robert Benson-Parry. Good on the Limelight for taking this on it is well worth a look.
I was pleasantly surprised and although I can be a little picky, overall most enjoyable. Plus as a relatively unknown musical to most, unless into theatre circles, I saw that the audience enjoy the evening too.
The role of Jekyll was played by David Dockery, he was cast wonderfully not only did he have the look but a voice to go with it. I noticed in the first act he seemed a little stilted in his movements going to where he was 'supposed' to be in an obvious way and none to naturally. However in the second act he seem to have settled into his comfort zone. His voice made up for any picky things I saw.
Mr Hyde played by Ryan Taaffe was a sinister character but at times too sinister in the fact that it was difficult to understand him as it was for the people sitting next to me. Underneath his raged voice I felt that he to had a very decent vocal ability. However I do hope he does not loose his voice due to a bit overdoing the roughness. Once again in the second act he was more understandable.
Nicole, Dr Jekll's fiancee Emma Carew presented a decent part. At times the breaking point in her voice went pop like but overall was nice, her solo 's were good.
The mistress played by Sonni Byrne cast wonderfully also! stole the show! she is in excellent voice, very comfortable on stage and moving in her solos. Can someone grab this young lady and give her a pro go!
I would have liked more depth to the chorus musically although they presented well I felt the needed more omf! Too many higher range voices? Prostitutes beware of the close scenes at the front of the stage a little more is showing than you thought! The elderly lady beside me almost fainted!!!!
Board of Governors you came across just like a board I can imagine from that era! There was a few problems with mic's on the night but we got the gist of it.
All supporting actors you did a great job, worth a metion David Nelson, David Goodall you like just like a Bishop!
Scenery was minamal and effective however I did feel the lighting on faces could have come up somewhat. I know you were looking for effect and to a certain extent it worked. Call me old fashioned but we are used to cues with lighting and seeing faces, I felt too much in the dark.
Orchestra was great and the Musical Director Lyn Brown did a wonderful job as did Director Robert Benson-Parry. Good on the Limelight for taking this on it is well worth a look.
Walter PlingeThu, 16 June 2005, 07:48 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
well done guys
I was surprised at the decision to use 2 actors for J and H
This show was done in SA with one lead playing the role
(and he's been nominated for best male perfromance in an amateur musical
I was surprised at the decision to use 2 actors for J and H
This show was done in SA with one lead playing the role
(and he's been nominated for best male perfromance in an amateur musical
Walter PlingeFri, 17 June 2005, 08:27 am
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
Glossop wrote.
I was surprised at the decision to use 2 actors for J and H.
As was I when i read the review, can anyone shed any light on this for us??
Thanks!
I was surprised at the decision to use 2 actors for J and H.
As was I when i read the review, can anyone shed any light on this for us??
Thanks!
Walter PlingeFri, 17 June 2005, 02:59 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
Why not use two actors?
Why not express the duality of the role in a concrete way?
Why not have two strong characters on stage instead of one average performance?
You do not say if you are surprised in a good way or not!
Come on guys surely in this day and age of people doing am dram and working fulltime we can see that in a role this size it is a big ask for one person to play for 20 nights performance and a number of dress rehearsals.
The range in the songs alone is huge.
Congrats to this person in SA who did both well done. But what is his background, day job etc.
Come on guys have a think about it instead playing this theatre w**k game of concept recordings and not being innovative about staging think about the logistics of theatre.
As you have obviously not seen the show you cannot comment on which production was best.
Sorry to rant but it p****s me off when people who have not seen a show sit on high behind an alias and question a show without watching it or having the slightest idea about the effect or different staging basing their opinion on a cd liner notation or an american production starring David Hassellhoff.
And before you have a go about my alias those of you who have seen the show and loved it (which by the way every audience member has) or you one of the hard working cast and crew members you will know who am.
That is all that matters.
Gang keep up the hard work you are all fabulous and I am sure that whilst we are only the WA premiere we are certainly the best am production of J and H in AUST.
Hyde
Why not express the duality of the role in a concrete way?
Why not have two strong characters on stage instead of one average performance?
You do not say if you are surprised in a good way or not!
Come on guys surely in this day and age of people doing am dram and working fulltime we can see that in a role this size it is a big ask for one person to play for 20 nights performance and a number of dress rehearsals.
The range in the songs alone is huge.
Congrats to this person in SA who did both well done. But what is his background, day job etc.
Come on guys have a think about it instead playing this theatre w**k game of concept recordings and not being innovative about staging think about the logistics of theatre.
As you have obviously not seen the show you cannot comment on which production was best.
Sorry to rant but it p****s me off when people who have not seen a show sit on high behind an alias and question a show without watching it or having the slightest idea about the effect or different staging basing their opinion on a cd liner notation or an american production starring David Hassellhoff.
And before you have a go about my alias those of you who have seen the show and loved it (which by the way every audience member has) or you one of the hard working cast and crew members you will know who am.
That is all that matters.
Gang keep up the hard work you are all fabulous and I am sure that whilst we are only the WA premiere we are certainly the best am production of J and H in AUST.
Hyde
Walter PlingeFri, 17 June 2005, 09:10 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
Well I guess from my alias you can work out I was in it as well
but not in a role as impressive as yours
I didn't say if I was surprised in a good way or not because I haven't seen your staging of the show... I just was surprsed because I can't work out how it would be directed that way.... maybe ot works really well
Gee though... how can you say yours was the best production if you haven't seen ours ...
btw the SA premiere has been nominated for best musical... had excellent reviews and sold out 9 of 10 shows so we're pretty happy too
20 shows ... that's impressive
break a leg
but not in a role as impressive as yours
I didn't say if I was surprised in a good way or not because I haven't seen your staging of the show... I just was surprsed because I can't work out how it would be directed that way.... maybe ot works really well
Gee though... how can you say yours was the best production if you haven't seen ours ...
btw the SA premiere has been nominated for best musical... had excellent reviews and sold out 9 of 10 shows so we're pretty happy too
20 shows ... that's impressive
break a leg
Walter PlingeFri, 17 June 2005, 09:11 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
and I bet Hyde's a lot more fun to play than Jekyll
Walter PlingeSat, 18 June 2005, 03:03 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
"we are certainly the best am production of J and H in AUST."
How can you possibly be so sure???!!!
Cloc Musical theatre in Melbourne did J&H in May and it was AMAZING- with the one actor doing the dual role. He put in an incredible effort, and sung and acted so well. They did something like 10 shows in a 500 seater while other Melb companies had shows running the same time (Hello Dolly, JCS, Anything Goes, Full Monty) and they still managed to sell really well- mainly because of their great reputation and high production values. They won't all admit it but all theatre companies around the state have looked at Cloc for inspiration... Resourced, Techincal, risk taking and organised like no other...
There is a review in theatrepeople.com.au which was a little contraversial but it still is leaps and bounds one of the best shows in Vic this year. It will no doubt feature well in nominations for the MTGV...
The only dissapoinment to me was the sound quality- but it was opening night and i'm so used to my own venues great - but expensive system...
Good luck my friend, we all LOVE our own product when it goes so well- but be careful those blinkers aren't too tight...
(And just quitely I wouldn't even consider casting two for the J&H role unless they really couldn't cut it or be directed close enough...)
cheers
Dez
How can you possibly be so sure???!!!
Cloc Musical theatre in Melbourne did J&H in May and it was AMAZING- with the one actor doing the dual role. He put in an incredible effort, and sung and acted so well. They did something like 10 shows in a 500 seater while other Melb companies had shows running the same time (Hello Dolly, JCS, Anything Goes, Full Monty) and they still managed to sell really well- mainly because of their great reputation and high production values. They won't all admit it but all theatre companies around the state have looked at Cloc for inspiration... Resourced, Techincal, risk taking and organised like no other...
There is a review in theatrepeople.com.au which was a little contraversial but it still is leaps and bounds one of the best shows in Vic this year. It will no doubt feature well in nominations for the MTGV...
The only dissapoinment to me was the sound quality- but it was opening night and i'm so used to my own venues great - but expensive system...
Good luck my friend, we all LOVE our own product when it goes so well- but be careful those blinkers aren't too tight...
(And just quitely I wouldn't even consider casting two for the J&H role unless they really couldn't cut it or be directed close enough...)
cheers
Dez
EhmmarSun, 19 June 2005, 03:18 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
I think it's a great idea to split the role into two parts, Jekyll and Hyde. Stevenson's original story had Jekyll and Hyde not only as two very different characters, but physically very different too. Jekyll was a tall, middle aged respectable man, whereas Hyde was younger, almost dwarf-like in stature and physically the opposite to Jekyll. The point is, the two didn't look anything alike, both in personality and physical apperance. Splitting the role reinforces the idea that Hyde is not just Jekyll with a snarl on his face, but a differently motivated character.
Of course, it is very understandable to have the two title roles played by one actor, and that's why some productions will do it that way, for the consistency, as Edward Hyde is a part of Henry Jekyll. But equally, you must remember, there is nothing of Henry Jekyll in Edward Hyde.
Personally, I can't say whether it is better to have Jekyll and Hyde played by one or two actors, as I have only seen the current Wanneroo version where they split the identities, but it remains more faithful to the original idea that Stevenson put forward over a century ago.
E
Of course, it is very understandable to have the two title roles played by one actor, and that's why some productions will do it that way, for the consistency, as Edward Hyde is a part of Henry Jekyll. But equally, you must remember, there is nothing of Henry Jekyll in Edward Hyde.
Personally, I can't say whether it is better to have Jekyll and Hyde played by one or two actors, as I have only seen the current Wanneroo version where they split the identities, but it remains more faithful to the original idea that Stevenson put forward over a century ago.
E
KaySun, 19 June 2005, 05:41 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
I happen to agree. I recently have moved over to WA from SA and have been fortuneate to see both productions. They were quite different but I must say I can see where both sides of the arguements are coming from.
In the WA production, I feel both Jekyll and Hyde were casted wonderfully and reflected off eachother excellently... the Jekyll porteying a well bred english gentleman and Hyde as a rough sinister being.
Confrontation especially worked incredably well I feel, as the physical precense of two men side by side so to speak on stage gave that scene a whole different depth to the Jekyll/Hyde being.
- Akima
In the WA production, I feel both Jekyll and Hyde were casted wonderfully and reflected off eachother excellently... the Jekyll porteying a well bred english gentleman and Hyde as a rough sinister being.
Confrontation especially worked incredably well I feel, as the physical precense of two men side by side so to speak on stage gave that scene a whole different depth to the Jekyll/Hyde being.
- Akima
Walter PlingeSun, 19 June 2005, 07:17 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
I thought this was the best amateur production i have seen in Perth. The professionalism in the cast was outstanding, and I thought that the cast did such an excellent job, well done!
Walter PlingeSun, 19 June 2005, 11:07 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
i have to wonder at the professionalism of the cast after all if one of their members bit glossops head off after he/she merely made a comment....and not even a disparging one. I think "hyde" needs to learn how to take some amateur criticism about an amateur show.
i am sorry i missed it tho, it sounds awesome.
i am sorry i missed it tho, it sounds awesome.
Walter PlingeMon, 20 June 2005, 08:41 am
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
There is still one week to go, see the what's on section for details.
http://www.theatre.asn.au/eventView.php3?event_id=6097
http://www.theatre.asn.au/eventView.php3?event_id=6097
Walter PlingeMon, 20 June 2005, 10:48 am
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
Thankyou for the replys saying how you enjoyed the show it is an amazing one. As I am sure that others have been.
No worries Glossop it wasnt an an attack at you just the build up of a whole lot of "surely you cant have two" responses. Congrats on the nomination mate.
Mrs Sondheim the day I cant take criticism will be the day that I stop doing amatuer shows and will robably end on a movie set demanding the brown M and Ms be taken out of the bowl. However, you aint seen me bite anyones head off yet.
As the old saying goes " if ya cant take the heat stay out of the kitchen"
Thanks all and yes there is a week left its pretty full but try and see it, even if it is just to have a go at me.
Thanks
Hyde
No worries Glossop it wasnt an an attack at you just the build up of a whole lot of "surely you cant have two" responses. Congrats on the nomination mate.
Mrs Sondheim the day I cant take criticism will be the day that I stop doing amatuer shows and will robably end on a movie set demanding the brown M and Ms be taken out of the bowl. However, you aint seen me bite anyones head off yet.
As the old saying goes " if ya cant take the heat stay out of the kitchen"
Thanks all and yes there is a week left its pretty full but try and see it, even if it is just to have a go at me.
Thanks
Hyde
Walter PlingeWed, 22 June 2005, 11:29 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
For a newby going to see these shows at the Limelight, this being the second, I thought the productions I've seen have been wonderful. As good as Jekyll / Hyde is I thought the prostitutes rate a great mention. Hmmm mmmm. I missed that bit where they showed a little too much almost causing a little old lady to faint. What I would have given to feel faint.
I shall attend again on the last night on the strength of that comment assuming I can get a ticket. See you all over a red or white at the bar after the show - it will be great!!
I shall attend again on the last night on the strength of that comment assuming I can get a ticket. See you all over a red or white at the bar after the show - it will be great!!
Walter PlingeThu, 23 June 2005, 03:41 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
Oh and by the way. I forgot to mention - Talk of Jekyll and Hyde being two characters instead of the one person playing the two parts. Did you know the prostitutes also play the parts of the poor down and out townspeople?! Now that's adaptable diversity at its best. Bravo!!
Roger Adam SmithFri, 24 June 2005, 08:05 am
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
It makes sense if you think about the premise of Jekyll & Hyde being very contrasting characters. Why not use two characters. More pragmatically, one of the two characters is in almost every scene it makes it is a safer bet that the people concerned will go the distance of a season.
D.
Bigelow wrote:
>
> Glossop wrote.
>
> I was surprised at the decision to use 2 actors for J and H.
>
>
> As was I when i read the review, can anyone shed any light on
> this for us??
>
> Thanks!
D.
Bigelow wrote:
>
> Glossop wrote.
>
> I was surprised at the decision to use 2 actors for J and H.
>
>
> As was I when i read the review, can anyone shed any light on
> this for us??
>
> Thanks!
Roger Adam SmithSat, 25 June 2005, 08:03 am
Re: Jekyll & Hyde
Glossop wrote:
>
> and I bet Hyde's a lot more fun to play than Jekyll
It is more a case of who you would cast for Jeckyl and who you would cast for Hyde. Which goes back to the original point (casting two people for the role(s).
The person who would enjoy playing the Jeckyl role which has some good songs etc is probably not the person who would enjoy the manic nature of Hyde.
R.
>
> and I bet Hyde's a lot more fun to play than Jekyll
It is more a case of who you would cast for Jeckyl and who you would cast for Hyde. Which goes back to the original point (casting two people for the role(s).
The person who would enjoy playing the Jeckyl role which has some good songs etc is probably not the person who would enjoy the manic nature of Hyde.
R.
Walter PlingeSat, 2 July 2005, 06:35 pm
Re: Jekyll & Hyde Bad News
I have it from a reliable source that Rob Guest has bought the professional rights to J & H and plans to mount his own production.
If anyone saw his performance of it at the Gold Coast last year you would be disgusted with the idea that he is going to keep on performing his "mutilated" version of J & H.
By the time it is available again, it will have a bad name.
GRRR!
If anyone saw his performance of it at the Gold Coast last year you would be disgusted with the idea that he is going to keep on performing his "mutilated" version of J & H.
By the time it is available again, it will have a bad name.
GRRR!