***** It is not very often that I think I might need to add another star making it 6*’s and having that mean- “find a way to get a ticket, because you do not want to miss this production”. I have been witness to several productions of “Jekyll & Hyde, based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson , ” The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” published in 1886. The play was conceived and adapted for the stage by Frank Wildhorn , who wrote the music and with a book by Leslie Bricusse, who wrote the lyrics as well. (note: many of you may recall the name Bricusse from his work with Anthony Newley ( “Stop The World- I Want To Get Off”, “The Roar of the Greasepaint- The Smell of the Crowd” , “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” and more), and in this work, he has created a libretto that truly allows the audience to watch the story unfold.
Thursdays 7:00pm ( NOT Thanksgiving)
THIS IS ONE NOT TO BE MISSED!!!Show Type: Musical
Box Office: 773-278-1500
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Jekyll and Hyde”.
Jekyll and Hyde by Kokandy Productions at the Chopin Theatre
By:
Paul Lisnek, Behind the Curtain, WGN+/WGNRadio.com
****/4
This Kokandy production of Jekyll and Hyde undeniably matches if not exceeds any national tour of this show which likely ran in much larger venues. It is the intimacy of this production with full production values that makes this an unparalleled experience.
Derek Van Barham has broken the barriers of how a powerful production can blow the roof off of a small theater with the impact of a full orchestra and incredible cast.
Barham’s creation is not just true to a fine Broadway quality production but likely exceeds any previous efforts to mount this difficult and complex show. It has heart and vision and yet a sense of simplicity in its set.
David Moreland (Cruel Intentions; American Psycho) and Ava Stovall (Alice by Heart) have a larger than life presence which is stunning and jaw dropping. They slay the Leslie Bricusse/Frank Wildhorn score which led to ovations after several numbers.
Moreland’s portrayal of Jekyll and Hyde is intense and chilling. Stovall’s break out role assures we will see this leading actor in many shows to come.
How Barham crafted a full production with essentially no props except for a table and yet creates the appearance of surgical procedures, character transformations and location changes are among the wonderous feats of this production.
The voices of the ensemble blended like a finely tuned chorus…each present in character and persona even when just there to dress the atmosphere of the scene.
But it was the mood and atmosphere that this production creates…perfect lighting and an orchestra that equaled any downtown production. That is saying a lot for a show mounted in a humble space with limited stage, but Van Barham makes it work to perfection.
I couldn’t wait to tell people about this production and urge them to make their way to the Chopin Theatre by December 21st to see this unforgettable production.
Tickets can be purchased at: www.KokandyProductions.com
A 1990 musical based on the 1886 novella by Robert Louis Stevenson is a jaw dropping production from Kokandy presented at the Chopin Theater. The story of a doctor who seeks to find the other side of himself….is he seeking another personality or just part of who he is in the first place?
Set in the intimate setting of Chopin’s mainstage theater (seating about 130) yet complete with a 15 piece orchestra and voices that will knock your socks off! The score by Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn offers Broadway classics including “Take me as I am;” “This is the Moment;” and “Someone Like You.”
Joining in the conversation is Jekyll & Hyde himself, David Moreland (Cruel Intentions and American Psycho), Lucy Harris played by Ava Lane Stovall (Alice by Heart) in her breakout role and as Emma Carew, Emily McCormick (making her Kokandy debut). Also joining is director Derek Van Barham.
Truly a not to be missed production, Jekyll & Hyde is playing through January 10th, 2026 and tickets can be purchased at: www.KokandyProductions.com
Watch or Listen here:
Jekyll & Hyde from Kokandy at Chopin Theater until January 10th | WGN Radio 720 – Chicago’s Very Own
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