Theatre Review: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson, believed that man was essentially part angel and part demon and if those parts weren't reconciled, the demon could prevail. He expounded on man's dualistic nature in his famous Victorian thriller and moral allegory, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” First published in 1886, the novella was met with immediate success with stage adaptations coming soon after.

Stevenson's timeless classic is Broadway West Theatre Company's newest stage offering, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” And judging by Friday night's appreciative crowd, Richard Abbot's 1941 adaptation of Stevenson's best seller, is a definite hit.

Skillfully directed by Jim Woodbury, the Broadway West Theatre troupe did an excellent job of taking an old standard and bringing it excitingly to life.

The story is familiar. Brilliant scientist through experimentation splits his personality into good and evil and tries to control the evil one. Of course that never goes well; evil becomes stronger than good. Throw in loyal and caring friends and servants, a young and beautiful fiancé, her rich but disapproving father, and an excitable Irish chambermaid, and you have a captivating production of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”

The danger of an old classic is that it can be melodramatic and over-the-top. This was not the case with Broadway West's production. From the start, the adaptation takes place not in the Victorian period, but in 1940s London. The shadowy gloom is there, but also the promise of something a little different than the standard telling. And the audience wasn't disappointed. We were kept mesmerized throughout the evening watching the psychological unraveling of Dr. Henry Jekyll, played brilliantly by James Leonard Koponen.

Mr. Koponen's performance is at the heart of the play. His transformation from the upstanding, idealistic scientist to the sadistic monster was inspired and emotionally gut wrenching.

Equally inspired is C. Conrad Cady's portrayal of the vicious and snarling Mr. Hyde. His diabolical laughter, harsh voice, and disheveled and twisted appearance hit me viscerally. He was “evil.”

In sharp contrast is Camille Canlas-LaFlam as Diana Carew, Dr. Jekyll's young fiancé. She is convincing as the sensitive and naïve love interest whose adoration and goodness stands stark white in comparison to Mr. Hyde's black soul.

Sir Danvers Carew, portrayed by Matt Matthews is equally convincing as Diana's doting father. His performance showcases the rich and entitled upper class English gentry.

Alma Pasic-Tran's strong portrayal of Dr. Jekyll's longtime friend, Dr. Lanyon, also stood in great contrast to Jekyll's misguided experimentation. She did a great job as Jekyll's moral opposite.

Mr. Utterson, the loyal friend and lawyer of Dr. Jekyll is well played by Manuel Fernandez. Confused and concerned by the changes he sees in his friend, he will do anything to help him, if he can only understand what his relationship is to the mysterious Mr. Hyde.

Shane Cota as Richard Enfield, Mr. Utterson's cousin and ex-boyfriend of Diana Carew is equally well cast. He gives his loyalty freely, but it is given not to Jekyll but to Diana.

I thoroughly enjoyed Rachael Campbell as Pauline, Jekyll's loyal and long suffering housemaid. Her gentleness and loyalty to her employer was admirable and her confusion to Jekyll's transformation, palpable.

Elizabeth Lowenstein's portrayal of Bridget, the excitable and superstitious Irish chambermaid was outstanding and a crowd favorite. Her special brand of humor helps to brighten the otherwise dark timber (sic) of the play.

Nicole Colon is delightful as the neighboring servant Connie. Her portrayal of a witness to murder brings light air and a bit of humor to lighten the story.

Brad Monk's portrayal of Inspector Newcomen, the gruff and overworked detective is quite convincing. He just has that detective “face” and manners. Along with Justin Case Anderson as the Inspector's Assistant, Scotland Yard was ubiquitously represented.

Broadway West's “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” is well worth seeing. After all, the epic fight of good and evil struggling for the soul of one man is intriguing, suspenseful and thrilling. It shows that Stevenson has not only stood the test of time but makes for pretty exciting theater too!

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
September 16 – October 15
8 p.m. (Sunday matinees at 1:00 p.m.)
Broadway West Theatre Company
4000-B Bay Street, Fremont, CA 94539
(510) 683-9218
www.broadwaywest.org
Tickets: $10 - $27

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

By Janet Grant

Photos by Christian Pizzirani