Displaying items by tag: JEKYLL AND HYDE IN CONCERT

Brightside Theatre's latest production, Jekyll And Hyde In Concert is a truly mesmerizing experience. And if you are a Chicago resident like myself, this theatrical performance is well worth the not-so-long trek to the burbs. The musicians and the impressive array of talented singers delivered a performance that seized my attention from the very start and held me spellbound throughout. With cozy table seating on the floor and traditional theater seating in the rear, there isn't a bad spot in the house. The acoustics are superb, and the singers frequently stroll through the audience, creating an immersive and intimate experience.

Jekyll and Hyde In Concert rejuvenates the eerie narrative of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. This musical retelling masterfully brings the enthralling story to life on stage, showcasing the complexity of human nature through riveting songs and dynamic performances. The plot centers on the esteemed Dr. Henry Jekyll, whose attempt to distinguish the good from the evil within himself results in the birth of the malevolent Edward Hyde. As Hyde's horrifying deeds escalate uncontrollably, Jekyll battles with the monster he has unleashed, culminating in a heart-wrenching and inevitable end. The concert format accentuates the stirring score, featuring unforgettable pieces that illuminate the internal and external struggles of the characters. With its powerful melodies and expressive lyrics, the audience is drawn into the mesmerizing and dark world of Jekyll and Hyde, promising an unforgettable theatrical journey.

Picture a theater abuzz with excitement as the audience prepares for an "on book" concert performance of Jekyll And Hyde. The performers, each clutching their scripts and scores, take their places at music stands arranged across the stage. Behind them, a full orchestra sits poised, instruments at the ready. Magical.

As the orchestra dives into the stirring opening notes, the performers join in, bringing to life characters such as Dr. Henry Jekyll, Lucy Harris, Emma Carew, and Sir Danvers Carew with their powerful vocals and deep emotion. The "on book" format adds an intimate, unpolished charm to the performance, allowing the audience to focus on the music and the performers' interpretations. Throughout the concert, the orchestra's lush harmonies and soaring crescendos amplify the drama and intensity of the story, creating a gripping and immersive experience. This fusion of live orchestration and on-book singing offers a distinct and unforgettable rendition of the cherished musical.

Gerald Kelel masterfully leads this concert, seamlessly transitioning between the roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, executing each note with precision and authority. Rachel Carreras as Lucy Harris and Julie Ann Kornak as Emma Carew also deliver standout performances, showcasing their impressive vocal range. Veteran stage actor Stan Austin shines as Sir Danvers Carew, bringing intensity and robust vocals to the role. While the entire cast is brimming with talent, both Molly Bremer and Sean Rhead each have their moments to highlight their remarkable vocal prowess. This is just a brilliant piece of theatre in concert form that was such a pleasure to watch.

This particular performance of Jekyll And Hyde In Concert is a highlight of Brightside Theatre’s Concert Series, following the company’s spectacular run of Dracula. Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass has skillfully curated the upcoming season, featuring Beetlejuice Jr., Pippin, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, promising an exhilarating 2025.

Brightside Theatre, nestled in the heart of Naperville's historic downtown district, is a professional non-profit theatre company dedicated to enlightening, educating, and entertaining audiences. Established in 2011, it holds the distinction of being the only professional non-profit theatre in Naperville. Brightside Theatre's diverse offerings include comedies, inspirational stories from around the globe, mainstage productions, a musical theatre concert series, and a free Summer in the Parks Series. They also provide educational programs and summer camps for young performers. Recognized with multiple awards, Brightside Theatre has been named the Best Entertainment Venue by Naperville Magazine for five consecutive years.

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Jekyll And Hyde In Concert

About: Conceived for the stage by Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden

Music by Frank Wildhorn, Book and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse

Directed by De Haddad

Musical Direction by Phil Videckis

2 hours 15 minutes including intermission

Where: Madden Theatre, North Central College, 171 Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm from January 17 through 26, 2025.

Tickets: $37 for Adults and $32 for Seniors and Students

Show and Theatre Information: http://www.brightsidetheatre.com/ 

BrightSide Theatre has announced that it will perform the long-running hit Broadway musical JEKYLL AND HYDE in a concert presentation at North Central College's Madden Hall, for two weekends in January. The lush and romantic score with music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse features power ballads like "This is the Moment" and "Someone Like You" as well as comic numbers including "Bring On the Men." This thrilling music will be sung by a cast of 16 that will be accompanied by a 10-piece orchestra. De Haddad will direct, guiding the cast through Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story of a scientist who develops a potion giving him a second personality by unleashing his evil nature and turning him at times into a serial killer. Phil Videckis will be Music Director. Also on the production team are Tim Elliott (Sound Mixer) and Kristin Ripoli (Stage Manager). The press performance is Friday, January 17 at 7:30 pm.
 
Appearing as Jekyll and Hyde will be Gerald Kelel of Chicago, whose previous roles with BrightSide Theatre include Count Carl Magnus in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC,  Professor Harold Hill in THE MUSIC MAN, Gary Lejeune in NOISES OFF, Fredrick Graham in KISS ME KATE, and Don Lockwood in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. Julie Kornak of Naperville, whose many roles with BrightSide Theatre include Charlotte in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Amalia in SHE LOVES ME, Tanya in MAMMA MIA!, Claudia in NINE IN CONCERT, and Francesca in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, will play Jekyll's fiancée Emma Carew. Rachel Carreras, also of Naperville, will make her BST debut as the prostitute Lucy who comes to know both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Some of Carrera's recent credits include CINDERELLA (Marie) at Metropolis PAC; and HONKY TONK ANGELS (Angela), INTO THE WOODS (The Witch), THE MUSIC MAN (Mrs. Squires), I DO! I DO! (Agnes), SOMETHING ROTTEN (Bea Bottom), and SPRING AWAKENING (Wendla).

The additional cast members, all of whom will perform in the ensemble as well as playing individual roles, will include Russell Badalamenti (Hoffman Estates, "Gabriel John Utterson"), Stan Austin (Winfield, "Sir Danvers Carew"), Sean Rhead (Tinley Park, "Simon Stride"), Julie Bayer (Batavia, "Lady Beaconsfield"), Brady McNeil (Wheaton, "The Bishop of Basingstoke"), Grey Sindaco (Chicago, "Lord Savage" and "Male Customer"), Nicholas J. Grenias ("Lemont" and "General Lord Glossop"), Jay White (Chicago, "Sir Archibald Proops"), Meghan Kessel (Chicago, "Nellie" and u/s "Lucy"), John Salamone ("Shorewood," and "Spider"), Amy Steele (Naperville, "Bisset" and u/s "Emma"), Molly Bremer (Chicago), and Sarah Conrad (Oswego).
 
JEKYLL AND HYDE IN CONCERT is the second production of BrightSide Theatre's 2024-25 season, its 13^th. In honor of the superstitions surrounding the number 13, the season is titled "Spells and Superstitions," and its four productions will each enter, in varying ways, supernatural or magical realms. The season opened in October with BST's highly acclaimed production of DRACULA. JEKYLL AND HYDE IN CONCERT will be followed in April and May with Shakespeare's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. In June, BST will have "Magic to Do" with their production of PIPPIN.
 
JEKYLL AND HYDE IN CONCERT will be performed  Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm from January 17 through 26, 2025. Performances will be in the Madden Theatre, North Central College, 171 Chicago Avenue, Naperville. Tickets are  $37.00 for adults and $32.00 for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale now at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497).