Robert Louis Stevenson's classical horror story about murder and mayhem abundant within one man (or two?) comes hauntingly to life onstage at the Cadillac Palace in the new pre-Broadway production of four time Tony Award nominated musical Jekyll and Hyde, starring Constantine Maroulis and Deborah Cox. Perhaps the 'greatest moment of them all' was Maroulis' entrancing rendition of "This is the Moment, " as he belts with all his heart and soul: "This is the moment-- this is the day - when I send all my doubts and demons on their way..." It is a story about the good doctor who meets bad boy, who by day, cares for the ill and disenfranchised as the respectable Dr. Henry Jekyll; and as soon night befalls, like much of vampire lore, he assumes the character of his evil alter-ego, a quintessential, irascible madman, Mr. Edward Hyde, going out into the streets of London, murdering people left and right. Constantine Maroulis as Jekyll/Hyde seems almost picture picked for this role, while the supporting cast, an ensemble of dancers, singers, and performers with a most dynamic, commanding presence, prove themselves unmatched from any previous production.
This show is a perfectly orchestrated presentation of dualities: goodness and evil; brokenness and wholeness; nightmare and dream, forever exploring the fine line between genius and madness within us all. Jekyll creates a potion which causes him to go through a painful metamorphosis, vividly portrayed onstage, each and every day, affecting his two main love interests, his betrothed, Emma Carew (Teal Wicks) and the seductress Lucy (Deborah Cox). Their duet, "In His Eyes" is a standout performance. Maroulis, of American Idol and Rock of Ages fame, delivers a compelling performance as the lead character. Ironically, he, like many superstars of reality program beginnings, such as Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood, are turning into formidable superstars, appearing left and right on the Broadway stage, silver screen, and Grammy red carpet. Robert Louis Stevenson wrote a book, which has been transformed onto the stage with an impeccable, lingering score. Robert Burns' poem, "the well laid plans of mice and men often go astray" is quite apropos, as people, such as the well intended Dr. Jekyll, can make the most grandiose of schemes and experiments, yet it all comes to naught in this case. Jekyll and Hyde is simply a beautifully written tale of the dark and macabre twists and turns of life, so perfectly executed into the world of musical theatre, along the lines of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd and Schonberg's Les Miserables. The score, like these epic blockbuster musicals , captivates and touches its audience with stirring melodies and exquisite lyrics, and outstanding choreography (Jeff Calhoun).
This hypnotic show mesmerizes the audience from start to finish.
Through March 24th
Cadillac Palace Theatre 151 W. Randolph St.
800- 775-2000
www.broadwayinchicago.com
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