This is not the musical Hair, but one could be forgiven seeing the importance of hair in this 1990 musical based on the 1886 story of Robert Louis Stevenson: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Despite its British origins, the musical currently being performed at the Hill Country Community Theatre made its debut right here in Texas: the Alley Theatre in Houston. It reached Broadway in 1997, closing in 2001 after 1,543 performances.
When we see Dr. Jekyll on stage, actor Pierre Minjauw has his long hair in a ponytail, but when he transforms into Mr. Hyde, Minjauw’s face is nearly covered in hair. Thus, the extraordinary transformation from respected doctor to a raving evil madman is accomplished with any props. His change of voice from normal to demonic is most effective, enhanced by red light shining upon him as Hyde.
Unlike most musicals written in the last 35 years, this one did spawn a major hit song. This is the Moment was composed by Frank Widhorn and Leslie Bricusse, who were responsible for book and lyrics of the entire musical. It is performed here with the appropriate brio by Pierre Minjauw. Other standout numbers were Once Upon a Dream, beautifully sung by Randi Minjauw (Pierre’s real wife); and A New Life and the very romantic Someone Like You: Heidi Melton’s rendition of both songs was Broadway quality.
Melton gets equal billing with Holli Jones (who plays the character Nellie) in costume construction and design. The clothes are perfectly evocative of late Victorian England: a very fine job.
Even though some members of the audience were unaware of the storyline before the performance, I won’t rehearse the plot here as I (hope) virtually everyone does know it. It’s hard to imagine a better-known story!
There are 18 members of the cast, including 5 in the ensemble. They seemed to me to work flawlessly together. I will single out here Dr. Jekyll’s close friend John Utterson, whose relationship with the good doctor is sorely tried throughout the play. Cody Petty, with his commanding stage presence, does a great job at expressing the insufferable position he is put in. The photo shows him with the Minjauw’s.
As usual the HCCT has staged a show that is typically finer than what theatre companies in Austin offer. Stevenson himself said that the story came to him in a terrifying dream, and that he was furious with his wife for waking him up. You won’t nod off during this production! Well worth the 1-hour drive west to the beautiful Hill Country!
Photo by C Cunningham: Randi Minjauw (Emma), Pierre Minjauw (Jekyll and Hyde), Cody Petty (John)
Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical RUNS THRU Oct. 13, 2024
Location: 4003 W FM 2147 Cottonwood Shores (near Marble Falls). I recommend having lunch or just a slice of pie at the Blue Bonnet Café in Marble Falls before the show, especially the Sunday matinee. This year the Café celebrates its 95th year.