Having performed the Rock Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar in both 2015 and 2016 in Lincoln Cathedral, 2017 brings something completely different with a production of Jekyll and Hyde.
Jekyll & Hyde is a musical horror-drama based on the novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. Originally conceived for the stage by Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden, it features music by Wildhorn, a book by Leslie Bricusse and lyrics by Wildhorn, Bricusse and Cuden. Following a world premiere run in Houston, Texas, the musical embarked on a national tour of the United States prior to its Broadway debut in 1997. Many international productions have since been staged including two subsequent North American tours, two tours of the United Kingdom, a concert version and a re-vamped US tour in 2012 ahead of a 2013 revival on Broadway.
It’s an interesting choice by the Cathedral to select Jekyll and Hyde, but the battle between the good and evil inside very human is evident in both the characters and the songs. Directed once again by Ben Poole, Mark Wilde and Aric Prentice are joint Musical Directors, Julia Howarth leading choreography and Erin Flemming will again be looking after the costumes; a formidable team!
As a piece of community theatre, it has been a fabulous opportunity for Lincoln/Lincolnshire based performers to join the Starring Lincoln Theatre Company once again. The last 2 years have seen over 200 people involved in the production and this year looks set to be similar. Although the show itself has about 30 lead characters, there are certainly a few ‘big numbers’ using the whole ensemble, presumably around the whole of the Nave of the Cathedral, that will immerse the audience in the experience of being part of the cast.
Rehearsals started in earnest a few weeks ago, most of the lead characters have been cast, and the whole Starring Lincoln team can’t wait to get moving and see more about how the show will develop over the coming months until the production in August 2017.
Over the coming weeks and months, you’ll find photos, snippets from rehearsals, interviews with the lead cast and ensemble and more details about how to book tickets and what to expect from the show!
Eira Reviews 