An Equally Compelling and Spooky Experience: Hartford Stage “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” Show Review
Written by Zoe Sepa
The production of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” at Hartford Stage was an equally compelling and haunting exploration of the dual nature of humanity, as well as the complexities of the human mind. The production, adapted by director Meila Bensussen and playwright Jeffrey Hatcher, explored the difficulty that Dr. Jekyll has when it comes to suppressing the emotions and behavior of a man of his class during the Victorian time period that the show is set in. The production adaptation was unique due to the fact that there was not just one actor playing the role of Mr. Hyde, but a total of four different people, both male and female who would switch roles throughout the production. I really enjoy all aspects of theater, and found that the show itself was perfect to invoke a spooky Halloween spirit and invited the audience to experience the inner thoughts of Dr. Jekyll’s mind. Hartford Stage is a diverse space which hosts very intricate sets that are very visually appealing to the audience members, and the design team does a wonderful job of adding touches that take you to the exact time and place that the show is set in. With this production, there were exactly 13 speakers strategically hidden onstage and over 400 props adorning the shelves of the set to truly immerse the audience into the story. Along with the effects from both the sound and lighting design, the show did a wonderful job of immersing the members of the audience and inviting them to be a part of the story experience.
Hartford Stage is a non-profit regional theater company located in downtown Hartford, just 10-15 minutes away from the USJ campus. Many shows go through the theater for performances, including some productions that later went on to the Broadway stage. They have many offerings for shows that can be found on the Hartford Stage website including “A Christmas Carol,” which is perfect for the holiday season! Any members of the USJ community with a love for plays, musical theater, or even just an interest to learn more about the arts should jump on this opportunity for a fun weekend or weeknight activity.
Photos complied by Zoe Sepa