You can run, but you can't 'Hyde'

The new addition to The Clark Center for the Performing Arts stage in Arroyo Grande was completed just in time to showcase the musical “Jekyll and Hyde.”

As the curtain opens, the scene depicted is an eerie one. Showing what life is like in The Ward at St. Jude’s Hospital sets the mood for the apparent theme.

Drawing the fine line between good and evil, the story of Jekyll and Hyde is based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story about a brilliant doctor whose experiments with human personalities create a murderous counterpart.

Convinced that the cure for his father’s mental illness lies in the separation of man’s evil nature from his good, Dr. Henry Jekyll, played by Michael Howard, unsuspectingly unleashes his own dark side, wreaking havoc in the streets of late 19th century London as the savage, maniacal Edward Hyde.

Within the first few scenes, it was clear the actors had transformed themselves into their characters. Scene by scene, the theater transformed more and more into the twisted world of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. With notable lighting by lighting designer Rick Pierce, each scene sets its own mood, helping the audience to dance the fine line between good and evil.

The actors took a story that has been told time and time again and made it into their own. Heather Malcolm, who has been active in theater since age 6, plays the leading role of Lucy Harris, a prostitute who finds inspiration and comfort in Jekyll but is tormented by Hyde.

“I really look into myself to find Lucy. The character and I are very much the same when it comes to personality and poise,” Malcolm said. “I fancy myself a strong person but can also have that vulnerable side.”

This musical delight is filled with fun costumes, captivating acting and vocals that surpass all expectations. However, it is the addition of the rotating stage that sets this musical apart from others.

Director Dana Shaheen finally tackled his 10-year goal of constructing a motorized turntable to house the action. Designed and created by Dave Infield, Shaheen and a small group of dedicated workers took nearly three months to construct the stage.

“Dana is the visionary for most of what we do,” producer Jenny Shaheen said. “The show begins to run in his mind, and it simply begins to formulate and take shape.”

The stage has been transformed into a 24-foot turntable capable of revolving during performances.

“The turntable helps scene changes go much easier and makes a scene more dramatic,” Malcolm said. “It gives us much more freedom to work around the stage.”

Pre-production for the show started in January and continued until rehearsals started in early April. “We normally had rehearsal four to six nights a week,” Shaheen said. “After we strike it all down on June 9 and wrap up all the outstanding items, it will be an eight-month-long process.”

Shaheen said the actors were unable to rehearse on the stage until two nights before performing in front of an audience. Luckily, the dedicated crew and talented performers were willing to give their all for the production, which eased any difficulties.

“The performers spent hours rehearsing nights before, sometimes until three or four in the morning,” Shaheen said. “The show was a monster to produce. It is a very big show that requires phenomenal principle actors and actresses.”

A motivated and hard-working cast is exactly what they received. “Dana has been the easiest direc tor to work with. He knows exactly what he wants, and I am more than happy to fulfill his expectations,” Malcolm said.

“Jekyll and Hyde” is the ninth production the two have produced as a team. Recent productions include “Evita,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Sweeney Todd.”

As for “Jekyll and Hyde,” whether it was the mesmerizing performance by Howard, the beautiful vocals from Malcolm, or the diligence put forth by the entire cast, this performance was worthwhile.

Five more showings of “Jekyll and Hyde” are set for this upcoming weekend, today through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $23 to $28 and can be purchased by calling 489-9444 or by ordering online at www.clarkcenter.org.