Jonathan Reisfeld and Molly Gazay in Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical. Photo by Michael Mercado.

The Royal Underground Theatre Company is currently presenting a fresh new look at Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical, the smash Broadway musical hit based on the novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.  The original stage concept was by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.  This production takes quite a different approach.

Though set in 1886 London, director Enrico Banson has re-imagined this show through a contemporary viewpoint.  He has stripped away the gigantic set pieces of the original production to focus on the talent at hand — a candelabra on each side of the stage sets the scene.  All of the actors in this cast of 15 (except for Jekyll-Hyde and 2 female leads) play musical instruments — piano/keyboard, flute, violin, trumpet, double bass/alto horn, electric bass, clarinet, alto sax, harp, and drums — as well as sing and dance.  My only criticism is the volume of the music, at times, drowned out the actors.
The battle between good and evil and the dual personality of man is the theme of Jekyll & Hyde.  We witness a man, possessed by a desire to control mankind’s fate, embarking upon a drug-induced flight into the realm of the inner sanctum of evil.  

The highly talented Jonathan Reisfeld well plays both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  One becomes amazed as he successfully transforms himself into each character.  With her good looks and beautiful voice, Molly Gazay as Lucy, the tart, is outstanding, and she captures the audience.  Holly Nugent creates a sympathetic Emma, Jekyll’s fiancĂ©, with an appealing presence and pleasant voice.  Chris Morrell as John Utterson, Jekyll’s lawyer and best friend, performs his role well.  And Douglas Mandell, as Sir Danvers Carew, gives a moving performance as Emma’s father.

Director Banson has skillfully directed this production with a highly talented cast to create for us, a professional, polished, exciting evening of theatre.  Song highlights include such hit tunes as “This Is the Moment,” “A New Life,” “Alive,” “Someone Like You,” “Lost In the Darkness,” and “Facade.” 

And the period costumes by Cherilyn Chang display the influence of modern fashion designers like Vivienne Westwood and Jean-Paul Gaultier. 

Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical continues (Fri-Sun various times) until Oct. 31 at the Southside Theatre (formerly part of the Magic Theatre), Fort Mason, San Francisco.  Closing performance on Halloween (Saturday) begins at 6 pm followed by a party, cash prizes for best costume, candy and more!  Tickets are $25-$35.  Call (415) 279-1179 or at jericaproductions.com/theatre.