Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical Returns to Celebrate Ten Years at the Theater

Ten years ago, members of the Inland Empire’s burgeoning performing arts community pondered what production would be the most fitting way to truly introduce the city of Temecula to their newly-minted, state-of-the-art venue. A decade a later, the Fine Arts Network is proud to bring back the original production that first captivated local audiences, when Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical returns to the Old Town Temecula Community Theater from March 25th through April 10th.

“Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical is about the duality of man and the struggle between good and evil that we all face within ourselves,” Director Joseph Arreola said during a recent interview.

Originally premiering on Broadway in 1997, Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical is the stage adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” about a man’s struggle with dual personalities.

“The plot loosely follows Stevenson’s novel but adds a touch of romance,” Arreola said. “It’s about love conquering even the darkest of powers and the dangers of allowing personal drive to become obsession.”

The updated musical version of the timeless thriller features music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Wildhorn, Leslie Bricusse and Steve Cuden and book by Bricusse.

Unlike the novel, the musical encompasses a love quadrangle between Emma (Ashley Lohman-Taft) and Jekyll (Paul Kehler), who are in love, Lucy (Cheri Gorin-Kehler), who also loves Jekyll, but finds herself entangled with Jekyll’s alter ego.

As a true tribute to the theater’s anniversary, all three leads are reprising their roles from ten years ago, with Arreola and a handful of supporting players also returning for the celebratory production.

“Each of the primary actors brings a wealth of experience to their roles and it is a pleasure to watch them work through this monster a second time around,” Arreola said. “They have each grown immensely as performers, over the last ten years, and it is evident in their incredible performances.”

Though the original Broadway production of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical won critical acclaim, numerous theater awards and four Tony Award nominations, the production isn’t for everyone; namely young children, as the plot contains adult situations, mature subject matter and can be frightening at times.

“This is a PG-13 production and is appropriate for teenagers and adults,” Arreola said. “It is a show that explores the depths of human nature and the lengths someone will go to, in an attempt to rid the world of evil.”

Tickets for Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical range from $27 for orchestra seats to $23 for balcony, with group pricing as well as student, senior and military discounts available. To purchase tickets, visit www.temeculatheater.org or call the box office at 866-653-8696 (866-OLD-TOWN).

The Fine Arts Network has been bringing the highest quality of the performing arts to the Temecula Valley for over twenty years and Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical is no exception. Featuring an award-winning book and musical score as well as members of the Temecula Theater’s inaugural cast, the production is a fitting celebration of the Old Town Temecula Community Theater’s landmark anniversary.

“Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical promises to be a wonderful production with amazing sets and costumes and an absolutely phenomenal cast,” Arreola said. “It really will be something very special.”

(This story first appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune)

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