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Show The doctor is in Broadway version of Stevenson's 'strange case' has tragedy, terror Cody Clark DAILY HERALD romance we Gomedy, these things from theater. That's easy. Where, on the other hand, is all the really good musical horror and musical tragedy? Ask, and ye shall receive, courtesy of Robert Louis Stevenson by way of Leslie Bricusse (book and lyrics), Frank Wildhorn (music) and, for the first time in Utah Valley, Hale Center Theater Orem. Hale's production of "Jekyll & Hyde," which began playing nightly on Monday after three weeks of limited performances, is stirring and sad. If you disapprove of art that peers into the dark recesses of the soul, or you only see plays that end happily, consider waiting for next month's production of "Fiddler on the Roof." Bricusse's adaptation begins with Dr. Henry Jekyll (Hale regular Brad Montgomery) absorbed in the plight of his father, stricken with madness and confined to an asylum. Jekyll's despair at his father's From condition has driven him to pursue morally repugnant re- searches into the essence of human nature. When he needs a human subject to continue his work, the good doctor applies to the board of governors of St. Jude's Hospital and is roundly (and spitefully) rejected. Incensed, Jekyll vows to experiment on himself, concealing this risky approach from all who know him, including his attorney, John Utterson (Greg Johnson); his fiancee, Emma Danvers (Melissa Brinkerhoff); and Emma's father, Sir Danvers Carew (Cody Hale). Jekyll's rashness results in the creation of terrifying alter ego Edward Hyde, who acts out Jekyll's lowest impulses, including his hunger for vengeance against the St. Jude's board. The fragile bridge between Jekyll and Hyde is Lucy Harris (Brandalee Bluth), d a showgirl familiar to Jekyll from an evening's indiscretion, and the heart of Hyde's dark desires. Spoken dialogue is used sparingly, the better to accommodate the inclusion of 31 musical US; take mw Pleasant Grow wit 278 Irwn red-haire- Review Jekyll & Hyde When: Nightly at 7:3(5 through Oct. 16 except Sundays; Saturday matinees Oct. 9 and 16 Where: Hale Center Theater Orem, 225 W. 400 South Cost $10.50 to $15.50 0 Info: or www.haletheater.com 226-860- numbers in a show scarcely more than two hours long. (Fans familiar with the Broadway production or its original cast soundtrack will notice a few strategic deletions no "Bitch, Bitch, Bitch" but the melancholy spirit of the production is unaffected.) d As ever, Hale's format necessitates inventive set design and exhaustive blocking; aU accomplished to sound effect. Solid lighting guides the eye around the stage and costumes are colorful and best-sellin- g Hale Center Theater Orem "Jekyll & Hyde" is playing Theater Orem. nightly except Sundays at Hale Center theater-in-the-roun- distinctive. All but a handful of the roles are rotated between two actors, and torn aortheojt Tain Km Ml and wtkfc tor HMfawt right QlTOt but the cast at the performance I saw on Sept. 18 had passion and energy appropriate to the story. Montgomery is especially impressive in the titular dual role, overpowering sometimes bombastic accompaniment with a rousing, robust vocal per WVOSilV fof SpdOI event Info Slid ' formance. . Given six murders, a suicide and a scene in a whorehouse, "Jekyll & Hyde" probably shouldn't be considered appropriate for viewers of all ages. For mature audiences, it's a fine early Halloween treat. ' P |