Hartland, WI – February 27, 2025 – Lake Country Playhouse & Academy (LCPA) is proud to present Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical. Featuring a thrilling score by multi-Grammy and Tony-nominated composer Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar and Grammy-winning lyricist Leslie Bricusse, this musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel has captivated audiences worldwide.
The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life on stage in this musical phenomenon. An evocative tale of two men – one, a doctor, passionate and romantic; the other, a terrifying madman – and two women – one, beautiful and trusting; the other, beautiful and trusting only herself – both women in love with the same man and both unaware of his dark secret. A devoted man of science, Dr. Henry Jekyll is driven to find a chemical breakthrough that can solve some of mankind’s most challenging medical dilemmas. Rebuffed by the powers that be, he decides to make himself the subject of his own experimental treatments, accidentally unleashing his inner demons along with the man that the world would come to know as Mr. Hyde.
“The creative elements will draw audiences into a world of unchecked ambition, duality, and the desperate quest for identity,” say directors Sandra Renick & Breanne Brennan. “This riveting and vocally stunning production will leave audiences breathless as they witness one man’s tragic descent into madness.”
Adrian Ford takes on the dual lead role, portraying both the passionate and ambitious Dr. Jekyll and the sinister Mr. Hyde. Alyssa Booton plays his devoted fiancée, Emma Carew, and Jaime Nyland is Lucy Harris, the fiery and independent main attraction at London’s seedy Red Rat Club. Another 21 local actors, many making their LCPA debut, complete the ensemble.
Co-directed by Renick and Brennan, Jekyll & Hyde continues their long-standing creative partnership, which dates back to 2013. Known for their bold, emotionally-rich storytelling, past collaborations include Sweeney Todd, Parade, The Bridges of Madison County, Assassins, and The Secret Garden. Their vision for Jekyll & Hyde emphasizes the gripping psychological intensity of the story, while delivering stunning visuals.
Rounding out the production team are vocal director Tracy Garon, who returns to LCPA after her acclaimed work on The Clockmaker’s Daughter in April 2024, along with pit director Jim Van Deusen, who leads the live five-person orchestra featuring Garon and Anne Van Deusen (keys), Tony Fenner (percussion), Cheryl Miracle (French horn), and Glen Quarrie (woodwinds). Choreography and fight direction is by Thom Cauley.
Set designer Chris Celestin and master carpenter Robert Perugini, in his LCP debut, will bring Victorian London to life with a simple yet compelling multi-purpose set, with props designer Lindsay Strean Hagood and scenic artist Anjl Rodee adding period detail. Award-winning costume designer Sarah Jo Martens highlights the upper and lower classes of London with rich textures and fabrics. Brennan, also serving as lighting and sound designer, creates an environment of light and dark, as well as haunting soundscapes, while intimacy director Jenn Dobby of Carroll University ensures the show’s most vulnerable moments are handled with authenticity and respect.
Jekyll & Hyde will run from March 28-April 13, 2025 at Lake Country Playhouse & Academy, 221 E. Capitol Drive, Hartland, WI 53029. Performances will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $27. Group pricing is also available. Tickets can be purchased online at www.lakecountryplayhousewi.org.