Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical as a musical is an entertaining pleasure, the story is respectful to the classic original story and the songs are great if with a few derivative numbers. This performance was actually pretty good if majorly flawed. Some of the ensembles sound scrappy and under-rehearsed with some of it sounding unsure and with times where rhythmically it could have been more precise. Most of the direction is fine, though there are a few anachronistic touches, parts that did feel too busy and the transformation sequence is clumsily handled. The most problematic aspect was David Hasselhoff, some have said he is better than he is given credit for and most have said he's bad. For me he was more inconsistent than anything else, he is to be applauded for taking on something he really wanted to do but one can't help thinking that despite the brave effort he was not well-suited for the difficult iconic dual role. He is better as Mr Hyde than Dr Jekyll, as Hyde he is entertaining and with some shades of chills though he does overdo it but as Jekyll he is both bland and hammy with facial expressions that are so forced it's off-putting. Didn't care for his voice either, some of the big notes are decent and there are moments where it does sound nice but much of it is very unsteady- with excessive vibrato that it sounds bleaty- and strained, especially in This is the Moment(which started off breathy and un-vocal but got a little better later). However, the costumes and sets are authentic and beautiful, complete with lighting that compliments the atmosphere very well. The photography is good too and the make-up is chillingly effective. The orchestra play with power, control and nuance throughout with tempos that are appropriate for the moods of each song. The choreography is neither overblown or staid, instead a very nice in between, and the stage direction on the whole allows the atmosphere of the story to come through and it is true in spirit to the show and the story. The supporting performances were great, especially Andrea Rivette, who makes for a poised and heart-breaking Emma complete with a voice that has much depth and beauty, Colleen Sexton, who is very charming with an equally beautiful light voice, and George Merritt, loved his rich mellow tone and how he was able to tell so much while doing little(with any look and gesture speaking volumes). Martin Van Treuren takes on a dual role and in a way that the two characters are so different that you are shocked that it's the same person. Barrie Ingham is also good. To conclude, pretty good though with an inconsistent Hasselhoff. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical
Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical
(2001 TV Movie)
While Hasselhoff didn't always work the performance is actually pretty good
1 June 2014