CONTEMPLATING DRINKING THE KOOL-AID. Joel Breed, seated, performs both title roles in the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre production of Jekyll & Hyde.

The Eau Claire Children’s Theatre explores the dark, Gothic world of Victorian London in its production of the musical Jekyll & Hyde, which runs Oct. 16-19. Based on the novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (of Treasure Island renown), the musical focuses on the brilliant but misguided Dr. Jekyll whose scientific experiments give him the ability to separate his good side from his immoral impulses by occasionally transforming into Mr. Hyde, a brutal murderer without a conscience. Over time, Hyde begins taking over more frequently without Jekyll’s knowledge, and his violence begins to catch up with them both.

The musical stars Joel Breed, whom audiences may be familiar with from his role as Jean Valjean in last season’s Les Misérables from ECCT. “I think we’re really fortunate to have the lead that we do,” says Director Wayne Marek. “It’s really great to have a performer you can trust in such a demanding lead role.”

“Sometimes we wear a mask to hide our true thoughts and feelings. Especially if those feelings are vengeful, shameful, or fearful. Jekyll just takes it a step too far and finds out that he cannot control the rage and fear once it is unleashed.”
– actor Joel Breed, star of the musical Jekyll & Hyde

In the show, Jekyll sings, “Friends, you’re aware there are two sides to each of us: good and evil, compassion and hate.” The musical is a beautiful allegory for our struggle as individuals with our inner good and evil. “Sometimes we wear a mask to hide our true thoughts and feelings,” Breed says. “especially if those feelings are vengeful, shameful, or fearful. Jekyll just takes it a step too far and finds out that he cannot control the rage and fear once it is unleashed.”

What drives that level of Jekyll’s determination to separate the good from the evil and Hyde’s determination to overcome Jekyll and be his own man? “(Jekyll) continues his work because of his strong beliefs in the power of good overcoming evil. He is motivated by his desire to make a positive impact on the world,” Breed says. “Similarly, Hyde is focused and driven, but his motivations are revenge for, and rage over, the injustices he perceives were done to his alter-ego, Jekyll.”

With a compelling storyline, phenomenal performers including leads and supporting cast members, a musical score to die for, and a brilliant pit orchestra playing throughout, there are few reasons not to see this show. Marek and Breed speak to the strength of the orchestra and point out that much of the plot and character development happen within the songs, with the dialogue underscored with music. “The music is by far the strongest part of the show,” Marek says. The show features several significant characters with absorbing songs. Marek points out that composer Frank Wildhorn eventually married Linda Edder (one of the original Broadway stars), “So a lot of the female songs are really quite incredible because he wrote them for her.”

Unlike many of ECCT’s productions, this may not be for the whole family. “If it had a rating, it would be PG-13 really for no other reason than it’s darker,” Marek says. “A 10-year-old could come, but I’m not sure they’d enjoy it because it might not hold their attention.” Breed echoes that thought: “Despite some very touching and lively moments, Jekyll & Hyde is dark, creepy, and sometimes violent.”

So why see the show? Well, for one, “ ’Tis the season,” says Marek. “(It’s) in keeping with the Hallowe’en season, which is one of the reasons for putting it in October rather than March.” Adds Breed: “I believe the show will appeal to anyone with an appreciation for great music. … If you like moving music, compelling characters, and eye-catching scenery, you will like this show.”

Halloween is nearly upon us, and in the spirit of the season, why not take a stroll through a Victorian city full of murder, rage, obsession, and redemption? You’ll feel better on the other side.

Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical, presented by Eau Claire Children’s Theatre • Oct. 16-18, 7:30pm, and Oct. 19, 1:30pm • The State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $20 adult, $16 seniors, $12 students, $8 youth • (715) 839-8877 • info@ecct.org • www.ecct.org