SOLANA BEACH, California — As the calendar signals the sinister season of ghouls and ghosties, North Coast Repertory Theatre ushers in the chill with an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. While Stevenson wrote the story in 1885, his wife insisted he destroy the original and rewrite it before it was published the following year. This psychological thriller explores the dual nature of man, repressed urges for evil and depravity, and the desire to do good and serve mankind. It was written about the Victorian soul but is a timeless story of our internal struggle of id, ego, and superego.
Actor and director Shana Wride is a local fixture, having won fans and admirers for her work at nearly every area theatre and as a two-time winner of the coveted San Diego Critics Circle Craig Noel Award. In addition to directing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Wride teaches at Grossmont College. Her smart direction in this intense show never falters, and her execution of Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation is brilliant and well-paced.
Hatcher is a favorite playwright of North Coast Rep and brought us Holmes and Watson and Dr. Glas. His accolades include extensive work in film and television, both domestic and international. He has won a number of grants and awards including NEA, TCG, Rosenthal New Play Prize, and the 2013 Ivey Lifetime Achievement Award.
I can honestly say that every single actor on the stage for this show is at the top of his/her game. The casting was incredible and the seamless synergy between actors was spellbinding. The tension, camaraderie, fury and loathing are all palpable and authentic. The scenes between Carew and Jekyll ring true as each man’s enmity of the other is voiced in clever, biting dialogue. Further, each actor plays a number of roles, but again, flawlessly moving between characters.
Sir Danvers Carew (Jacob Bruce) was last seen on North Coast Rep’s stage in The Underpants. This actor, director, educator, and builder has performed at The La Jolla Playhouse, Mo’olelo, San Diego Rep, and the Intrepid. He has also choreographed for UCSD and San Diego Opera. In addition, Mr. Bruce has appeared on television and in film. His portrayal of a judgmental, somewhat callous surgeon was convincing.
Returning to North Coast Repertory, Katie Macnichol served her master, Dr. Jekyll, as Poole, his devoted manservant. Macnichol is another steadfast actor, having appeared in The Cherry Orchard, Into the Breeches, Same Time Next Year, and At This Evening’s Performance. Macnichol has performed on and off Broadway as well as in London. Her ability to adapt quirky esoteric mannerisms is charming.
The conflicted, tortured soul of Edward Hyde (Conner Marx) was masterfully portrayed so that this reviewer experienced his pain and confusion, acutely. His “bestial instincts” and quasi-animalistic movements made his character all the more dangerous and volatile. Marx has extensive television credits including “New Amsterdam,” “Z Nation,” “The Young and the Restless,” and “Leverage.” He has appeared in film and at several regional theatres. His fluidity with accents was most admirable and I hope to see more of this actor.
Elizabeth Jelkes (Ciarra Stroud), the young woman in love with the depraved and evil Edward Hyde, highlights the conundrum of man’s true nature. No one is all good or all evil. Her devotion to this miscreant is unwavering though she is aware of his misdeeds and mercurial temper. Stroud last appeared at North Coast Rep in Blues in the Night.
Dr. Henry Jekyll (Bruce Turk) commanded the stage with his portrayal of the diligent scientist and the self-loathing creator of a demon. As a scientist, he cannot stop himself from exploring the dark side of humanity discovered by a tincture, yet he loathes the result and wants to rein it in. His struggle is genuine as he endeavors to control the beast within. Turk has performed at North Coast Rep in The Cherry Orchard, Annabella in July, and The Homecoming. He has been seen on and off-Broadway as well as a number of theatres on the east and west coasts and in Japan!
Another standout actor, director, producer, stage manager, teacher and choreographer, is Christopher Williams. Williams takes on the role of the perspicacious Gabriel Utterson. This brilliant actor has executed comic roles, dramatic roles, and everything in between. Williams’ range is phenomenal and his performances always hit their mark. He has performed off-Broadway in Rothschild and Sons. Outstanding and memorable regional engagements include Dancing Lessons, The Outsider, How the Other Half Loves, Holmes and Watson, and my personal favorite, Don’t Dress for Dinner. That is only a sampling from North Coast Rep. Williams has been seen in Phoenix and Idaho. His screen credits include “Terriers,” “The Incredible Adventures of Jo Jo,” “Island of the Lost Girls,” and others.
The design team used our intimate space to the very best of its advantage with sliding scenery and tables slid on and off stage. Kudos to Marty Burnett, Matthew Novotny, and Erik Montierth for a clever minimalist stage set and lighting, and to Eliza Benzoni for great costumes. Props to Emmelyn Thayer for assisting with dialects which were authentic and wonderful.
I was thrilled to run into San Diego Jewish Academy teacher, Sara Hansen, and her 20 Honors Seminar students. In preparation, her students had read the play and researched Victorian England. The students were then tasked with taking a scene and “producing it” with lighting, costume, movement, and sound. What an excellent preparation to fully enjoy North Coast Rep’s rendition of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com
Fabulous review. So filled with energy and accolades that I want to dash out to see this NOW