Baylor Theatre Presents New Spin on Classic 'Jekyll and Hyde'

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Baylor University Theatre will continue its 2011-2012 season with Jeffrey Hatcher's "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" from Tuesday, Jan. 31, to Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 4, to Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. in Mabee Theatre of the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center on the Baylor campus.

Based on the novella "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson, Hatcher's adaptation sheds new light on the well-known story of Dr. Henry Jekyll (Francisco Lopez Jr.), a physician and scientist, as he struggles to isolate and destroy the essence of the beast in man.

Jekyll's experiments bring forth his counterpart Edward Hyde (played by multiple actors). A shameless villain, Hyde becomes romantically involved with Elizabeth (Katie Amis). Fearing for her life, Jekyll seeks to end his experiments, but Hyde has other plans. The play, directed by (Josiah Wallace), master's candidate in directing at Baylor, is part quick-paced psychological thriller and part Victorian murder mystery.

"I was attracted to the theatricality of the piece," Wallace said. "The presentational nature of the narrative and the demands it puts on actors and space was very exciting to me."

Wallace said he hopes the audience will enjoy a similar experience.

"I was very pleased with the ways in which the play fulfilled many expectations, maintained suspense and modified the typical construction of the Jekyll and Hyde characters," Wallace said. "My primary goal is for the audience to leave the theatre full of wonder, satisfaction and questions."
Tickets are $15 for the public and $12 for Baylor students and faculty. Purchase them online from the Baylor Theatre Arts Online Ticket Office or call (254) 710-1865.
Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center is at 60 Baylor Ave.
For more information, visit Baylor Theatre or contact Sherry Ward at (254) 710-1865.
by Katy McDowall, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805