Be transported: “Jekyll and Hyde”
Audiences at the West Gippsland Arts Centre were transported to the gloomy streets of 19th-century London on the weekend night with Warragul Theatre Company's immersive musical "Jekyll and Hyde".
From the moment audience members took their seats they were transported to another world. A world where good and evil can be separated in the lab of a desperate doctor and high society is everything.
Director Liam Charleston should be commended for leading another terrific WTC production of professional calibre with vision and expertise.
Leading man Michael Gray stunned audiences as the desperate "Dr Jekyll" and as the despicable "Mr Hyde".
Despite the challenging nature of the dual role, Gray's powerful voice, energy and commitment allowed him to pull it off with ease.
Particularly impressive was the calculated juxtaposition between Dr Jekyll and his alter ego Mr Hyde, as Gray strategically altered his physicality and vocal style for both roles.
"Confrontation", a song in which the personalities battle for control was terrific, and saw Gray dominate the stage. His already excellent performance was bolstered by a series of perfectly time lighting changes, which bought the character's internal battle to light.
Hayley Abery delivered a beautifully considered and balanced performance as "Lucy Harris". While her fabulous voice blew audiences away from her first number "No One Knows Who I Am", it was through fantastic characterisation that Abery brought the kind-hearted Lucy to life.
"Bring on the Men", performed by Abery, had fantastically fun choreography, and allowed the performers to deliver some welltime comedic and suggestive moments.
Michael Zinner's reactions to the shenanigans at "The Red Rat" as lawyer "John Utterson" were particularly hilarious.
Choreographer Emillie Kings is commended for "Bring on the Men" and "Murder Murder". "Bring on the Men" had some carefully considered cabaret-style moves, and the umbrella sequence in "Murder Murder" was excellent.
Zoe Czempinski was wonderful as "Emma Carew" and worked well with Gray. She presented Emma as a headstrong woman, who is not afraid to take matters into her own hands. All Czempinski's songs were expertly performed, demonstrating her vocal range and tremendous skill.
Annelise Answerth was hilarious as "Nellie", and had wonderful comedic timing, successfully bringing light to some of the show's darkest moments.
Zinner as John, Jeykll's friend, was also a joy to watch - he and Gray had terrific chemistry. Michael Barron delivered a great performance as "Simon Stride", as did Coby Gregg as "Lord Herbert Savage".
Indeed, the entire board of governors were wonderful and had some excellent moments, Nick Brown as "Sir Archibald Proops", Simon Fraser as "The Bishop of Basingstoke", Leo Rodrigo as "General Lord Glossop" and Brodie Dorling as "Lady Beaconsfield".
WTC stalwart, John Black impressed audiences again as Emma's caring father "Sir Danvers Carew".
While the cast was terrific, it's full potential would not have been realised if it were not for the incredible set and stunning costuming.
Throughout the performance, the orchestra did not falter under instruction from co-musical director Yolette Stewart, and her hard work with co-musical director Sam Stephens was evident in the cast's vocal performances.
The massive interactive set, created by Keegan Just, was a highlight, enhanced by the lighting and intermittent fog haze.
There are just four shows remaining of "Jekyll and Hyde".
Shows are Thursday at 7.30pm, Friday at 7.30pm and Saturday, at 1.30pm and 7.30pm.
Tickets are available at www.wgac.com.au