Of good and evil
Dr Jekyll’s fiance Emma Carew will be played by former Traralgon local Zoe Czempinski. Emma is the daughter of Sir Danvers Carew, and throughout the musical is forced to navigate high society while dealing with the challenges of Jekyll as he becomes on his experiment rather than their upcoming wedding.
Czempinski has enjoyed working with Gray and has enjoyed playing Emma, who she describes as a “strong and independent” character.
“I think the show would appeal to anyone, especially people who don’t typically like theatre. It’s dark, it’s funny,” she said.
Czempinski previously starred as Glinda in WTC’s “Wicked” with Emillie King, who played “Nessarose”.
King has switched roles in this production and has joined the team as a choreographer.
A priority for King has been developing the feeling and atmosphere of Victorian London through movement.
“It’s like contemporary musical theatre because sometimes it’s really pedestrian and then it has dance moments.”
“I’ve stolen from a lot of places, little motifs, there’s a bit of stuff from Phantom in there, there’s a bit of Hamilton. I’ll be happy if anyone can pick up on any,” she said.
Musical director Sam Stephens said the production team had been fortunate to have such a strong cast.
He has been working with experienced music director Yolette Stewart to create a terrific sound that compliments the dark, grungy palette of the rest of the musical.
“I’ve heard the music described as a bit of a mixture between Phantom of the Opera and Sweeney Todd, in that it’s got these dark themes, but it’s also quite grand in places.”
“It was composed in the late 80s, early 90s... so it’s got a lot of those influences.”
The musical has been called an excellent show for first-time theatre-goers and those who prefer plays to see by members of the production team.
Despite the dark themes, Charleston and his team have worked hard to find the light highlighting a number of comedic moments throughout.
“I think it’s a great show for a first-timer who had never seen a musical before or someone who is more interested in plays... it’s so dark, and there’s an interesting plot and obviously, a really well-known character,” Gray told the Gazette.
Tickets to Jekyll and Hyde are available on the West Gippsland Arts Centre website: wgac.com.au