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Overview
Synopsis
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller, Jekyll & Hyde is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful pop-rock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. In an attempt to cure his ailing father’s mental illness by separating “good” from “evil” in the human personality, talented physician Dr. Jekyll inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, dubbed Mr. Hyde, who wreaks murderous havoc on the city of London. As his fiancée Emma grows increasingly fearful for her betrothed, a prostitute, Lucy, finds herself dangerously involved with both the doctor and his alter ego. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll must race to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind.
Show Information
Context
Show Origins
The show is loosely based on the novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written in 1886 by Robert Louis Stevenson. The musical is placed in Stevenson’s original setting—Victorian London in 1884. However, several elements of the book, especially in characterization, have been changed to create a dynamic stage musical. Wildhorn and Bricusse added two female characters (Emma and Lucy) to create a fateful love triangle with Jekyll, reflected in the duet “In His
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ACT ONE
It is London, around the year 1885, and the events of the musical have recently passed. Dr. Jekyll’s lawyer, John Utterson, and Sir Danvers Carew, Jekyll’s future father-in-law, explain that the audience will be taken back in time as they recall the case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
The story opens in the dismal ward of a mental hospital, where Jekyll is gazing intently at a comatose old man strapped to a bed—his father. He assures him that he will find a way to help him
to read the plot for Jekyll & Hyde and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
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|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
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|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer, Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer, Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Ensemble |
Not Specified |
|
Songs
Act One
Act Two
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
An alter ego is a second self or alternate personality that differs from a character’s outward persona. In drama, it can be used as a dramatic device to explore internal conflict or duality.
An anti-hero is a central character who lacks traditional heroic qualities such as morality, bravery, or idealism. Often flawed and complex, anti-heroes appear frequently in modern drama and literature.
A historical asylum in London that symbolizes chaos or madness in theatre, often used metaphorically in dramatic works.
A vocal technique blending chest and head voice to create a strong yet flexible sound for higher pitches.
A theatrical genre mixing parody, music, and often sensuality, originating in the 19th century as satirical entertainment.
A form of theatrical entertainment featuring music, song, dance, and drama, often performed in a nightclub or pub-style venue.
A character foil is one whose traits contrast with another character, thereby highlighting qualities in both. In No, No, Nanette, Sue’s strict propriety serves as a foil to Nanette’s youthful desire for freedom, emphasizing the tension between tradition and independence. The use of foils helps dramatists reveal character differences without lengthy exposition.
A passionate, niche audience devoted to a specific play or performance style, often regardless of mainstream popularity.
An “I Want Song” is a number, usually placed early in a musical, where a main character expresses their deepest desire or ambition. This song sets the character’s journey in motion and gives the audience a clear emotional stake in the story. It has become one of the most recognizable and enduring conventions of musical theatre structur
A struggle within a character’s mind or emotions that drives dramatic tension and character development.
A Tragedy is a form of drama that explores human suffering, conflict, and loss, often leading to a disastrous or fatal conclusion. Traditionally, the main character experiences downfall due to a personal flaw, poor judgment, or forces beyond their control. Tragedy aims to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to reflection and emotional release. Categories: Dramatic Genre, Greek Theatre, Themes
A protagonist whose downfall results from a fatal flaw, central to classical and modern tragedy.
Relating to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901), which influenced theatrical style, costume, and themes.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Responsibility of Science & Medicine
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from Jekyll & Hyde and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Quote Analysis
_Lost in the darkness, silence surrounds you [...] If
to read our analysis of select quotes from Jekyll & Hyde and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress
