Liberty gears up to stage ‘Jekyll and Hyde, the Musical’

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIBERTY, NY — In terms of high school productions, Liberty’s upcoming staging of “Jekyll and Hyde, the Musical” is destined to create a stir as it separates itself from the usual fare of traditional musicals performed at area high schools this time of year.

Under the direction of Fran DelSignore and involving close to 100 people in its cast, production crew, set design staff, musicians and ushers, “Jekyll and Hyde, the Musical” promises to be a knockout. Auditions for the show were begun in December, and the dark drama, based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson (which was adapted by writer Leslie Bricusse and conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn) presents an awesome challenge for its cadre of talented actors.

As the show approaches, The River Reporter plans to provide updates and glimpses into its evolving production, including a slide show of the production, which will appear at www.riverreporter.com on April 8, the day of the show’s opening.

On March 13, the cast and its director hosted a catered press conference, which afforded local media a chance to meet the actors and learn about their involvement in the show. Here is some of what cast members had to say about their experience to date with the show:

• “What I’ve learned most from doing this show is that no matter how difficult it may be, with dedication you can accomplish anything you set out to do.” —Kelly Baker (Lady Beaconsfield)

• “It’s been a great learning experience. Even though it’s been difficult it’s going to be rewarding.” —Matt Lockwood (Gabriel John Utterson)

• “It’s a great way to get to meet new people.” —Jasper Ray Resto (Sir Danvers Carew)

• “This is different from anything I’ve ever done.” —Justin Sutherland (Dr. Henry Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde.)

Excitement is building in Liberty about the upcoming production. Throughout the school students are reading the book, and trivia contests about the story, its characters and the production are staged daily in the cafeteria. Correct answers are rewarded with colorful necklaces. Judging from the numerous strands worn by students throughout the school, “Jekyll and Hyde, the Musical” is about the biggest thing to happen in Liberty High School in years.