Liberty’s ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ sets a new standard

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIBERTY, NY — For the cast and crew of Liberty High School’s cutting edge performance of “Jekyll and Hyde, the Musical,” memories of their involvement in this ambitious show are apt to last a lifetime.

The decision by director Fran DelSignore to depart from old standby musicals to afford her cast opportunities to stretch and perform something unique was fully embraced by all involved. DelSignore previously directed this show at Cahoes High School in Cahoes, NY. She arranged the choreography for the Liberty Performing Arts production.

Despite the travails of school closings, spring break and the complex nature of the production, it all came together as Liberty Performing Arts brought the compelling story of Dr. Henry Jekyll’s disastrous experiment gone awry to the stage. Fine performances were turned in by Justin Sutherland as Jekyll/Hyde, Matt Lockwood as Gabriel John Utterson, Samantha Jardine as Lisa Carew, Erin Slaver as Lucy Harris, Kelly Baker as Lady Beaconsfield, Jasper Ray Resto as Sir Danvers Carew, and Lansford Richards as Lord Savage.

“You could hear a pin drop in the audience,” DelSignore said, attesting to the audience’s rapt attention. “There were quite a few tears.”

Fine musical direction from conductor Graham Doig along with a sonorous orchestra provided the music for the stunning score. Jennifer Miller designed sets. Two additional performances of “Jekyll and Hyde, the Musical,” will be staged this coming weekend on April 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. Come out and support the efforts of Liberty Performing Arts and get to witness high school drama at its finest.