Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
About the show
This bare bones, fast-paced, and largely comic staging of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of dual identity is performed by only two actors. More…
Based on the classic novella, this original adaptation takes you to the dismal streets of London in the 1860s, where societal pressures silence a gentle doctor’s questions about the nature of morality. As the pressure intensifies, Dr. Jekyll takes matters into his own hands. However, things take an eerie turn when his experiment takes on a life of its own. Will his efforts save the world, or will they destroy all that he holds dear? After all, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
“Physical, inventive, ingenious and funny...Grinstead and Stromberg’s comedic adaptation is theatrical catnip – you just can’t get enough of it. This multi-talented duo has written a sophisticated comic-tragedy, produced it and performed it – excelling in every area...A prime example of performance skill, innovative design and clarity of directorial intention all rolled into one exceptional ‘fringe’ performance.” Full Review
"A wonderful, creative, joyful, fast paced, delight of a show. It’s a romp through the tale, having such fun with itself that it allows the joy of theater and storytelling to spill over the lip of the stage and flow out over the seats of the audience...The scenes shift with a dance-like smoothness that makes the show flow as steady as the Thames...This wonderful piece of theater will give you a fun evening, put smile on your face and a chill up your spine." Full Review
"Unlike the show, I'm not going for suspense-it's well executed…Grinstead and Stromberg's performances seem vocally taxing and I desperately hope they are drowning themselves in Throat Coat between shows…Stromberg's quick-change skills are impressive as she flawlessly flits about from character to character…The writing is clever, unpretentious, and an all-around good time…The production is the clear result of a collaboration between two people who can really riff off each other." Full Review
"Smart, refreshing, delightfully staged and acted, this production is a thrilling surprise...Stromberg’s staging and direction alone, is so sharp, inventive and intelligent. She is truly remarkable...Grinstead plays the dual role of the title character brilliantly. His Jekyll is insecure, yet intent on finding the cure and the reasons behind good and evil. His Hyde is scary with just a top hat, vocal changes and slight body manipulations. He literally made me scream." Full Review
"The particular, wacky charm of the show stems from the fine interplay between Burt Grinstead, playing Jekyll and Hyde and Anna Stromberg playing everyone else...The play intertwines comedic farce and serious interludes...It’s smart, funny and surprisingly likable, complete with dark humor, quick pacing and a very high level of innovation. Grinstead and Stromberg have made good use of the original work in order to provide the audience with both laughs and gasps." Full Review
“If you are a fan of the book then this is the comedy you’ve been waiting for...An 80 minute retelling of the horrors unleashed by imprudent, self indulgent science that leads to murderous, anti-social schizophrenia. All done with wit and style that had me laughing from the opening minutes to the very end...If you love to laugh at well parodied literary classics, as I do, then this is a play for you.” Full Review
"Blanket Fort infuses their production with humor and creates a fantastic two-person showcase...With the show expertly whittled down to the basics, Grinstead and Stromberg showcase their incredible physicality and dialect work by oscillating quickly between characters...A clever mix of the original gothic story and their own brand of witty, nuanced humor, Fort’s version of the classic story is an amazing time at the theater, and a must-see...Absolutely fantastic!" Full Review
"Grinstead portrays Jekyll and Hyde, which leaves Stromberg to portray ever other man and woman in the cast. It is entirely to her credit, that it is always crystal clear as to which character she is playing, but she brings unique comedy chops as well as genuine pathos, whenever either is required...An exciting and fiendishly clever way to spend eighty minutes, if you are inclined to seeing a new take on this oft-told tale." Full Review
"Lively feat of comic imagination and innovation...Outstanding is Mr. Grinstead’s enthralling transformation into Hyde...Ms. Stromberg’s transformational energy into at least 10 characters adds to this momentum...The youthful exuberance and excitement for this production by the SoHo Playhouse staff is evident from the moment one enters the theater." Full Review
"Not that you need a prerequisite course in horror esthetics to enjoy what’s happening right now at the Playhouse. Anna Stromberg and Burt Grinstead, the writers and the entire cast of this new, bare-boned, ingenious production of 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,' have invented a show that simultaneously parodies and finds the inherent drama in this tragic, cautionary tale...The contributions that Stromberg and Grinstead have made to 'Jekyll and Hyde' seem to further layer the show’s DNA." Full Review
"The story takes a few twists and turns from the original...Grinstead and Strombeg lace their script with lots of dark humor and farce, making us question at first whether we are watching a comedy or a thriller. As the plot moves along, though, the joke lines become a naturally entertaining part of the proceedings...I cannot say enough about the pacing of the play, as it never lets down, keeping us on the edge of our seats in horror or laughter." Full Review
"It’s a highly innovative work, impressive not only for its delightfully morbid sense of humor and the versatility of the acting, but for its meticulous marriage of theme and aesthetics...The dialogue, performed with perfect synchronicity, is snappy and silly, with quick and clever pacing...If you are a person who loves demented comedy and insightful performance, direction, and design, remarking on the negatives in this work might be as futile as Jekyll’s effort to divorce good from evil." Full Review
“A sincere, occasionally scary, and often jovial adaptation of the classic...The first half hour of the production is sometimes lumbering in its exposition, and Grinstead struggles to make the mild-mannered Jekyll interesting. But his Hyde is worth the wait...Stromberg makes an excellent foil. Each of her characters is defined by a quick prop or costume change...She is also in charge of most of the humor...Her direction is fast-paced and crystal clear.” Full Review
"This version sought to insert moments of laughter into the traditional story...Grinstead tackled the dual role of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde admirably...Especially well done were the transformation scenes where his body changed dramatically from one character to the next...Stromberg ably acted all other roles...Especially poignant is Dr. Jekyll's interactions with his maid, who ultimately becomes his moral conscience as the story navigates to its conclusion." Full Review
"Switches between comedic farce and serious scenes just as slickly as Jekyll becomes Hyde...This never-lagging, 80-minute version pares down the Gothic novella...As director, Stromberg’s flourishes are often fabulous, but the formidable creators could use an outside eye to help shape the show and keep the entertaining shenanigans less one-note. Still, for the spectacular performances, clever production, and a timeless message...'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is just what the doctor ordered." Full Review
"It is more comic than horrifying but that is fine. It breaks up the tension. The show runs barely 80 minutes and there is never a dull moment as the talented duo of writer/performers brings their vision to the stage. Grinstead plays the dual role of the meek, good-natured Dr. Jekyll with just the right amount of shy uncertainty then with a quick spasm of energy becomes the evil, wet-fur-smelling vulgar and violent Mr. Hyde. Stromberg is a marvel as all the other characters." Full Review
See it if you like cleverly minimal casting and set usage, like dark comedy, or enjoy the intimate feel of black box theatre.
Don't see it if you want to see flashy sets and costumes or large casts. There are bright lights and dense fog, so don't see if those cause discomfort.
See it if You like fantastic acting with minimal props
Don't see it if You are looking for a staged extravaganza. This was just 2 actors who were non stop entertainment.
See it if you enjoy a hearty mix of comedy, puns, slapstick, suspense, melodrama of a familiar tale, clever minimal set/costumes expertly executed
Don't see it if you abhor guns/gruesome violence/death (no ketchup/red dye used), woman stereotypes (though in good fun), cannot sit 80 min, prefer big cast
Also These talented, attractive writers/actors/directors are the most appea... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy the traditional story.
Don't see it if You hate sitting in close quarters to others.
See it if you enjoy what theater can do with minimal elements and a talented and creative cast that tells an old story in a refreshing way.
Don't see it if if you prefer big shows with lots of glitz and glamour.
See it if You want a really fun, clever show.
Don't see it if Don’t like a small show with two Performers.
See it if you enjoy a comic portrayal of the classic Jekyll/Hyde story w/great acting, a versatile bare-bones set, & one actor playing multiple parts.
Don't see it if you want to see the traditional serious version of Jekyll/Hyde, want an elaborate setting with many actors
Also Both actors put on a great performance using a simple versatile set. O... Read more Read less
See it if you like clever, creative piece of theatre off broadway. Brilliantly acted by a duo and very entertaining. You won’t regret it.
Don't see it if you don’t like being entertained or don’t want to trek downtown. It will be worth your trip though.
See it if You want to be thoroughly entertained and engrossed by two fantastic actors playing every role in this dark serious story.
Don't see it if You’re not impressed or intrigued by imaginative stage craft and actors able to perform many roles seamlessly.
Also There were moments of comedy in this but basically it’s a faithful ret... Read more Read less
See it if You like comedic takes on classic stories, in an intimate venue, watching actors who have great chemistry and timing
Don't see it if You don’t like actors playing multiple roles, need big fancy sets, don’t care for changes being made to established works
See it if You want to be entertained. It was a clever reimagining of a classic story with a little humor.
Don't see it if If you are not interested in stories of good vs evil.
See it if for a truly, fun and entertaining experience with great acting in a bare-bones production.
Don't see it if you need production values and fluff.
See it if Enjoy good acting and an enjoyable performance
Don't see it if If you've afraid of mr hyde
See it if If you want a fast pace show with two talented actors. Female role plays several characters wonderfully with great timing
Don't see it if You can't understand British accents. She speaks fast sometimes.
See it if You enjoy clever, funny, low-fi staging of a classic w/ a fun, funny, resourceful cast. Such a delightful show- I was smiling the whole tim
Don't see it if No reason not to see it. It's a really fun little show. Not groundbreaking, but really really fun.
See it if Two players take on the Dr. Jekyll and Hyde story --oh so well. It is fun and funny, clever and ingenious. And boy those two can act!
Don't see it if There is literally no set, and the costumes are practically pasted on--but these two manage to make it all work. Hysterical fun.
See it if You want to see an imaginative retelling of the Jekyll and Hyde tale by two very talented actors playing multiple parts. Fast paced and fun.
Don't see it if You want to see a more traditional version of the story with a large cast.
See it if you like plays where one or two people play all the parts (done especially well), great acting and a good laugh.
Don't see it if you like realistic stories, big casts, and serious subject matter.
See it if you're willing to be entertained by two strong actors who keep you fully engaged for 80 minutes
Don't see it if you need big production values. This is a winning, scrappy production that reminds you of the essence of theater (in a good way!)
Also I chose to go because I love the J&H story, and ended up being won ove... Read more Read less
See it if You like witty and deep dialogues. Stage and costume is simple but effective for this dramatic play.
Don't see it if You are expecting a full stage and elaborate set or if you scare easily
See it if You like great acting and a great story. The whole show being done with just two actors brought a unique twist to the story.
Don't see it if You want a happy musical. But do see it if you want to watch a well put together play.
See it if minimal cast is more than enough to enjoy the show, real professionals and talents, they keep your attention for all 80 minuts
Don't see it if small theatre, dusty seats, main character occasionally trying to scary audience, beautifull classical music are not your things
See it if if you want to have fun, watch great acting and see two actors work beautifully together playing lots of parts. It's a delicious play.
Don't see it if If you're looking for a big Broadway show. This is small with little scenery. But the little scenery is done so well.
See it if you dig great acting, clever storytelling, arch/black/gallows humor, great use of minimal sets/props, lots of theatrical energy, intimacy.
Don't see it if you don't like re-makes, even if fresh, original, edgy; small productions (cast of two) leave you cold; you need glitz and tech wizardry.
Also This was a great re-telling of the classic good/evil parable. Its stre... Read more Read less
See it if You want to have a great time! The performance was well put together, Anna was fantastic at acting multiple characters, what a dream team!
Don't see it if You... Why not? Really, give it a chance, you won't be bored or disappointed!
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