Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
About the show
A bare bones, largely comic staging of Robert Louis Stevenson classic tale of dual identity. More…
Part of Soho Playhouse's 2018 Fringe Encore Series.
“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
"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
for a previous production "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
for a previous production "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
for a previous production "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
for a previous production "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
for a previous production "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 the story of jekyll and hyde and are looking for a fun night
Don't see it if you don't like bare bones shows
See it if You want to see a very physical, fast paced, funny, well staged, well acted performance by two very good performers. You want to laugh.
Don't see it if You need an elaborate stage performance with a large cast. You don't like performances that are not an exact replica of the original story.
Also These two performers did a fantastic job in keeping the audience enter... Read more Read less
See it if you like a well acted, quick moving, inventive production set in olde london town. I would love to see this again!!!!
Don't see it if you want a "big" b'way production
See it if You enjoy the original story and are interested in a new take on it.
Don't see it if You don't enjoy the idea of a two man show or a story that isn't 100% like the original.
See it if You like new takes on classic stories brilliantly acted and conceived.
Don't see it if You like plays with full sets and larger casts.
See it if you want to see a smart, funny and very clever adaptation of a classic horror story. Very well acted and designed. Thoroughly entertained!
Don't see it if you want a serious horror story retelling the classic tale. This ain't that. This is a nice, light twist on a well known story.
See it if You enjoy 1 person playing multiple characters in a dark comedy. You enjoy creative staging. Fun personality changes by the lead actress.
Don't see it if You need a big cast or set. This 2-person show delivers a lot with so little. The accents can be hard to understand at times.
Also One of the more creative fringe shows I’ve seen! The lead actress chan... Read more Read less
See it if you like the original story done in a more creative, quirky way. Also watch if you don't mind seeing actors play more than one role.
Don't see it if you want to watch a more traditional Broadway show type of play with more actors and elaborate stage setting.
See it if you want to see a really well played minimalistic show
Don't see it if you have trouble sitting in tight quarters.
See it if You want to see a fast moving well acted and funny two person show where one actress plays many different characters.
Don't see it if You don't like simply staged productions or theaters far from the bright lights of Broadway.
See it if you like a show at an intimate setting that really packs a punch. Talented 2 person cast becomes a dozen characters with seamless precision
Don't see it if you want a lavish show with an elaborate set.
See it if U like shows like The 39 Steps, actors playing multi-roles in a dizzy-paced way, a full-story in 80 min & a Laugh-Out-Loud, oddball script!
Don't see it if You've a hard time keeping track of an actor in multi-roles, don't enjoy creative minimalist scenery nor allow yourself 2 laugh in public!
See it if You love to laugh and be amazed at two excellent actors whose timing is wonderfully funny.
Don't see it if You like the dark Jeckle and Hyde story.
See it if you like your off broadway, small-venue shows quirky, clever, charming, funny, and brief
Don't see it if you want grand scale broadway, a musical, more than 2 in the cast or can't follow all the many roles one actor switches to every few seconds
Also Both actors were excellent, the staging was versatile and I was spellb... Read more Read less
See it if you like shows like The 39 Steps. Really fun, pretty straightforward version of the story with humor, lightning fast changes and a great set
Don't see it if Like most fringe shows it's short - about an hour - but just long enough. I don't think the two actors could sustain the pace any longer!
See it if A classic re-enacted by two actors which is really engaging, keeps your attention and well done. A Fringe Festival must-see.
Don't see it if You have no interest in the story and find the material too depressing.
See it if You like good story telling, great acting by both actors; while simple set, it is very functional; this show deserves to be seen!
Don't see it if You prefer larger, high budget productions
See it if you're open to a fresh take on Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella; you enjoy creative doubling & furious pacing; you like morbid humor
Don't see it if you expect a play to follow the somber mood of the 1886 text; you don't like the rough edges of the Fringe; you enjoy lavish productions
Also The quick switching between tongue-in-cheek morbidity, comedic farce, ... Read more Read less
See it if You like a play with only two people playing different roles. Very clever and funny! Good performance!
Don't see it if If you don’t like a bit of black humor
See it if Two energetic actors do a rapid-fire comedic yet touching version of the classic tale. Great timing. I was mesmerized.
Don't see it if You don't enjoy actors playing multiple roles, with some trips into the audience. You want a more serious rendition. You don't like puns.
See it if you are a fan of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The actors do a great job playing multiple characters to tell the story.
Don't see it if you are looking for a musical. This is an intense play. I recommend having some knowledge of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde before going in to see
See it if you want a hilarious ensemble-theater take on the story performed by two very talented cast members. Great use of music.
Don't see it if you don't like intimate productions
See it if This is a perfect example of how to do great theatre with minimal funding. Terrific acting, inventive use of props, clever script.
Don't see it if You are looking for a big production, or want a scary, dark show. This is pure theatre - very well done.
See it if You like modern takes on classic stories. You enjoy small casts playing multiple roles. You enjoy rapid-fire dialogue & action.
Don't see it if You prefer more traditional storytelling. You don't like horror stories. You prefer plays w/ bigger production values.
Cast & Creatives (4)
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