Savannah Children's Theatre Encore! brings 'Jekyll & Hyde' The Musical to the stage

The Savannah Children's Theatre (SCT) steps into a new era with the launch of its latest initiative, SCT Encore! This bold program is tailored for teens and young adults, offering them the chance to engage with more mature themes in theater, fostering both their artistic and personal development. This summer, SCT Encore! debuts with the musical phenomenon, "Jekyll & Hyde," promising an enthralling experience for both performers and audience members alike.

Based on the classic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, "Jekyll & Hyde" delves into the duality of human nature and the internal battle between good and evil. The musical adaptation, featuring a score of pop rock hits by multi-Grammy- and Tony-nominated composer Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar- and Grammy-winning lyricist Leslie Bricusse, has captivated audiences worldwide.

For Amelie Steffen, a seasoned performer at SCT, this production holds special significance. "I've been with the Savannah Children's Theatre since I was four years old," she shared. "So, I've done shows here for about 14 years now."

Having recently completed her first year of college at Florida State University, Steffen didn't expect to return to SCT so soon. However, the call to participate in the Encore program was an opportunity she couldn't resist. "In the production of Jekyll & Hyde, I'm playing Lucy. I did not think that I'd be returning to do another show at Children's Theatre, because I finished with 'Phantom of the Opera' last year as Christine Daaé. But I was extremely excited to find that they were asking college kids to come back and perform over the summer for the encore productions. It's really cool."

Growing up at the SCT has been a transformative experience for Steffen. Reflecting on her journey, she notes, "The biggest takeaway from my time at SCT is the sense of community and the support system that the theater provides. It's a place where you can truly be yourself and explore your creativity without fear of judgment."

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The SCT Encore! program aims to nurture this spirit of creativity while preparing young actors for the challenges of mature content. "Jekyll & Hyde" is a fitting choice for the program's debut. The story's exploration of duality, identity, and morality provides a rich tapestry for young actors to weave their interpretations. The musical's demanding score and complex characters require a depth of performance that challenges and hones their skills.

Molly Bass, another veteran performer at SCT, is thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking production. "I've been working with the SCT since I was 7 years old," she says. "My dad got me into theater, and he's actually helping out with the shows running the spotlight upstairs. So, we still do theater together to this day."

Now a student at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Bass is fully committed to her craft. "My major in college is musical theater," she shares. "That's the end goal for me. I don't think there's anything else I would rather do."

For Bass, the allure of "Jekyll & Hyde" lies in its multifaceted narrative. "I had never learned or heard anything about the story of Jekyll and Hyde before this," she said. "But I love true crime and spooky stuff like this. When I found out about the audition and researched it, I was hooked. It's a mystery and a romance at the same time, with a lot of different themes combined to make it one mysterious, exciting, romantic piece. I really enjoy doing it, especially playing the more serious and mysterious side of things."

In this production, Bass takes on the role of Emma, Dr. Jekyll's fiancée. "Emma is such a rich character to play," Bass says. "She’s supportive and loving, yet she also has to navigate the complexities of Jekyll's duality. It's a challenging role, but incredibly rewarding."

Ben Templeton, who plays Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, shares his unique perspective on the adaptation. "My first exposure to Jekyll and Hyde was the musical," Templeton explains. "When the show was cast, I got a copy of the book and read it. Then I read the script again, and it's not at all the same things. In the book, they don't even know it's the same person until the end. But I like how this story is a classic, and you can tell such different variations of it and still be meaningful."

Templeton describes the challenges of playing both roles. "With Jekyll, you have this backstory you can build off of, but Hyde just appears without a past. You really must find the hatred within Jekyll because Hyde is a heightened version of Jekyll. I tried to play off that by heightening those senses."

Templeton also delves into the conflict between the two characters. "The conflict is Jekyll wanting to prove himself, right, but not really knowing what he's doing. People question him, and he doesn't give a solid answer. He wants to stop Hyde from coming out, but when he realizes Hyde is a murderer, the conflict becomes fighting something from inside him and someone else. Later in the show, you can see Jekyll seeing a different person in front of him when he's battling Hyde in his own mind."

Regarding the love interests in the story, Templeton explains the complexity of Jekyll's relationships. "Jekyll sees Emma as his rock, someone he can always fall back on. He's thankful but takes her for granted. When he meets Lucy, he has suppressed desires that Hyde, being a heightened sense of Jekyll, acts on. It's more animalistic lust than love from the heart."

The cast and crew of "Jekyll & Hyde" have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Rehearsals have been intense, with long hours dedicated to perfecting the intricate choreography and powerful musical numbers. The production's technical elements, from lighting to set design, have been meticulously crafted to enhance the storytelling.

As opening night, July 5, approaches, the excitement among the cast grows palpable. "There's a real sense of anticipation and camaraderie," Steffen shares. "We've all put so much into this production, and we're eager to share it with the audience."

For Steffen, Bass, Templeton, and their fellow cast members, the experience of bringing "Jekyll & Hyde" to the stage is one they will carry with them for years to come. "It's been an incredible journey," Steffen reflects. "I've learned so much, not just about theater, but about myself as an artist and a person. I can't wait for the audience to see what we've created."

If You Go >>

What: Savannah Children's Theatre presents "Jekyll & Hyde" The Musical

When: 7 p.m., July 5, 6, 11, 12, 13; 3 p.m., Juy 7, 14

Where: Historic Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St., Savannah

Cost: Children 17 and under, seniors and military, $38; Adults, $45

Info: savannahchildrenstheatre.org

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Children's Theatre Encore! brings 'Jekyll & Hyde' The Musical to the stage