My name is Konstantinos Petridis and I am a Graphic Design student from Thessaloniki, Greece.
While I was searching for Jekyll & Hyde audio clips I came across your web page and listened to the clips there. They were simply amazing.
I would like to ask you if it would be possible to have a recording of your performance as J&H or the songs in your page in better quality.
"Jekyll & Hyde"
New Bedford Festival @ The Zeiterion Theatre
reviewed by The Old Grump
JEKYLL & HYDE
book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
music by Frank Wildhorn
conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn
David Weitzer - Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Suzanne Williams - Lady Beaconsfield AND Nellie
Julie Rogelstad - Lucy Harris
Allison Mosier - Emma Carew
Tony Ferreira - Sir Danvers Carew
Simon Stride - Mathew Rodriguez
Scott Simpkin - Lord Savage & Spider
John Ashley, John Michael Dias, Stephen Ferreira, John M. Costa, Suzanne Williams, Madie-Lynn Ferreira, Matthew Furtado, Seth Goulart, Brianne Alves, Justin Bettencourt, Dawn Boucher, Evan Crothers, Peter-Henry DaSilva, Roger DaSilva, Jessica Delbridge, Margaret Felice, Tracey Gendreau, Cindi Loria, William Steeves, Eric Pereira
Musical Direction - Tobias S. Monte
Musical Staging - Jean-Paul Richard
Directed by - George Charbonneau
This musical is either loved or hated. I haven't found many theater goers that didn't fit into one category or the other. There is a group that is crazy about the show. They are called Jekkies. Since this is my twenty-seventh time seeing the show, I guess I can be qualified to be called one.
This version at the Z was a combined production. Some equity, some non-equity, and the majority local talent. I have to be honest, and say that this show was not the equal to a regular touring company, but this doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it. I did enjoy it very much. A $20 bill for a front row seat doesn't hurt my wallet a great deal.
Before I say what I liked about the show, I am going to say what I didn't like.
In all the other versions that I have seen, Simon Stride is portrayed as a strong, angry person, who is in love with Emma Carew. Her rejection makes him a brooding enemy to Dr. Jekyll. In this play, Stride looked like a silent film villain, with a long crooked mustache. His facial contortions were that of a buffoon, not the intelligent man Stride was. At the wedding ceremony, he is killed by Hyde, but before his demise he acts like he belongs in a Three Stooges flick. not a dramatic musical.
There was some accidental humor in the show I saw. One of Hyde's victims was left lying on the stage as the curtain fell on act one. Two young fellows came out to carry him away. The trouble began when the guy in charge of the upper body, kept stepping on a cape and couldn't lift the corpse. When he finally moved the cape, his glasses fell off and he had to retrieve them. At last he lifted the poor dead man. He then dropped him on his head. The audience roared with laughter as the other fellow had enough and dragged the body off the stage by his heels. A good round of applause followed.
Now for the good parts. The dark haired Julie, is a voluptuous young lady. She made a very sexy Lucy the prostitute. Her singing, dancing, and acting was very well done.
Scott Simpkin in a dual role did a fine piece of work. His foppy Lord Savage was very funny. As Spider, Lucy's pimp, his make up and acting were very believable.
Allison made a lovely Emma. She is a pretty girl, with an excellent voice. She gave the prim and proper debutante just enough spice to make her human. I do think that Allison ranks with the best I have seen in this role.
David to say the least, worked his butt off. This is a demanding part, both physically and vocally. He is a handsome chap, who was able to transform him self into the beastly Hyde with just the shake of his hair. During the song The Transformation, David crawled to the edge of the stage while singing, placing himself no more than four feet from the people in the front row. With eyes that radiated madness, he growled his song at the somewhat nervous, but pleased audience.
Out of the many actors I have seen in the leads of this show, I would have to put David in the top two or three, and Allison would also be near or at the top of my best list.
This show has another weekend to go, with Friday and Saturday evenings, followed by a matinee on Sunday. I know that there are good seats available. Do yourself a favor and treat your self to a wonderful show.
Meeting David and Allison after the show, I was able to have my snap taken with each of them, as well as getting their autographs. The two of them took me to the stage and showed me some of the furniture that came from the original Broadway version. It was a thrill for me to spend time with these two lovely actors.
Posted by Theater Mirror review (by Bob Guenthner) @ 11/04/2003 11:17 AM EST
Hey All. This is my second try at a discussion of J&H in New Bedford. I had half the first typed when I lost it. To begin again-
I saw J&H in New Bedford on Saturday night (8/16) and on Sunday afternoon (the last performance). David Weitzer played Jekyll/Hyde and all I can say is- WOW. but more on that later. I live in NYC and was very glad to be leaving the city for the weekend. I stayed at a really nice B&B and was happy to see posters for J&H all over the downtown area. I had last seen J&H in February and it was too long a wait between productions. I have to disclose that David is a friend of mine (seen him in J&H in Red Bank and Oakdale, and in other roles) but I can be sort of objective.
Before Saturday's show, I saw Don Simon who told me about different things in this production and how much David had improved since we saw him in Red Bank last November. I have seen a number of community and regional theatre productions of J&H and I felt that New Bedford's was one of the best of all. It was professionally done with a number of set pieces from Broadway and the choreographer was the one who did J&H at Westchester Broadway Theater (dir. Robert Cuccioli). The stage set was 2-story- a bridge with staircases (and platforms) at either end. The The actors did not have to rely on one or two costumes and I felt them to be appropriate, if not accurate. Thank goodness Lucy (Julie Rogelstad) was in "red & black" at the Red Rat (I have seen her in pink!) and I really liked the costumes for Jekyll/Hyde- especially the smoking/dressing jacket and the red jacket for the Board of Governors'. The choreography was well done and, unlike most productions I have seen, I felt the dancing during Bring on the Men was appropriate and did not go on too long. I also appreciated the ways Facade and Murder, Murder were staged. Both shows had minor sound (during the ensemble solos and too much reverb used for Hyde on Sunday) and lighting problems but I have seen worse.
did have some quibbles though. Jekyll was on stage at the beginning of In His Eyes, while Emma (Allison A Mosier) and Lucy were on the upper platforms on either side of the bridge. I felt his presence was distracting and not necessary. I apologise in advance for not using the actors' names for the rest of the cast but I left my programme at home. I had problems with the way Simon Stride was portrayed- very "over the top" and like a cartoon villian. I could not see that there would be any way Emma would have liked him at all- he needed to tone it down really really alot. There were two guys in lab coats who came out and carried away the bodies of the BOG and one had a very modern haircut that didn't fit in at all with the period- I am not sure why he would have been cast. Sir Danvers was well cast and I enjoyed his interaction with Emma and Henry but he seemed to get too emotional with Letting Go. Even then I understood the choice and accepted it.
The roles of Lord Savage/Spider were doubled and the actor gave two very different portrayals. I really liked how Savage threw Bessie into Hyde's arms in order to escape. To turn to the female leads- Lucy was played by Julie Rogelstad and Emma by Allison A. Mosier. When Lucy interacted with Spider and Hyde (right before her death) she was a blank (no emotion)and I wasn't sure if that was done to show her being dead inside or what. Bring on the Men was okay and I liked her and Allison's voices together in In His Eyes. Allison's portrayal of Emma Carew was as a
very upper class British yound woman. You could tell that she would go after what she wanted and was used to having her own way.
And now to David Weitzer. Throughout, and after, the show, my thoughts were "Wow" and "Oh my God". From the moment he walked on stage to the end, he did more than portray Jekyll and Hyde, he was them. He was two separate people with different posture/mannerisms/voice for each. His reactions to the rest of the cast was right on for both Jekyll and Hyde and the audience really believed in him. He has grown so much as an actor and singer since I last saw him in Red Bank. I really do not see how he could be any better as J/H as he was this weekend. His costumes were well done and the hair extensions looked pretty good. Some audience members had been told about one song in the show and David sang I Need to Know so well that they asked themselves if that was the song. Of course it was This is the Moment which was wonderful. As was I Need to Know, Alive, Confrontation... you get my drift.
David asked me on Sunday which of the weekend's performances I enjoyed better and I had to think before saying Sunday's. Saturday was a surprise but Sunday I knew what to expect. I had a great time last weekend and am not looking forward to having to wait to see J&H again. It was good to see Don again and to meet Nanci and Allison. Thanks to David for my gift and his role as J/H.
Sorry for this being so long.
Posted by Sherri Sanderson's review @ 09/02/2003 01:17 AM EST
Dear David:
My name is Erica. I don't know if you remember me, I was sitting in the front row of this past Saturday night's performance at the Z, and was pretty much singing along with you guys. I love the show and saw it a few years ago in NYC with my high school drama club. I thought you were awesome and did a great job in the show! I thought it was great that you stuck your tongue out at us! Lol. Congratulations on your award that you got that night! I'm
currently a Theater major at Rhode Island College and was wondering if you have any advice? Thanks a lot and again, fantastic job!!!
Posted by Erica @ 08/18/2003 11:13 AM EST
Hi, David -
My name is Abrah Salk. You don't know me, but I caught you in Jekyll & Hyde at the Zeiterion in New Bedford. I thought your performance was absolutely amazing. I also read that you're a Brandeis grad - I am as well. I graduated with a B.A. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies in '98. Anyhow, your perfomance really moved me, and I just wanted to let you know.
Best of Luck in the future - I'll be looking for your name on Broadway!
--Abrah :-)
Posted by Abrah Salk @ 08/18/2003 11:12 AM EST
I had the pleasure of being seated in the second row at the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford, MA for your opening night performance of Jekyll & Hyde. (August 8, 2003) WOW, what an honor to observe your talent so up close! David, you certainly carried out this demanding dual lead role with a convincing transition between reserved, mild-mannered Doctor Jekyll to the violent, stentorian Hyde, resting surely upon your extremely well honed talents. You artfully succeeded in bringing forth the complex character of person(s) that are admired, feared and hated and yet are so tragic that you must sympathize with their plights. This was a truly great and moving performance. Your voice was so powerful with incredible vocal demarcations between Jekyll and Hyde. I loved how your wonderful voice starts with the quiet yet building passion in "This Is the Moment," and explodes into a guttural growl as your villainous side takes to the streets of London in "Alive" (one of my favorite numbers) doing so without obvious affectation or loss of intensity. In "Confrontation" (my other favorite!) you capture the intense torment for domination of personalities. You obviously had no problem making us all believe you were indeed two separate, desperate men in one. A formidable task well excuted!
I hope to see your name in lights on Broadway and wish you well in all your future endeavors.
BRAVO, Mr. Weitzer.
Siincerely,
Cheryl Stoukides
Posted by Cheryl Stoukides @ 08/11/2003 10:10 AM EST
Just wanted to say that I thought that your performance was excellent in last nights' show.
Barbara
Posted by Barbara @ 08/10/2003 11:30 AM EST
Dear David:
I sat in the second row for your performance last evening at the Zeiterion and was totally blown away by your voice, skill and dedication to your work. It left such an impact on me that I did not want it to end and found myself sitting in my car, mesmerized by the beauty of Padanaram Harbor, and thinking about your superb performance. Thank you for an extremely enjoyable evening. I will expect to visit you again and will tell my friends in New Jersey that they must go to see you in Carousel. Best of luck to you in fulfilling your dreams. There is no doubt in my mind that you will reach them.
Sincerely, Linda
Posted by Linda @ 08/10/2003 11:28 AM EST
August 10
David, I sat in the front row, at the Zeiterion, last night mesmerized by your performance. Your dedication to this production was obvious. Your energy was shared with the audience and we all became part of this great show. I am 65 years old, a retired school teacher who thanks you for allowing some of my grandchildren to see what can happen when everything you do in life is worth your maximum effort. You are young but a very deserving hero.
Frank
Posted by Frank Coutinho @ 08/10/2003 06:44 AM EST
Hi David,
I saw your performance last night in Jekyll & Hyde (at the Z in New Bedford) and was completely blown away. I am seriously contemplating seeing it again before it leaves. I'm not sure if you've been on Broadway, or if it's a goal of yours, but I know one thing for sure. If you played this part there, you'd be walking away with a Tony.
I hope I'll be able to catch you again in another part, so I will definitely be checking your website for upcoming events. Thanks for making what was an otherwise awful week for me, superb.
Cheryl Gundersen
Posted by Cheryl Gundersen @ 08/09/2003 05:14 PM EST
Hi David,
I can't wish you enough luck and success on your upcoming J&H shows in New Bedford. You know I will be there if I can and I am going to try my hardest. I desperately want to see you backstage if I can.
I will let you know via e-mail which day we will be attending.
I thank you for forwarding my letter... it was a very special surprise to hear from your Mom.
She is someone very special and know I know where your kindness and generosity comes from.
I look forward to seeing you perform.
Please take it easy on the rehearsals. Deep breathe, and relax. I can bet they are hard work. You will be a tremendous hit!!!!!
Hoping to see you there,
All my best,
Nanci
Posted by Nanci Domarew @ 07/24/2003 07:13 PM EST
Break legs in your upcoming summer of 2003 production of "Jekyll and Hyde". "Can't say 'NEVERRRRRRR'!!" I hope Nellie treats you right. ;)
Posted by Lauren @ 03/28/2003 12:10 AM EST
Having also caught you as Stone at Villagers, we saw the final performance of Jekyll and Hyde at Count Basie Theater on Sunday. The set was marvelous, and we very much enjoyed some of the performances. The only thing I can say about your characterizations of Jekyll/Hyde is "WOW!" It was absolutely marvelous; completely mesmerizing. Thanks for a wonderful experience.
Posted by Diane Korp @ 11/18/2002 10:07 AM EST
Dave, I just returned home after being "blown away" by your fantastic preformance in Jeykl and Hyde at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank. You are star material and I expect to hear great things about you in the future....YOU made this show, OUTSTANDING!!
Posted by Dian Woodroffe @ 11/17/2002 06:55 PM EST
Dear David Weitzer:
Our gang of four caught your fantastic performance of Jekyll & Hyde on Saturday. That was really an exceptional, first-rate performance. It was certainly Broadway caliber, which is obviously your imminent destination. We look forward to seeing you again. Good luck!
Best regards,
Bob Giangrasso
Posted by Bob @ 11/12/2002 12:19 PM EST
11/10/02
Dear David:
I went to see Jekyll & Hyde last night at the Count Basie Theatre. I was never to that theatre before but found it ornate and charming. Unfortunately, it is in need of repair. Anyway, the show was fantabulous. You were sensational. I hope to catch you on Broadway. Thanks for a great evening.
Sincerely, Anita
Posted by Anita @ 11/10/2002 10:24 PM EST
David,
We saw your show in Red Bank last night, one word AWESOME. My wife and I have seen numerous Broadway shows, including Jekyll & Hyde. I was simply blown away by your performance. I can see you performing on Broadway one of these days.
Do you have a mailing list to keep fans of yours informed as to what shows you will be performing in and when? Or is it best to check your web site for this?
Again, GREAT SHOW!
Best of luck to you,
James Anderson
Posted by James Anderson @ 11/10/2002 10:22 PM EST
Dear Dave: Looking foward to seeing you on Friday. Just wanted to drop you a line to say break a leg or two. I know you'll belt it out as you so professionally do. Can't wait to see your hideous transformation. Also can't imagine that this show will be better than Brundage. Hugs, good luck, love, N
Posted by nancy @ 11/06/2002 08:29 AM EST
David, I saw you play J&H at Brundage Park in summer 2001. Congratulations on your RECT award for that performance. It was great to see you at Sayreville's NUNSENSE II and at the banquet. You looked wonderful at the latter, btw. I gave a producer your home number from when we did CITY OF ANGELS, I hope it's still the same.
Posted by Catherine Rowe @ 10/03/2002 02:01 PM EST
I loved the tape from the oakdale production sent to me. I am really enjoying it. I sent you an email but I am not sure if you received it.
Posted by Lori @ 12/18/2001 11:56 PM EST
David,
Help we're having jekyll & hyde withdrawal, seriously, we miss you & cant wait for our next production together. There will never be another jekyll quite like you, you are the best!! keep in touch e-mail us for contact #'s (ours)
Posted by Theresa & Tiffany Perez @ 11/09/2001 03:43 PM EST
I saw Jekyll and Hyde twice at Creative Ministries, opening night and closing night. Your performance was so intense. In fact the whole cast was wonderful. This seems to be a role you really enjoy playing. Do you have cds or tapes? Hope to see you in future productions at Creative Ministries.
Posted by Rosemarie @ 11/05/2001 10:43 AM EST
Your performance on 11/02/01 was just scrumptious!!...as good as anything found on Broadway.I wish you much success and do wish to know more about yourself..where you are from, birthdate, how you found out about Creative Ministries and are you pursuing acting AS A CAREER?
Posted by Judith Jackson @ 11/03/2001 11:31 AM EST
Dave,
Saw you on Saturday, 10/27/01, and was totally struck with your performance and your powerful voice. You definately deserved the standing ovation you received. I look forward to seeing you again.
Posted by Loretta @ 10/30/2001 09:40 PM EST
I saw the matinee yesterday, and it was my second time visiting the production...David made some great choices, changes, and additions....his voice was powerful in both roles, and he had the crowd in the palm of his hand......this version was a nice combo of old and new, tours and B'way, and even a bit of David's own humor I think! The whole cast did a bang up job....the only qualm I had was that the show moved a bit slow and clocked in at almost 3 hours, but I think that was due more to the tech side than the show itself...
Congrats all around!
Marc
Posted by Marc @ 10/29/2001 10:56 PM EST
I had seen the production on Oct. 14 and felt that David was great (loved his Alive)and the production, while not fully realized at the time, has potential. I came back to see David, and the rest of the cast as well. I was seated in 3rd row center and was next to Kathryn (David's Lucy from the NJ J&H) and her father (I was great to meet you guys). All I can say is WOW- the production ahd gotten soo much better. David's TITM was wonderful, his Alive was chilling, and he had grown so much in the character. After TITM and Alive, I heard the audience say "wow" and "he has a great voice" (ditto during intermission). We were falling off our chairs during "Unexpected Developments", and during his one-liners ("At ease, General"..). The rest of the cast was very good and I loved seeing Utterson's hat go from on the table to on his "lap" during BOTM. This time I had no trouble hearing the lyrics to the songs and the lights did not go off during Hubert's murder.
It was great to meet David after the show and to find out all the things people have asked him to sign (you had to be there) and to talk with him and Kathyrn. I just missed the 5:40 train back to New York and was waiting outside in the cold for the next train when I realized that the evening show was at 7pm, there was a 10:40 train back to NY, by then it might have warmed up, and that NY subways aren't that bad at midnight. As a result, I saw the show a second time. Of course, knowing that I could not make it to any of the shows this week and wanting to see/hear David again might have had something to do with it, but I am sticking to my story that I wanted to get out of the cold.
I am so glad I did. I got a ticket for 1st row, center and David was pointing right at me during "Alive" (it was very difficult to keep a straight face). The bookcases moved as they were supposed to, but either the orchestra was so loud it drowned out part of the dialogue or the mics weren't working. One of the mugs from the Red Rat seen fell of the table during the set change and it was fun to see Hyde kick it off stage during Alive. After TITM and Alive there were more "wows from the audience and Someone Like You and In HIs Eyes were both great at both
performances.
I enjoyed both performances very much (David and the rest of the cast) and I would say that it wasn't as cold while waiting for the train. I chickened out and took a cab home from Penn Station, wishing I could see Oakdale's J&H again. I apologise for the length of this and encourage all who can do so to go to 1,2,3, or all of the final remaining shows.
Posted by Sherri @ 10/29/2001 08:50 PM EST
Saturday night was incredible! I posted about it on the J/H board, but naturally, I left out a few details! ;-) The extra ad libs were great, and the other "extras" were fantastic!!! I had the best time. So sorry I'll have to miss closing night, but I'm sure it will be phenomenal. Talk to you later Dave!
Leash
Posted by alicia @ 10/29/2001 02:14 PM EST
My friends and I saw your performance in Oakdale on Oct.12. I usually don't write to people but your performance was so powerful and outstanding that I feel I must! Your voice and especially the confrontation between Jekyll and Hyde was incredible. Hope to see you in more performances and someday on Broadway. Thank you for a wonderful show! Diane Sawyer
Posted by Diane Sawyer @ 10/29/2001 11:57 AM EST
hello david, my friend and i have been season subscription holders at creative ministries for the past several years. although we enjoy each and every show, your performance in the "jekyll & hyde" production was the best we have ever seen. you are incredible. you had us on the edge of our seat all evening. your stage presence is captivating! we were at a sunday matinee, the show ended at 5:pm and i did not know how u could be up to an evening performance that night. the best of luck to you and we will be following. your career. hopefully, you do more on long island. your new fan, donna
Posted by donna @ 10/29/2001 08:08 AM EST
The show was great and I really liked your performance you are really very talented and I hope you get to where you would like to be. From Alice Weareaok@aol.com
PS I am an usher at CM
Posted by Alice @ 10/28/2001 11:35 AM EST
David,
Thanks to your website I have the opportunity to tell you how much we enjoyed your magnificent peformance in Jeckyl and Hyde at Creative Ministries. We attended last night's performance and just couldn't stop thinking about it. I never expected to see such talent and professionalism at a local theater. I'm sure we'll see your name in lights on Broadway in the near future. P.S. Another round of applause to the other members of the cast also. Bravo to all!
Linda and Bill
Posted by Linda and Bill @ 10/27/2001 06:22 PM EST
David, The trip from North Carolina just to see you do Jekyll/Hyde again was worth every mile. Your amazing performance had me on the edge of my seat. You are a true talent. Your voice is electrifying as is your stage presence. The entire show (although slightly sanguine (in the bloody sense....haha)was a delight to see. Lucy and Emma were wonderful as was the orchestra. Though I must say, I preferred your Brundage Park Lucy, Kathryn Foti. The two of you were magic! I would love to see you do many more shows. You need to share this talent of yours with the poor folks who go to Broadway and don't know what they're missing. David, thanks for a great evening. You're a talent and a gentleman!
Posted by Sharon Alston @ 10/27/2001 12:45 AM EST
I flew up to NY to visit family and was invited to see the local production of Jekyll & Hyde. I had seen that show on Broadway and in another local theatre and had never really enjoyed the show. Until I saw yours!! From the first note you sang I could tell just how good you were. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire show and it was the best I had seen!! Beating out Broadway. I just wanted to Thank you for bringing your talents to Oakdale and letting us enjoy the story of Jekyll & Hyde. YOU WERE EXCELLENT!!
Thanks again.
Alison Cooper
Bradenton, Florida
Posted by Alison Cooper @ 10/23/2001 01:03 PM EST
We thoroughly enjoyed the CM production of Jekyll ans Hyde. You gave a performance worthy of the Broadway stage! You have a magnificent singing voice. Hope we see you at CM again. Congratulations to all!
Posted by Erich & Pat @ 10/22/2001 06:17 PM EST
David,
We are coming this Sunday the 21st of October @2PM to see you in the show. Looking foward to it. I've heard great things about your performace.
Hope to catch you afterwards to say hello.
Mark
Posted by Mark Peterson @ 10/19/2001 06:45 PM EST
Hey Dave,
Thanks for the Sprite, there's nothing like bribing someone for a good reveiw... You'll see my real review in Suffolk Life Newspapers......
I have to say that you were alot better than David Hasselhoff when I saw it in the city. Ummmm, maybe that doesn't sound like a GREAT compliment........
Anyway, you were the best part of the show.
Lena at Suffolk Life Newspapers
Posted by Lena Pennino @ 10/16/2001 01:30 PM EST
Dear Dave: Your performance was truly grotesque, filthy, disgusting and amazingly fantastic. Your stage presence is outrageous! Your projection is phenomenal! What a great voice. Your identification with your character is absolutely professional! I'm so glad I got to see it! Love, N
Posted by nancy @ 10/16/2001 01:10 PM EST
Hey David!
Great job at Oakdale! It was well worth the drive. Although I don't know "how" you can stand the lack of "blood and gore"! Can't wait to see it again. Ike and Milhous will miss you!
The Thrill :-)
Posted by The Thrill @ 10/11/2001 01:43 PM EST
Hi Dave....Congrats on the Perry Award Nomination....You Deserve it the most.
Love
Kristina
Posted by Kristina @ 08/22/2001 12:13 AM EST
Hi David!
I decided that I'm going to forgive you for throwing me in the pool, but if it ever happens again...grrrrrr. Ok, I'm going to sign off now, cause if mommy catches me on the internet she might zap me with the indoor electric fence.
Woof!
Mickey
Posted by Mickey @ 07/23/2001 07:47 PM EST
Dave:
For once in my life I am speechless! Dave I am still in shock about last nights show. It was more then awesome...it was fenominal. You shocked the hell out of me. I know you can sing but wow was I in for a huge wake up call. Your performance last night left a lasting impression on not only me but the fellow audience. Every scene, every note, every step was perfect. When you sang "This is the moment" I cried, and it stole my breath away. You were just incredible. Now, I know I've seen you do quite a few shows,(Fiddler, under the fruma mobile,How to succeed.. secret garden & Carousel) but this was by far your best moment. This is the "Perfect" role for you in every way, and I hope one day you can go do it on Broadway when they bring it back, cause you got in the bag. Your fellow cast mates were great, that Lucy was amazing, and you know Im a picky person, so coming from me its an amazing compliment. The two of you worked magic together, the magic theather needs. Thank you so much for an amazing, entertaining show, and I wish you all the luck in the future! Keep in touch...Your a Star!
Best Wishes Always,
Kristina Threlkeld
Posted by Kristina @ 07/21/2001 11:59 PM EST
I know you don't know me, but I was at the show last night. Adam Arnold, who was in Carousel at CCM, is my assistant director at the school where I run the drama club and he told me about it and I came with him. (I couldn't get through the crowds of people who were flocking to you - :) )
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that you were phenonmenal! I have NEVER enjoyed a community theatre show as much as I did last night! I know this isn't news, but your voice is just amazing.
I think the director chose a great cast altogether.
I am interested in having guest speakers come to my middle school to speak to the kids, so if you would like to, let me know...
Again, a joy to see such a wonderful performance...hope to see it again.
Jodi
Posted by Jodi @ 07/21/2001 11:57 PM EST
Tonight was the opening night of J&H at the Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph,NJ. I was thrilled to be a part of the audience! While my thoughts are still fresh, here goes: First, I must say that my friend Jen and I arrived in Randolph VERY early because we had expected to hit traffic, and with me driving, getting lost seemed inevitable. Well, wrong on both counts! For those not familiar with the location, BPP is located just at the entrance of a large park. At first look of the outside of the small theatre I had "what was I thinking" running through my head. DO NOT LET APPEARANCES DECEIVE YOU!!!! This theatre may be small-I believe it seats 106 -but the intimacy just adds to the performance!! The small stage and sets may throw you off at first, but it just makes the actors' performances even more larger than life! First of all, the entire cast is wonderful!!! You could tell this small group of actors really bonded with each other, and all care about the characters they portray. An awesome ensemble-each covering several parts(and taking part in set changes). Special mention must be given to Annette Winder who plays Nellie-she breathed new life into this character that I never even knew existed! What a strong voice, and great facial experssions! Board of Governors: each brought their own special something to the role, but I must say this, and I apologize for being nitpicky: although it is a small theatre, and mics were not needed, with exception to Sir Danvers and Simon Stride, the rest of the BOG spoke too softly. Lady B I think could have had much more of an impact if I could hear everything she said. Richard Rubin who played Sir Danvers was just great, although there were a few times he stood in front of Emma as she spoke. Emma was played by Meagan Kenney-a girl who really knew how to keep the combination of upper crust poise and that outspoken spunk that we love in Emma. I was very happy to see her give the line to Lady B "comments on style..." TO HER FACE and then turn. Full effect! Meagan has a great voice filled with emotion. She really made the wedding scene by adding a scream and sobbing over Henry's body. Now, Kathryn Foti, where do I start? People-this girl was BORN TO PLAY LUCY! She has such a powerful voice, packing every note with such fire. Her Someone Like You was the most passionate I have ever heard, definitely giving Coleen a run for her money! Bring On The Men was saucy, sexy, and just a hell of a lot of fun, and A New Life brought tears to my eyes. Utterson was played by the very talented Marc Persing. A great voice, just the right touch of comedic timing and sincerity. I would definitely want his Utterson to by my best friend/confidant! The chemistry between everyone in this cast was very obvious. You felt the connection between the principals, feeling the emotions along with them. Which brings us to Jekyll/Hyde performed amazingly by David Weitzer. From Lost In The Darkness it is clear there will be some awesome singing ahead. I Need To Know was very strong. I loved Board of Governors-the mixture of singing and speaking of Jekyll's Plea was a great effect. Take Me As I Am was soooo sweet, and it was very refreshing to see Henry and Emma being very affectionate after the song and sharing a kiss. I loved that they kept in from the tour "Goodnight my angel" "Goodnight my devil" David's This Is The Moment was truly amazing. "damn all the odds" was one of the best I'd heard. The songs that hit me the most were The Way Back which brought a huge lump to my throat, and Confrontation which had me hanging off the edge of my seat. David had such a dfference in voice and mannerisms between Jekyll and Hyde that it was as if there were two people on the stage. Ok, you are all waiting to hear about Dangerous Game. Well, it was very interesting. No, there was no grinding like Baz/Coleen, but there was a LOT of seducing by both Hyde AND Lucy, which gave the affect wonderfully. There was also violence, which brought a new spark to the scene. In His Eyes brought me to tears. These two girls have such phenomenal voices that blend together so well, you just couldn't help but be moved. I was shocked and surprised with Lucy's death-it was eerie, and cruel, and exciting all rolled into one. For starters, Hyde doesn't stab Lucy until he gets to "...offer me their embrace!" this was very powerful, because there is a suspence of "what's he going to do" after he reads Jekyll's letter and tells Lucy to come closer. Not only does he stab Lucy from behind, but he then stabs her from the front before slitting her throat. Nellie then comes in to find Lucy's body, and her solo reprise of Facade is breathtaking. The wedding scene is very exciting with the powerful performances given by Meagan, Marc, and David. I was not expecting a gun in this performance, so when Marc pulled the trigger I jumped! I feel like I am leaving out so much, but it was such a thrilling performance. Note: if you are planning on attending a performance (which I strongly recommend) take a few things into consideraton-first, this is non-profit, community theatre. Don't expect elaborate sets, large stage, or tons of special effects. There is fire and smoke, which I was very surprised in such a small setting. Again, don't let the size of the theatre distract you-the talent makes up for it abundantly! Considering the conditions this production was staged under,and the few critiques I could give are mostly opening night jitters and technicalities, the result was amazing. I was completely blown away! I'm sure I'm leaving a lot out, so if you have further questions please ask. If you are considering catching a performance-definitely don't hesitate!! This was a wonderful night that I will not forget. I was very impressed. This production was beyond my expectations. Also, be sure to stick around after and meet the wonderful people in the cast! I'm soooooo glad I did!!! If nothing else makes you the least bit curious to see this production, I've got two words for you: David Weitzer. Remember his name, because you will be seeing it on a Broadway marquee someday!!! I only hope I have as good seats on that opening night as I did today.
Posted by Review from Official Jekyll & Hyde Website @ 07/16/2001 04:01 PM EST
Hey Dave: I heard you had this site. Its awesome. I love it. You did a great job. Jill and I hope to come to J&H on Saturday the 14th. Hopefully your in it. Let me know.
Luv, Kristina
Posted by Kristina Threlkeld @ 07/06/2001 11:46 PM EST
Very nice David...
Posted by Annette @ 07/02/2001 09:14 AM EST
Your site looks fantastic! I'll send you the pictures I have in my digital camera later this week & you can add even more to the J&H picture collection.
Kym
Posted by Kym Frank @ 06/25/2001 12:57 PM EST
Welcome to the "Jekyll & Hyde" discussion board. Please feel free to leave your comments, suggestions, reviews of our production, etc.
Posted by David @ 06/24/2001 11:43 PM EST
