The Hudson Theatre Ensemble, Hoboken”s own award-winning professional community theatre, plans to put on five showings of the psychological thriller “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” this month. But beware!
This version – adapted by nationally-renowned playwright Jeffrey Hatcher from the novella by Robert Louis Stevenson – is hipper, more erotic, and theatrically intense…definitely not your grandfather”s “Jekyll and Hyde.” It’s recommended for mature audiences.
This version is recommended for mature audiences.
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If only the question of good and evil were so simple.
In today’s world, where some believe everything is either black or white and that you are either for us or against us, Hatcher”s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” will remind you that human beings have multifaceted personalities much too complicated to fit into neat little boxes.
In fact, in Hatcher”s version, actors play multiple roles and the menacing Mr. Hyde himself is played by five actors – including one female!
Hatching a plot
Jeffrey Hatcher writes for both stage and screen. His accomplishments include screenplays for “The Duchess” (the 2008 film with Kiera Knightly) and “Casanova” (the 2005 film with Heath Ledger), as well as the popular stage version (with Mitch Albom) of the bestseller, “Tuesdays With Morrie” and plays “A Picasso” (winner of the Barrymore Award for Best New Play), “Three Viewings,” “Scotland Road,” “The Turn of the Screw,” “Neddy,” and “Murder by Poe.”
“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” was nominated by the Mystery Writers of America for an Edgar Award for Best Play.
The production will take place at the Hudson School Performance Space, 601 Park Ave. (Sixth and Park) in Hoboken. Go to http://www.hudsontheatreensemble.com/directions.html to find out more. The theater is completely barrier-free and accessible to persons with disabilities.
Showtimes are Fridays at 8 p.m. on April 9 and 16; Saturdays at 8 p.m. on April 10 and 17; and there is a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. on April 11.
Tickets are $15 general admission, and $12 for seniors and students. For information and reservations, call (201) 377-7014 or email reservations@hudsontheatreensemble.com.