jekyll and hyde - 1997

MUSIC: Frank Wildhorn
LYRICS: Leslie Bricusse/Frank Wildhorn/Steve Cuden
BOOK: Leslie Bricusse

A musical based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novel of a similar name, JEKYLL AND HYDE tells the story of an aspiring scientist as he creates a potion to split a person's personality. Not being able to find anybody to back or test his invention, he tests it on himself with terrifying results.

The show started life in the late 1980's, and a concept album was released in 1990, but the show didn't make it onto Broadway until 1997. Despite a run of over three years, and a large fan base, the show eventually lost 1.5 million dollars and failed to earn spectacular reviews.

The show's composer Frank Wildhorn, who was married to the show's original star, has gained quite a following and his concept albums are in high demand. As well as Jekyll, Wildhorn is also responsible for the musicals The Scarlet Pimpernel, Dracula and The Civil War. The show toured in the UK, and the character of Emma was named Lisa, as she is in the original book. The name was changed originally to avoid confusion with the character of Lucy.

In 2006, Wildhorn released a new recording of the show, entitled Jekyll And Hyde - Resurrection and featured Rob Evan, who played the title roles during the Broadway run.