A Steampunk Version of Jekyll and Hyde

Tonight is the premiere of Center Stage Playhouse's exciting production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a bold adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic.  I plan to see it sometime this weekend.  I hope all of you have the chance to see it too.

On the fog-bound streets of Victorian-era London, Henry Jekyll's experiments with exotic "powders and tinctures" have brought forth his other self—Edward Hyde, a sensualist and villain free to commit the sins Jekyll is too civilized to comprehend. When Hyde meets a woman who stirs his interest, Jekyll fears for her life and decides to end his experiments. But Hyde has other ideas, and so the two sides battle each other in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse to determine who shall be the master and who his slave.

Director Holland Renton brings a steampunk sensibility to this 19th century tale. “Over the years there have been a lot of versions of Stevenson’s story,” remarks Ms. Renton. “With this production, I want to play with the idea of the distortion and embellishment that happens when a story is told and retold. Steampunk is perfect because it is based on the Victorian-era, the time period for Jekyll and Hyde, but it overlays science fiction and futuristic technology. The result is a fantastical version of the period. With our retelling, we want to get the audience’s heart pumping and imagination flowing.”

Here is a little video tease of the play...



This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with city councilman James Vacca. Support also provided by the Bronx Council on the Arts and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. Performance and rehearsal space is provided by Mercy College, Bronx Campus.


Center Stage Playhouse is a non-profit organization, providing quality theatrical entertainment by local talent since 1969. The Theater consistently produces shows in the

Bronx that rival those produced in the off-off Broadway theaters of Manhattan. Performances will be held on April 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, and 29 at Mercy College, Bronx Campus 1200 Waters Place, Bronx NY. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday showtimes are 8 p.m. with matinees scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.


For more information about the show or venue, visit http://www.centerstageplayhouse.org/ or call 347-789-7184.


Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.