Jeffrey Hatcher's Haunting DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE Appears at Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF presents Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Set on the streets of Victorian London, Jeffrey Hatcher's play honors Robert Louis Stevenson's original novella, "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," while adding a complex interpretation of depravity, lust, love, and horror. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde appears from October 12 to November 13, 2016 in the Goldman Theater. Tickets are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

Dr. Henry Jekyll is a brilliant scientist frustrated by dull "respectable" life in Victorian London. He creates a potion to unleash his inner bestial nature, transforming him into the brutish but eerily endearing Edward Hyde. Hyde lives the high life while Jekyll's mundane doctoral career continues-until Hyde's passions begin to turn up a body count. Equal parts thrilling and deviant, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde will captivate those brave enough to step into Dr. Jekyll's laboratory.

"We are thrilled to be bringing Stevenson's haunting tale to life on stage just in time for Halloween," said Cynthia White, Director of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. "The show is wicked and witty, passionate and terrifying-perfect for audiences who want to combine their love of theater with the spirit of the season."

In a production that explores man's duality and the relationship between good and evil, Hatcher's adaptation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde takes this central theme a step further by casting four actors as Mr. Hyde. The actors transform from one character to another with the toss of a cane or a change in voice and posture. This unique style of changing characters gives the audience an unparalleled look at the twisted psyche ofStevenson's infamous protagonist.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde features some of Orlando Shakes' favorite actors, including Timothy Williams as Dr. Henry JekylL. Williams hasperformed in 16 Orlando Shakes productions and was a company member of Joe's NYC Bar at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Recent regional credits include Bullshot Crummond (The Vine Theatre), Fully Committed (Cape May Stage), and Picasso (Alpine Theatre Project).

Dan Bright joins the cast in his first Signature Series role as Hyde 1 and ensemble. In addition to being cast in the PlayFest 2014 reading ofGloucester Blue, Bright has appeared in numerous productions for Asolo, Florida Studio, American Stage, The Hippodrome, and South Coast Repertory theatres, and toured with Crystal Cruises.

Also new to Orlando Shakes is Simon Needham taking on the role of Hyde 2 and ensemble. Needham toured Europe for three years performing Shakespeare in repertory. West End credits include The Tom Lehrer Review, Ay Carmella, and Romeo and Juliet. Other credits include The Adventurer's Club (Walt Disney World), The American Idol Experience (Walt Disney World), and The Explorer's Club (Mad Cow).

Orlando Shakes veteran, Steven Lane appears as Hyde 3 and ensemble. Lane was last seen at Orlando Shakes in Mark St. Germain'sDancing Lessons. Other credits include A Christmas Carol, Into the Woods, and The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.

Anne Hering stars as Hyde 4 and ensemble. Hering has appeared in numerous Orlando Shakes productions including Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Bakersfield Mist, Bad Dog, A Christmas Carol, and LES MISERABLES. Additional acting credits include Boston Marriage, The Real Thing, and The Little Prince with Orlando Theatre Project.

Also returning to Orlando Shakes is Gemma Victoria WalDon Starring as Mr. Hyde's love interest, Elizabeth Jelkes. Waldon made her Orlando Shakes debut in the 2015 production of The Frog and the Princess. Other credits include Julius Caesar, As You Like It, and Almost, Maine.

Director Cynthia White's past directing credits include Dancing Lessons (Orlando Shakes), the world premiere of Emma's Child, Woman in Mind, and The Voice of the Prairie at the Oregon Shakespeare FestivAl. White currently serves as Director of New Play Development at Orlando Shakes.

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Scenic Designer Bert Scott, Lighting Designer Kevin Griffin, Costume Designer Yao Chen, Costume Designer Assistant Bailee Booser, Fight Director David Reed, Vocal Coach Kate Ingram, and Sound Designer and Stage Manager George Hamrah.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by theDepartment of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

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