The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Reviews

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Dalberg’s crisp, epigrammatic script turns Henry Jekyll into Henri Jekyll (Brandi Jiminez Lee), whose ambitions are thwarted by the sexism of London’s medical establishment. Henri is romantically drawn to her straitlaced solicitor, Gabriel Utterson (Shane Richlen), as is he to her. But demonic, lustful Hyde (the commanding Jack Sharkey) keeps intruding, eager to wreak vengeance on the men who Henri feels have wronged her, including fellow physician Hastie Lanyon (Joel Thompson) and corrupt aristocrat Sir Danvers Carew (played by understudy Ross Compton at the performance I saw)."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Michael Dalberg’s quick-witted and crafty adaptation of “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is diabolically delicious. Originally penned by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886, the story combines the promise of scientific discovery with that of horror and science fiction. In the original, Dr. Henry Jekyll believes that his colleagues have cast doubt on his intellectual capacity and have minimized his scientific accomplishments in the field of medicine."

Buzz Center Stage - Somewhat Recommended

"...The production as a whole was discombobulating, beginning with the script and continuing through its interpretation by director Morgan Manasa (sh/h), with artistic director Evan Jackson (th/th), dramaturges Elizabeth MacDougald (th/th) and Tristan Brandon (th/th) [also props designer and literary manager]. There were glaring anachronisms—the Maid smoking on the street in 1885? And while Elizabeth Blackwell obtained her MD in 1849, Elizabeth Anderson didn’t become the first British female physician until 1865, yet the issue of feminism and suffrage is decidedly underplayed. And I question several choices (rock music between scenes?) made by music & sound director L.J. Luthringer (h/h), and lighting & projection designer Laura Wiley (th/th)."

The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended

"...Playwright Michael Dalberg reimagines and expands on the familiar story of a mild-mannered doctor transforming into a raging monster. Dalberg’s tale has all the same characters. Yet, in this version, Dr. Jekyll (played by an impressive Brandi Jiminez Lee) is a woman and the daughter of the deceased physician. Following in her father’s footsteps, the younger Jekyll continues exploration into the dark psyche of the human spirit. Her Mr. Hyde (played by a wickedly disturbing Jack Sharkey) is conjured up out of oppressive Victorian mores. Dahlberg cleverly turns multiple taboos into triggers. When Jekyll unleashes her anger, her lust, her paranoia, Hyde appears to push her over the edge into madness."