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Arts & Entertainment

Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde is presented at Lewis University's Philip Lynch Theatre

Lewis University’s Philip Lynch Theatre presents “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” on Feb. 11 – 13 and Feb. 17 – 20. On the fog-bound streets of Victorian London, mild-mannered Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with exotic “powders and tinctures” and brings forth his other self – Edward Hyde. Hatcher’s adaption is a new and shocking version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of depravity, lust, love and horror.

Jeffrey Hatcher writes for both stage and screen. His past accomplishments include screenplays for “The Duchess” (2008 film with Kiera Knightly) and “Casanova” (2005 film with Heath Ledger), and the plays “Tuesdays with Morrie” (with Mitch Albom), “Three Viewings,” and “Scotland Road.” In Jeffrey Hatcher’s retelling of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” the theme of personality duality and transformation takes on a whole new meaning. The classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale still retains the central conflicts of good vs. evil and civilization vs. savagery, but in Hatcher’s stage version, four actors – including one female, play the menacing Mr. Hyde.

Sean Barber of Aurora plays the “good” Dr. Henry Jekyll. Mike Wall of Wauconda, Dave Earley of Minooka, Matthew Carlson of Lockport, and Courtney Everett of Palos Park play the menacing Edward Hyde. The dramatic cleverness of the play is that these four actors also play several other characters throughout the play. Other members of the cast included Ashley Daun of New Lenox portraying the role of Elizabeth Jelkes, Hyde’s mistress. Jacquelyn Staszak of Braidwood and Christopher Hueg of Roseville, MN are portraying the roles of London street folk, surgical students, a maid, a porter, and other roles.

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Lewis University’s Philip Lynch Theatre manager, Jo Slowik of Joliet directs the production with artistic collaboration from Professor and Technical Director Harold McCay of Joliet (scenic and lighting design), Joliet Catholic Academy English teacher Celeste Mackey of Joliet (costume design) Lewis alumnus Matthew Bartels of Joliet (stage combat), and PLT assistant technical director Dave Pomatto of Naperville. Lewis students on the production staff include: Kevin Kaucher of Chicago (stage manager), Melissa Chicola of Lockport (assistant stage manager), Melanie Gillies of Lombard (props), James Pankiewicz of Posen (sound design and operator), Jonathan Erickson of Chicago (light board operator), Michael Friar of Tinley Park (atmospheric design), Danielle Taylor of Hazelcrest (hair and makeup) and Linda Strahl of Clarendon Hills (dramaturgy).

Evening performances begin at 8 P.M. Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 P.M. In addition to the Saturday evening performances, there will be a 4 P.M. Saturday matinee performance on February 19. Tickets are $10 for adults and $9 for seniors/students. Tickets are $8 for groups of fifteen or more, a savings of more than 10 percent off the original ticket price.

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The running time of the production is approximately two hours and is recommended for ages 16 and up. Advanced ticket purchases are strongly encouraged. Tickets are non-refundable. For more information, call the PLT box office at (815) 836-5500, Monday thru Friday from 1-4:30 P.M. For more information, patrons can check out the PLT Web site www.lewisu.edu/plt or by e-mailing the box office at boxoffice@lewisu.edu. The Philip Lynch Theatre is located on the main campus of Lewis University on Route 53 in Romeoville. 

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,000 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.  For more information, please visit www.lewisu.edu.

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