the mommy avenger

There’s something inherently spooky about the story of Jekyll + Hyde. The tale of one man’s descent into madness and duality feels eerily fitting for the Halloween season. So, when I heard that West Valley Arts was staging this classic, I knew I had to see it for myself—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

The venue itself, an intimate theater in the round, sets the stage for a deeply immersive experience. If you’ve never been to a show here, let me paint you a picture: there’s no “bad seat” in the house. The closeness of the audience to the actors creates this incredible energy, making every gasp, every whispered line, and every dramatic turn feel personal. You’re not just watching the story unfold—you’re in it. For a show like Jekyll + Hyde, that intimacy works to its full advantage.

Let’s talk about the talent. First, Rhett Richins, who takes on the challenging dual role of Dr. Henry Jekyll and his alter ego, Edward Hyde. His transformation between the two characters is not just a matter of voice or posture—though he nails both—but a complete metamorphosis in energy. As Jekyll, Richins is gentle, intellectual, even hopeful. But as Hyde, his presence is chilling, with a growling voice and a dangerous glint in his eyes. It’s mesmerizing to watch him transition from one persona to the other, often within the same scene, and his vocal range is nothing short of impressive.

Jessica Knowles Andrus as Lucy Harris, the tragic and resilient woman entangled in Jekyll’s dark experiment, was another standout. Her voice is haunting, rich with emotion that cuts right to your soul. Her portrayal of Lucy is layered—vulnerable yet strong—and her ability to convey so much with just a look or the timbre of her voice left the audience entranced.

What truly added to the experience, though, was the atmospheric setting. Dr. Jekyll’s lab, the heart of the action, felt alive with an eerie, almost palpable energy. The set design, coupled with impressive special effects, made this infamous story come to life. The moment of Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde was gripping—lights dimmed, shadows twisted, and a sinister shift in the air.

The production’s use of sound and lighting amplified the tension. The way the lights flickered and the eerie music swelled whenever Hyde was near. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into crafting an experience that would truly immerse the audience in this world of moral ambiguity and danger.

With Halloween around the corner, this production couldn’t be more perfectly timed. There’s something special about watching such a dark, twisted story unfold right in front of you, especially when you’re so close that you can practically feel Hyde’s sinister presence looming. West Valley Arts has done a wonderful job with this production.

So, grab your tickets, maybe a hand to hold, and prepare for an evening of dark delight. Jekyll + Hyde is waiting for you, and trust me, you don’t want to keep Mr. Hyde waiting too long.

You can purchase your tickets for performances now through November 2, 2024 by visiting them online.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}