Genesius staging 'Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical' [Spotlight]

Jul. 31—The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life onstage as Genesius Theatre presents the musical "Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical," running Aug. 12-21 in its playhouse at 153 N. 10th St.

Based on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, it's an evocative tale of two men — one, a doctor, passionate and romantic; the other, a terrifying madman — and two women — one, beautiful and trusting; the other, beautiful, and trusting only herself — both women in love with the same man and both unaware of his dark secret.

A devoted man of science, Dr. Henry Jekyll is driven to find a chemical breakthrough that can solve some of mankind's most challenging medical dilemmas. Rebuffed by the powers that be, he decides to make himself the subject of his own experimental treatments, accidentally unleashing his inner demons along with the man that the world would come to know as Mr. Hyde.

The musical features a score of pop rock hits from multi-Grammy and Tony-nominated Frank Wildhorn, and double-Oscar and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse.

The production features Genesius newcomer Sebastian Antonio in the role of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Other featured actors include Dara (Himes) Tatarowicz as Emma Carew, Cecilia Cooper as Lucy Harris, Pete Bourey as Gabriel John Utterson and Robert Decker as Sir Danvers Carew. The show also includes a cast of over 25 supporting actors and ensemble members.

The musical is directed by longtime Genesius veteran actor, director and music director Christopher Sperat, music directed by Amy Anderson, choreographed by Rosanna Brosnan, assistant directed by Gabriel Lewis-Stamm, set designed and produced by L J Fecho, with lighting design by Zack Spadaccia and sound design by Alberto Garcia and Emily Bourey. It is stage-managed by Bill Eschbach, production managed by Becka Malanios and company managed by Sara Huard.

Genesius and the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Reading have partnered on a shuttle program that allows audience members to park for free in the DoubleTree garage, have dinner at the hotel and get shuttled to the show and back. To participate, purchase show tickets on the Genesius website and call the Doubletree to make reservations for dinner two hours prior to any show.

Performances are scheduled for Aug. 12-14 and Aug. 17-21. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., except Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets range from $17.50 to $33 and can be reserved at genesiusdifference.org.