Edgy, Exposed Jekyll & Hyde Musical Comes to Carrollwood

Director Derek Baxter has a treat in store for anyone in love with the Gothic side of Broadway. After all, musical theater can't always be kick lines and tap extravaganzas. Carrollwood Players Theatre (CWP) is embracing the darkness with what insiders are calling a fresh, edgy, exposed production of the Broadway hit musical, Jekyll & Hyde.

Baxter, well-known and respected in the Tampa theater scene, promises a production that will surprise, delight, and move audiences. "I love the challenge of taking a musical that's been done in the area recently, but making sure the audience gets a brand new experience. They'll recognize the music and the plot, but it's a whole new spin on the presentation," said Baxter. <br>

The story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, of course, is a classic. This musical version by Frank Wildhorn, Steve Cuden, and Broadway legend Leslie Bricusse is loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson's original story. What lengths will a rejected and ridiculed scientist go to in his search for a way to eliminate evil from mankind? And what dark forces will he unleash within himself in the process?

Carrollwood Players Board Member and Producer Jen Martin has nothing but high praise for the talented all-volunteer cast of twenty performers. "The show is incredible. The cast is amazing. You should not miss this very inspired take on a powerful musical," Martin said.

Leading the cast is Erich Krzyzak in the roles of Dr. Jekyll and his evil alter-ego, Mr. Hyde. Krzyzak, new to Carrollwood Players, recently received rave reviews from Broadway World for his performance in a local production of Quilt. Danea Barrett appears as Emma, his society bride to be, and Karli Gundersen is Lucy, a woman of ill-repute who complicates matters for both Jekyll and Hyde.

Audiences who enjoyed Carrollwood Players' production of The Full Monty last year will see some familiar faces. Monty Alumni Drew Eberhard, Catherine Harp, Crystal Valdez, David Fraga, Chris McDermott, and MaryBeth Wells have all returned to delight theatergoers once again. <br>

The production also includes other talents new to CWP, including Israel Rivera, Elizabeth Crawley, Aleah Hoggatt, Arielle Imhoff, Bethani Imhoff, and Kimberly Schwartz.

Jekyll & Hyde opens on Friday, February 23rd, with 11 performances through March 17th. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm.

Tickets are $27 for adults, and $24 for seniors, students, and military. Seating in Carrollwood Players' intimate 84-seat venue is general admission.

Carrollwood Players Theatre, Tampa's longest-operating non-profit community theater company, is located at 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL, 33618.

For more information about Carrollwood Players, visit their website or follow their Facebook page.

Photos by Beth Behner