_{Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping gothic musical}

Very Important Audition Information

This is a great deal of information, sorry it is so long, but please read through, it could make a difference. All the roles in the show are important, all the characters are individuals whether part of the principal group or the ensemble…. good luck

• Approach your audition with confidence and preparation.
• Thoroughly rehearse your material, as it’s evident that preparation leads to success.
• If a dance component is included, wear comfortable shoes
• Don’t forget to bring water—especially if you’re invited to callbacks. Staying hydrated will help you maintain focus and energy.
• Record your audition time-slot somewhere easily accessible, even though you’ll receive a confirmation. A personal reminder ensures you stay organized and stress-free on the day of the audition.
• Select a song from the show, the REHEARSCORE is available and you should request it, you can use the rehearse score for your audition or you can provide your own track 
• Be aware that you might not perform the entire piece. Let the sound crew know the specific part you’d like to start from by sharing the timestamp.
• While memorization isn’t mandatory, it’s ideal.
• A printed copy is more reliable than using your phone, but fully memorizing the section will help you connect better with the material and your audience.
• For callbacks, be well-versed in all the songs associated with the roles you’re being considered for, as you may need to sing different sections. 
• Callbacks are typically group-based, and you’ll receive specific arrival instructions. 
• Stay flexible and ready for additional direction during the process.

With preparation, focus, and commitment, you’ll leave a lasting impression …oh and have fun too!

Synopsis –

The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life on stage in the musical phenomenon, Jekyll & Hyde. Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson and featuring a thrilling score of pop rock hits from multi-Grammy- and Tony-nominated Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar- and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse, Jekyll & Hyde has mesmerized audiences the world over.

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.

Roles

This is an ensemble production with a number of featured roles that will be played by members of the ensemble. As you are filling out your Audition Form, please be aware that within the ensemble are character roles, some have solo singing some have lines.

The members that are cast in the ensemble will play multiple parts in the show so keep in mind that you will be very busy. The show is strong on vocals and dependent upon all members to be committed and dedicated to the music.

VIDEO OF THE ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING

It would be beneficial to view the Original Broadway Cast although the quality of the video is not good you can move to the songs you may be rehearsing and watch them or if you’re so inclined watch the full show. This is the only version we would recommend.

https://youtu.be/B01q_g6-R_o?si=bJcMDOL3XKHHfD9S

J&H Characters

Henry Jekyll / Edward Hyde

Henry Jekyll is a doctor. His character is driven by the aim to improve the plight of those inflicted with mental illness – particularly his own father. In pursuit of this goal he attempts to distinguish what causes the swing between good and evil within man and to find a chemicalformula that can separate the two in order to eliminate the “evil” element of a man’s personality.

For this he requires a human subject and when the board of governors of the Hospital in which he practices reject his proposal, dismissing his claims as unlawful and blasphemous, he sets out to prove his theory by using himself as the subject.

Edward Hyde is Jekyll’s alter ego – the evil portion of the man that is Jekyll – coming into existence when Jekyll tests his potion on himself. As Jekyll continues the experiments Hyde begins to take over. There is a flaw in the formula and as Jekyll fails to find the exact chemical combination to stop the process, Hyde grows stronger and Jekyll is no longer in control of when the transformations take place. Jekyll’s unconscious anger at those who have slighted him takes form as Hyde, who wreaks revenge by killing them one by one.

As the balance of power between these two characters shifts, we see that there is a part of Hyde in Jekyll, in the passions that sometimes are glimpsed and the anger that he holds in check toward those who thwart his progress. There is part of Jekyll always in Hyde, which we glimpse in his sometimes tender moments towards Lucy.

Jekyll and Hyde are pivotal in the piece and so we need someone with presence, skill enough to play both aspects and great stamina. He must have the acting ability to portray two separate identities as well as being able to sing the range and style of the separate personalities too!

Jekyll has an elegance, propriety and manners, which belies his situation and breeding. We need an ability to portray stillness, bearing and class whilst still having raw energy and passion.

Hyde has an animal magnetism; he is rough, earthy and perverse. His physicality is manic, as if unleashed from bonds. He is passionate to the point of obsession.

Emma Carew – Jekyll’s fiancée

Emma is the daughter of Sir Danvers Carew. Emma is a graceful, elegant young woman, with spirit and a joy of life. She is courteous, deferential and dutiful, but very much has her own mind and is slightly headstrong. In Jekyll’s company she shows a great love and has an easy, fun and flirty manner around him. She makes Jekyll smile. She is all that makes him feel wanted, loved, respected and knows she will support him in everything.

Emma, as a character, needs to hold her own against Lucy, in the audiences’ eyes. She cannot be seen to be cold , but needs a real softness. She’s the epitome of propriety. Vocally she should have an entrancing voice, easily singing in soprano range. She is essentially the opposite to Lucy in all things; Emma is effectively the “light” to Lucy’s “dark”.

Lucy Harris, the main attraction at “The Red Rat”

Lucy is an actress who lives above The Red Rat, a rather seedy drinking establishment in the locks at Camden. She is, in her own eyes, an actress who gents come to watch as part of the floor show at The Red Rat. She has to work as a whore in order to keep her room and rent. She takes things as they come, knowing that there is little better life for her, although she does dream there is. She, like all the girls at the Rat, is at the mercy of pimp and proprietor Spider.

Lucy is a pivot point in the piece for both Jekyll and Hyde. She is the epitome of the desire within each of them. Jekyll, with his will and “goodness” keeps that desire well in check,but Hyde, as the unbound spirit of Jekyll, can’t and won’t keep that desire checked. To Lucy, Jekyll is an ideal, something she will never have. Hyde is all she believes she deserves.

We need a performer who can really act through song. Vocally this is a challenging role and stamina is essential. A ‘Musical Theatre belt’ voice rather than a pure mezzo. The ability to dance/move would be an advantage – especially for ‘Bring on the Men’. Lucy is an emotional animal, brash and bold but also sensitive with a touch of despair.

Gabriel John Utterson – lawyer and friend of Henry Jekyll

John is Jekyll’s best friend, confidant, lawyer and supporter. He is an upstanding man, regarded well by his peers. Serious, somewhat sombre attitude and not given to laughter or joviality, but has an underlying humor. He is a gentleman; however he must have knowledgeof the ‘ladies’ who frequent the Red Rat! Jekyll is his equal, both intellectually and in standing and they have an ease when together.

Character wise, we need someone who holds himself with bearing. He is assured of himself and is knowledgeable. The character gives a feeling of control, but with empathy and a touch of humor. Vocally strong and persuasive but with a good top range too.

The Board of Governors:

Mr. Simon Stride

Stride is effectively the Secretary of Board of Governors of St Jude’s Hospital. He is a rival to Jekyll both as a physician/scientist and within their social sphere. A man who was born into wealth and who believes that his status and money should be able to get him anything he wants, including Jekyll’s fiancée, Emma.Stride is a similar age to Jekyll, perhaps a little older. He should be unlikeable and come across as bitter. He is petulant and outspoken, but ends up looking the weaker man because of it.

Sir Danvers Carew

Sir Danvers is a genial man, who has no need to prove his standing in society or his influence over others. As Chairman of the Board at St Judes Hospital, he had, in his day, been a highly respected physician. In later years, with his knighthood, he has deferred career for retirement and highly revered enough to be allowed to preside as Chairman of the Board. Highly protective of his beloved daughter Emma, to the point he questions her engagement to Jekyll. However, she is able to convince him of her commitment. We need to see the love of a doting father in his acting and singing, as well as the unease he feels towards his future son-in-law.

Bishop of Basingstoke

As his title suggests, he a man of the cloth. Likely on the board to make sure that religious strictures are placed upon development of medicine. Outwardly, a man of God – making sure everyone knows what a ‘do-gooder’ he is. However, he has a penchant for young women. This character is particularly sleazy.

General Lord Glossop

Typical military man. He is pompous, exacting and probably was a paper pusher rather than has actually seen any front line fighting in his time. Overbearing and full of his own self-importance. Again, believes he is an upstanding member of society but enjoys the vices that title and money enables him to enjoy. A bully.

The Right Honorable Archibald Proops

A government official. Busy man, “quick and methodical”, likely equates everything to t’s relevance to the law. He would be the guiding force on the board of governors in terms of what is lawful, so would be quick to quash anything that he deemed ill advised. Although medical testing on human’s was not illegal at the time, it could bring the hospital into disrepute.

Perhaps his ‘vice’ was money, bribery or corruption?

Lady Beaconsfield

She is mature, takes great care of her appearance, fashionable and flirts with those men around her. She is outspoken, to the point of rude, and has a great regard for herself and her own self-importance. Not particularly nice but likely to be on every society list as guest! She especially enjoys her jewels – pearls, diamonds etc. Very rich and finds the poor disgusting!

Lord Savage

Lord Savage is noted in the script as “having better things to do” and those things are probably to see and be seen around town in the best clubs, establishments and company. Titled from birth, he’s probably used his money to gain status.

He is a bit of a dandy. Likely would be first to be seen with the newest fashions and slightly “overdone” in the clothing department. Perhaps his vice was opium?!

Nellie – Madam

Nellie is a “baiter” she’s a woman who stands outside the Red Rat and entices gents into the establishment. She is glamorous (or as much as one can be). She has moved up’ to running the brothel and looking after the girls. Hard and rather unsympathetic to those she employs.

Spider, proprietor of “The Red Rat”/Pimp

Nasty, seedy and evil. He uses and abuses the prostitutes as well as fleecing the customers of the pub. Spider frequents the Red Rat but can be seen ‘lurking’ in the top end of town too. He is given to violence and will make a point with his fists rather than words.

Poole – Jekyll’s manservant

Non Singing (although likely to play other roles too)

Jekyll’s butler. Faithful to his employer, Poole is the epitome of discretion. He would, without question, do anything asked of him of his master

Singing/Speaking Roles

Mr. Bisset, an apothecary

Minister at wedding

Priest at Funeral

A Newsboy

A Pimp/Dandy

Red Rat Girls

Ladies & Gentlemen at Sir Danvers house

Jekyll’s Father in mental hospital

Ensemble Characters

Vendors:

Kate (Cockle Seller)/ Ensemble

Alice (Scullery Maid)/Ensemble

Winnie (Fish Gutter)/Ensemble

Bet (Scullery Maid)/Ensemble

Polly (Scrubber Woman)/Ensemble

Mike (A Clerk)/Ensemble

Albert (A Barman)/Ensemble

Davie (A Barrow Boy)/Ensemble

Ned (A Sailor)/Ensemble

Bill (A Docker)/Ensemble

Jack (A Beggar)/Ensemble