That "set" design looks horrid, ok, I judge, but it looks like there's gonna be a lecture about Victorian Medicine. I am judging on one pic which isn't too fair.
Didn't at least one version of the script actually have him giving a lecture right at the top of the show, or at least within the first few minutes? It's been a long time since I've seen it, so I can't remember. But the fact that what I'm assuming is the top of show preset looks like a lecture is about to take place makes perfect sense for this show.
It's most likely for "I Need to Know" or the "Board of Governors" scene. The board votes to let him go ahead with an experiment on a patient, but they reject it.
I didn't think they took it out. I remember when I saw in Pittsburgh last summer, they had "Bring on the Men". I personally like "Good 'N Evil" better.
^ Don't forget that one regional production whose selling point was that they were a replica of the OBC. I think they even got a special dispensation from MTI.
Should be very interesting to see the first reviews. There are a few very 'experienced' jekkies traveling to see the first show, so I'll be waiting for them to weigh in. Looking forward covering it for BWW Opening Night in Philly and re-uniting with some old friends, including Deb Schwartz (Richie's widow).
For those who knew/remember Dr. Richie (original J&H fanclub Pres. co-founder), the tour is being dedicated to Richie by Frank Wildhorn. Richie was a great guy and supporter of all of Frank's works and artists he's worked with. RIP, Richie, we miss you.
Oy, the "experienced" Jekkies and their reviews...
I've worked with/for Wildhorn in the past, more than once. In my experience the Jekyll and Hyde fans generally like what has been done in the past and dislike new takes on Frank's material.
This production's throwing a couple bones by restoring songs, but I fully expect that Constantine will be thrown under the bus if he's not Rob Evan by the first preview.
Not that I'm complaining. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy...
*Edited because apparently Siri can't spell Updated On: 9/5/12 at 09:19 AM
LOL...you're right about the "jekkies" comment, but I'm talking about those of us who have seen every J/H and every re-incarnation of this campy, cultish adventure from Cooch, to Baz. From Houston to the National tours.
It was pretty fun back in the day when Frank had J&H and SP running at the same time and we had some fun hanging out with the casts between shows. $20 rush seats and all! Some of us remain theater friends today with one another and the casts.
Lots of talent in those shows back then (Eder,Noll,Evan,Sills, Mann) just to name a few. These are the "jekkies" I'm talking about and we're all a bit nostalgic anticipating what this one will offer. Sadly it may be predictable what the press and the Wildhorn bashers will say. But who cares, it's fun to go back in time.
I have never seen a Wildhorn show live before, so I am pretty much dying of excitement to see this one! Jekyll and Hyde has one of my favorite scores, and it will be the first time I get to see something before it goes to Broadway!
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "
Amazon put up a track listing for the album, and Girls of the Night is in it, as is Bring On the Men and some other tracks I personally haven't heard of. :) Amazon Link
We must remember that this CD is sort of a 'concept' CD and not a cast recording so it probably does not include everything. (no ensemble tracks like Facade 1 through 34)
Also I am not totally aware of any productions that have used BOTH I need to know and Lost in the darkness, I've always been interested in hearing how they manage to include both, I love them both (I prefer I need to know) but always thought it a bit much to have 2 solo Jekyll songs right at the start of the show.
A bit dissapointed they did not include the new "If you only knew" I so love that song.
Also why no transformation? maybe again because its not technically a 'cast recording' or maybe they will tack it on at the start of Alive.
I also hope they include the 'board of governors' in this production but I doubt they will, they probably think its too heavy on the singing so will cut out alot of those lovely things that are on the Warlowe recording.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27199361@N08/ Phantom at the Royal Empire Theatre
They better have something with the Board of Governors or Hyde's Act 2 murders (if that's where they are) won't make any sense. (Unless he doesn't kill anybody except Lucy now.)
It's cool to see "No One Knows Who I Am" back in the first act. I prefer it there. Bummer about "The Transformation" not being recorded, and I'm super shocked that "The World Has Gone Insane" isn't included. I know that doesn't necessarily mean that it won't be in the show, but with Constantine as Jekyll I was actually a little excited about it possibly being in this time around. It's not one of my favorite songs, but I would have liked to have heard him sing it.
With that track list I'm not really as excited about this recording anymore. It's basically just a variant on the Resurrection album without some of the more exciting songs from that version.
It's also really odd that they're subtitling this one "transformation" and they didn't record "The Transformation!"
Yes, the original "Jekkie" are older than dirt....myself included since the show opened in Houston and 1997 on Broadway.
Many of us have seen it more than a few times. WHY? 1. Because we liked the "jekyll-go-round". Seeing who Frank was going bring in every 6 mos. to a year was too much fun. 2. Some of us made it a day in NYC often with some of the cast whom we got to know pretty darn well.
The original Bd'w cast was called the "tallest cast on Broadway" at one point. Between Rob Evan, Linda Eder, Christiane Noll, George Merrit and Ray McCleod, all were close to 6 ft.or taller, even the gals!
These old "jekkies" support some of Frank's talents well beyond their J&H/SP days and into other shows and projects and still do. It was a fun time, that's all I know.