In collaboration with Lincoln Academy, Heartwood Theater Company will produce “Jekyll & Hyde, the musical” with shows currently scheduled between October 30 and November 9.
Students grades 7 through 12 are invited to audition on September 4 at the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy. Auditions will begin at 2:45 p.m. and continue until all students have been seen and heard by Director Griff Braley and Vocal Instructor Beth Preston.

Based on the Robert Louis Stephenson classic, the story of “Jekyll & Hyde” is complicated and serious in its intent, with a dark Gothic setting. While Heartwood's production will be staged appropriately for a high school audience and players, parents of seventh and eighth grade students are encouraged to research the play and storyline before sending students to audition.

The following roles are cast: Jekyll/Hyde; Emma; Lucy; and Utterson.

Fourteen roles remain open, including an expanded chorus of up to 15. For a list of roles and more info about the show, visit sites.google.com/a/lincolnacademy.org/preston/musical-theater.

Students should meet and sign in on the lower level of the Poe Theater and will be seen individually, first come, first served.

Students should be aware that “Jekyll & Hyde” has had a number of revivals on Broadway and elsewhere, so versions of the show differ greatly.

For the audition: prepare a song from “Jekyll & Hyde” or a similar Broadway selection. Karaoke backup will be provided for “Jekyll & Hyde;” for other songs, students should bring their own karaoke or plan to sing a cappella.

Rehearsals begin Saturday, Sept. 6, so students should be prepared to commit to a rehearsal schedule if they are offered a role. Principal players are expected to make rehearsals a priority; members of the ensemble will have less rehearsal time. A tentative copy of the rehearsal schedule will be available at the audition. Rehearsals will be in either afternoon or evening slots, and there are several Saturday rehearsals in the schedule.

“Jekyll & Hyde” requires a large set and costume plot, as well as lighting and technical effects. Students who would like to assist in this area can meet with Technical Director Tish Munson on the audition day or by another appointment.

The Parker B. Poe Theater is located at 81 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle.