Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District
The struggle between good and evil comes to life on the Wantagh High School stage as the drama club presents “Jekyll & Hyde” beginning April 12. There will be four performances of the show based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson.
A cast of 30 students have been rehearsing for the show since December. Senior Anthony Lerro plays the dual roles of Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde. Additional leads include Madelyn Hartmann as Emma Carew, Ashlee Fucarino as Lucy and Shawn Bailey as Sir Danvers.
Anthony, appearing in his 11th show since he began middle school, said “Jekyll & Hyde” is a strong finish to his Wantagh acting career. He noted that the show is a stark contrast to last year’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical.”
“It’s definitely a different style of musical that we’re doing,” he said. “It’s very grandiose. The effects will really enhance the performance of the actors.”
Anthony added that it is common for the same actor to play the parts of both Jekyll and Hyde. He has enjoyed the creative liberty of developing both roles to ensure that each character has a unique personality.
Madelyn, in her 10th show in Wantagh, plays the role of an upper-class Victorian woman, who is an independent, free thinker. Her character is engaged to Jekyll. She is expecting the show to be a big hit because of the talented cast.
“We have such a good group of people,” she said. “Everyone in this cast is so talented, and it really shines through in all of the numbers.”
Major musical numbers in the show include “This is the Moment,” “Façade,” “Confrontation” and “Murder, Murder,” a full cast opening number for the second act.
Senior Shawn Bailey is acting in his first high school show, reviving an interest from his childhood days in the local St. Frances Theatre Group. For the fall drama, “Peter and the Starcatcher,” he was a member of the crew.
“I just loved how they had the best performers and I wanted to be a part of it,” Shawn said.
Because the show is very demanding and the parts are very intense, each lead has a seasoned actor as an understudy. Senior Emma Nicholas, who is cast in the ensemble, is the understudy for the role of Lucy. Appearing in her 11th show since sixth grade, she said that “Jekyll & Hyde” allows Wantagh High School’s student actors to showcase their wide range of talents.
The show is directed by Dr. Kimberly Davis with support from vocal director Sameerah Cassidy and producer Courtney Prestianni. Student musicians, joined by music staff from across the district, will perform the score live under the direction of Dan Aviles. The set was designed by crew students under the direction of George Margarites.
Many of the cast, crew and pit orchestra traveled to London in February, where they studied the musical’s setting of early 19th-Century London.
“We have an incredibly talented and dedicated group of students, and the production team was excited to challenge them with this musical,” says Dr. Davis. “Their passion shines through in every rehearsal, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished.”
Dr. Davis reminds parents the show is not suitable for young children. Show times are Friday, April 12 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 14 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. TIckets can be purchased online at https://seatyourself.biz/wantaghms.
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