Musical thriller 'Jekyll & Hyde' comes to Geneva High School

It's all a facade.

Or so the song goes when Geneva Community High School showcases "Jekyll & Hyde," a musical thriller that exposes the good and evil sides of human nature.

The musical is based on "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Shows are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 20-22, at the school, 416 McKinley Ave., Geneva. Tickets are $10, $7 for students and seniors. They can be reserved by emailing Debbie Hanson, dhanson@geneva304.org. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door; the box office will open at 6:30 p.m. each night. The show is not recommended for children younger than 12.

The theater entrance will feature carnival mirrors and distorted images, including a bust of Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde in white and dark chocolate, created by Chef Alain Roby, owner of Geneva's All Chocolate Kitchen. The sculpture will be raffled off during the Saturday night performance.

Another display in the lobby will include a vintage Thomas Edison Victrola from the 1900s, courtesy of Addie and Joe Marconi of Bee Attitudes Antiques of Batavia. The trumpet Victrola actually works, and is available for sale to interested collectors.

There will also be a raffle, cotton candy, popcorn, and "Death By Chocolate" concessions.

Why you should see 'Jekyll and Hyde'

Why should audiences come see this show? What makes it worthwhile? Here is what those involved have to say:

Principal Tom Rogers: "Our talented students always amaze me. Please come see for yourself this weekend. You won't be disappointed."

Theatre Boosters President Becky Colbert: "That moment when it all comes together - the hush comes over the crowd, the lights dim, the music starts and the curtain opens. Besides, where else can you see live theater for $10 a ticket?"

Musical and Drama Director Roxanne Curtis: "This year's musical, 'Jekyll & Hyde,' has been an extremely ambitious undertaking. All involved have gone above and beyond the challenges presented by this musical, and I am extremely proud to have had the opportunity to work with such talented and dedicated students. I believe that audiences will be amazed at the level of talent we have 'lurking' at Geneva High School."

Technical Director Mary Toledano: "Because it is probably the most challenging set by far."

Pit Band Director Pat Frederick: "Shayla Carey is going to play alto flute, and where can you go to hear an alto flute (outlawed in many countries)?"

Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde (senior Joey McCall): "Please come to help me in the pursuit to separate good from evil in mankind."

Gabriel John Utterson (senior Alex Howe): "Because my best friend, Henry, is on the brink of success, and it is a thrilling adventure."

Emma Carew (senior Anika Nims): "So that people everywhere can learn how to save true love before it is destroyed."

Lucy Harris (senior Molly Carberry): "If you don't come see the show, I can't make a living."

Lady Beaconsfield (freshman Alyssa Zurow): "It's fun and exciting and so mind-blowing that we can pull this off."

Other cast members include: Nick Borodin, Chris Rich, Theodore James Farrell III, Will Palumbo, Melanie Burkhardt, Harrison Gerard, Jacob Kochniarczyk, Chris Kubiak, Aly Fogel, Grace Higgins, Brianna Carey, Jenna Kaba, Isabella Kane, Kayla Mickelsen, Caroline Rau, Kayla Russo, San Sandberg, Kate Sieber, Mary Kate Stanfa, Annie Brown, Calen Colbert, Natalie Carberry, Maddy Donatelli, Cameron Graber, Jayne King, Sara Temple, Mitchell Spencer, Simran Sachdev, and Rebecca Roy.

The tech and stage crew includes: Katie Dinning, Kathleen Clemens, Megan Curran, Alex Kelm, Claire Colbert, Claire Strnad, Emma Wilson, Claire Oetter, Addie Weddle, Griffin Curran, Josh Doyle, Rebekah Jocson, Ashley King, Jenni Liese, Joey Leone, Emily Pokornwski, Christopher Stovall, and Gabrielle Thomson.

Pit orchestra musicians include: Shayla Carey, Ren Henry, Tyler Rasmussen, Joe Foster, Sydney Nelson, Anna Kilmer, Nick Mutchler, Edward Shi, Riley Carter, Rachel Longo, Haley Orwig, Emily Chang, Samantha Kichka, Brandon Evert, Marc Hornig, Alec Fenne, Kevin Schneider, and Ryan Schneider.

GHS spring musical 'Jekyll & Hyde'

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 20-22

Where: Geneva High School, 416 McKinley Ave., Geneva.

Tickets: $10, $7 students and seniors

Details: To reserve tickets, email dhanson@geneva304.org or call (630) 463-3838.