Jekyll & Hyde FAQ's
Question: "I noticed that in your role as Dr. Hyde you wrote in your lab journal using your left hand once and then with your right hand. How did that come about? Are you ambidextrous?"
Tom's reply: You are very astute. My Hyde is left-handed. All of his killing and writing is done as if he were a lefty. In the novel, Stevenson wrote that Hyde drafted a letter that was, "written in an odd, upright hand." Thus, it is believed that in an effort to conceal his hiding place, in the form of Dr. Jekyll, Hyde a wrote with his left hand. It was tricky at first, but I like playing the difference.
Question: "[T]wo of your props could have been more original, i.e., the needle should have been made of glass (no plastic in that time period) & the tourniquet was a leather strap of some sort not our modern elastic ones. I am a nurse so I tend to notice these things, I'm sure no one else did, And what a great idea to start writing with your left hand after taking the drug it was done so naturally that few caught on right away."
Tom's reply: Yes, the needles are plastic. This is purely for safety. Broken glass on a stage does not go over too well. A leather strap for a tourniquet would be a nice touch.
Question: "Have you ever played Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde before?"
Tom's reply: Nope. The Westchester production is my first crack at it. One interesting piece of trivia for those aware of Jekyll & Hyde history -- I was in high school choir with Linda Eder. Small world, eh?
Question: "Why do you inject the formula? The book refers to it as a drinkable potion."
Tom's reply: You are correct. The novel, and most dramatized versions of the story, have Dr. Jekyll drinking the formula. Bob Cuccioli, the director of this production, felt that an injection is more violent and that it is a more graphic method of showing Dr. Jekyll's desperation to find a cure for his father's condition. I concur.
Question: "The scene where you portrayed Jekyll and Hyde battling each other was so intense I was blown away by your performance. How do you keep up the level of enthusiasm after having performed the same show night after night?"
Tom's reply: Thanks. It's not too difficult to keep my energy up for this show. It's far too fun to get lackadaisical. The "Confrontation" number (a.k.a. the hair ballet) is certainly one of the most intense and memorable moments from the show. Partly, because it balances right on the line of being either goofy, or incredible gripping and dramatic. Thank goodness for lighting, hair, and a terrific ensemble singing in the background.
General FAQ's
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