Theatre 98’s production of a new version of Robert Louis Stevenson's “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” written by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Jonne Thornton, takes the story in unexpected directions.

Idealistic young Dr. Jekyll has discovered a way to separate out his subconscious dark impulses, but there turns out to be a heavy price. Evil Mr. Hyde, his alter-ego, is played by four different actors, male and female.

This play, with its erotically charged love story, asks us whether good and evil can be divisible —or whether they are more intermingled than we like to think. The staging is intensely theatrical, with 19th century London created by special lighting and sound effects, music, projections and Becky Thornton’s impeccable costumes. This show is not suitable for children younger than high-school age.

WHAT: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

WHERE: Theatre 98, Fairhope

WHEN: May 8–11 and May 14–18; Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. and all others at 8 p.m.

COST: Adults $18, students $12; available on Theatre98.org from April 28 and at the box office (251-928-4366) from May 5

Cast:

Ryan Peacock: Dr. Jekyll


Amanda Reynolds: Elizabeth


Chuck Kraper: Hyde 1 and more

Jini Cucci: Maid, Hyde 2 and more

Susan Ames: Hyde 3 and more

Heather Delker: Hyde 4, Utterson, Sanderson and more


Tom Godfrey: Enfield and more


Lia Frederick: Poole and more


Hal Knox: Lanyon and more


Jack Stieber: Carew, Inspector and more