The musical “Jekyll & Hyde” debuts at the Pence Center stage on Halloween weekend.  

A production of the gothic-thriller musical, “Jekyll & Hyde” will be performed at the Pence Center on the Signal Peak Campus this October. The production is a collaboration between CAC and The Blackbox Foundation, a theatre company based in Casa Grande. 

Written by Leslie Bricusse and composed by Frank Wildhorn, “Jekyll & Hyde” the musical is based on the popular novella titled, “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” authored by Robert Louis Stevenson. 

The musical follows Dr. Henry Jekyll as he grapples with the side-effects of an experiment gone wrong. With the hope to eradicate mankind’s evil, Dr. Jekyll tests a formula he created on himself. The formula separates Dr. Jekyll’s personality into two parts, good and evil. Dr. Jekyll’s alter-ego, Mr. Edward Hyde, then wreaks havoc on the streets of 19th century London. The musical explores concepts of good versus evil, human morality, and the implications of social hierarchies.  

“Jekyll & Hyde” is Director Cynthia Calhoun’s sixth show produced in collaboration with CAC. When asked about the show, Calhoun said, “The idea of duality, good and evil, is compelling to people. The musical explores this duality.” Calhoun posited the lyric, “man is not one but two” from a song in the show titled, “Facade” is just one example that illustrates the depth of Dr. Jekyll’s story. 

With heart-wrenching soliloquies, a split personality, and even murder, “Jekyll & Hyde” the musical fits right in with the Halloween mood. 

Tickets will cost $15, or $12 with a CAC student ID. There are three performances of the production, all at the Pence Center. Opening night is on Friday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m. The next two performances on Saturday, Oct. 30, will include a matinee at 2 p.m. and a final show at 7:30 p.m.  

Per CAC guidelines, social distancing and mask use will be encouraged during the performances.