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Jekyll and Hyde
The Complete
Work
1994 Studio Cast
Starring Anthony Warlow, Linda Eder, and Carolee Carmello
Music by Frank Wildhorn
Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
2 CDs, 39 Tracks
Let me say right now that Jekyll and Hyde is a favorite of mine, and this is my favorite of the show's CDs. (The composer, Frank Wildhorn, also wrote my absolute favorite musical, The Scarlet Pimpernel.) In my opinion, the Complete Work is the best version of Jekyll and Hyde available on CD. Many of the songs have since been cut from the show – in fact, many never made it to Broadway. However, the stellar cast makes this a must-have for any musical theater fans. Anthony Warlow is amazing in the dual role of the title. His Jekyll is everything he should be: passionate, determined, idealistic. His Hyde shows a wonderful vitality and dynamism while retaining his evil nature throughout. We are never allowed to forget that Jekyll and Hyde are the same person, and yet the contrast is startling considering that only one man is playing the role! He also has the best voice of all the CD Jekylls – in my opinion he is one of the best male vocalists in the world.
Linda Eder stars as Lucy Harris, the young prostitute befriended by Jekyll and later seduced and abused by Hyde. She has a powerful and smooth voice which perfectly suits both the role and the material. This CD contains the song "Bring On the Men," which was performed in the National Tour versions of the show but not on Broadway. In my opinion "Bring on the Men" fits the show much better, being more suited to the moment. (Warning: not for those of Puritan taste! LOL) Her song "Someone Like You" is fantastic. One of my favorite songs in the show is "It's A Dangerous Game," a duet between Hyde and Lucy; with these two stars in the roles, I'm in heaven.
Carolee Carmello is wonderful as Lisa Carew (renamed Emma for the Broadway versions), Jekyll's fiancée. She has less to sing than Jekyll and Lucy, but her solo "Once Upon a Dream" is great. One of the most gorgeous songs on the CD is "In His Eyes," a duet with Lucy. I believe that in 99 out of a hundred cases that song gets more applause than any other, except Jekyll/Hyde's "Confrontation." When well performed, it is a hauntingly beautiful song, and on this CD it is definitely well performed!
This CD also features a spectacular supporting cast, including Philip Hoffman as Utterson, John Raitt as Sir Danvers Carew, Bill Nolte as Simon Stride, and Brenda MacDonnell as Nellie. The chorus is also excellent, and the numbers "Façade" and "Murder, Murder" are really enjoyable.
This 2-CD set was my introduction to this show, and I'm glad it was! It's definitely worth the money, ten times over. Bottom line? Buy it now!
Also see my reviews of the Jekyll and Hyde OBC, Bremen Cast, and Madrid Cast CDs.
