Chemical Imbalance: a Jekyll and Hyde Play - review

[Jane Zussman]

Minimal frills; maximum hilarity. 

Chemical Imbalance: a Jekyll and Hyde Play took over MSU's intimate Studio 60 stage in their minimalist “Storefront” format: limited resources and shorter rehearsal periods with the focus on writing, directing and acting. 

Director Brad Wilcuts led his cast through paroxysms of transformation and fight choreography animating delightfully cartoonish characters. Actors slashed, bashed, crumpled, crawled, dragged and erupted their way through Lauren Wilson’s spoofy script. (Intimacy and fight choreography by Alexis Black assisted by Banda Linder.) 

Chamang Yang gets particular paroxysm props for is many transformations from the mild-mannered Henry Jekyll to the crazed Hyde. The highfalutin Lady Throckmortonshire (Alec Althoen) sported a too-much hat and garish thrift store gown, and when she gets ahold of that bottle, watch out! My favorite was Savannah Jordan playing Calliope/Penelope, a set of twins: the nice one and the crazed one, source of blood additive to the monster potion. Her transformations were complete and hilarious.

Adult content (not much) loud noises and violence are noted in the program. It would be fun for older kids who have some knowledge of the Jekyll & Hyde story. 

Studio 60 is on the lower level of MSU Auditorium on the corner of Farm Lane and Auditorium Road, with easy parking off Auditorium Road. Tickets at the Farm-Lane-end box office, then downstairs and down the south side skinny hall to Studio 60, general seating. Best to sit in the center section. Chemical Imbalance continues through November 23. Tickets at https://theatre.msu.edu/2025-2026-season/

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

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http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

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