ArchyNarchy's Review 6/29/2000
After weeks of anxiously waiting, I finally got the chance to see Sebastian Bach in Jekyll & Hyde on June 29. Prior to the show, I had read what critics and fans both had to say about his performance and since I learned ages ago not believe everything I read, I wasn't sure if he was going to be wonderful or mediocre. I went into the Plymouth Theatre with reviews buzzing in my head, expecting him to do well -but nothing could have prepared me for his performance. The curtain rose at about 8:05 and let me start by saying that I have a new found respect and admiration for Sebastian Bach. I was totally mesmerized for two and a half hours. Initially, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to block out the fact that it was HIM on stage, and that I would sit there, like a jerk, staring at him blankly for the entire show. However, he was able to portray his characters so well, that he immersed the audience, myself included, into the story. His Dr. Jeckyll came across as sexy, compassionate, and intelligent. The character was mature, yet youthful in his passions about his work and love. When Sebastian spoke as Jekyll, he spoke with an English accent, sounding very proper and refined. Jekyll's singing voice was similar, in that it was very clear, sharp and nothing less than charming. I started listening to Sebastian (when he was with the Skids) when I was nine years old, back in 1989 and sitting there in that theatre eleven years later, I felt as if I had never truly heard his voice before. His voice is amazing and has such a range A range that I think allowed him to play Edward Hyde as well as he did. The transformation from one character to the next was so electric that I could feel the crowd inching forward in their seats. How could they not? Sebastian's entire demeanor changed - everything from his hair to his stance was different. When Sebastian spoke as Hyde his voice was deeper and edgier. His singing voice changed as well, making Hyde much more aggressive than Jekyll and a hell of a lot more intimidating. As Hyde, Sebastian went from being statuesque and elegant to being frightening and intense. The ROCK GOD peaked through in a few of the musical numbers, but it added to the show, instead of taking from it. Sebastian held his own among a super talented cast, whom I don't mean to leave out. Andrea Rivette and Coleen Sexton (who played Emma and Lucy, respectively) had absolutely beautiful voices, as did George Merrit who played John Utterson (Jekyll's friend and lawyer). Those are some names- to name a few, but the entire cast was awesome and with talent like that who even needs sets?!!! But I was in love with the set as well It was kind of minimal - consisting mainly of what appeared to be black steal frames and red transparent panels. Different sets were rolled, slid and dropped in and out for each scene, and although they were quite simple, they never seemed to be anything less than grand. The entire show was spectacular and If forced to pick my favorite musical numbers I'd have to say that they'd have to be: Jekyll's Plea, Take me as I am , This is the moment (he whipped some serious ass during this one!), confrontation, and Alive (Hyde sure knows how to make a debut). The show ended at about 10:30 and by then I had to pick my jaw off the floor. I headed outside with my friend, whom I had asked to come with me. She had no idea who Sebastian Bach was before that night. We waited for an hour and some odd minutes for him to come outside. When he did, he was kind enough to sign our playbills, take pictures with the two of us and give us hugs and a kiss. On the way to the train station she was raving about how great he had been and how she was totally caught off guard by how nice and down to earth he was. J&H was such a great experience and Sebastian did an awesome job- I mean he was even able to make a fan out of my friend! Last night, I had never been more proud to call myself a fan.