Chuck Wagner is Jekyll & Hyde
Interview by Kristine M. Kulage
After originating the roles of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the musical “Jekyll & Hyde” a decade ago, Chuck Wagner has returned to the roles in the national tour which will play the Fox Theatre September 22-26. Recently, Wagner has had multiple starring roles on Broadway, his own web site, a self-titled solo CD, and an InTheater cover story. Speaking with Wagner, it is obvious that he is thriving in his stint as the Victorian scientist and his alter-ego.
“Jekyll & Hyde” is based on the 19th century novella by Robert Louis Stevenson. There have been many incarnations of Jekyll and Hyde in literature, on stage, and in film. But this musicalization promises to be an exhilarating experience as described by Wagner who creates the complex character 6 times a week.
Wagner has experience portraying brooding, overbearing leads with a dark side, first as Javert in “Les Miserables” and then as the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast”. But, Wagner feels blessed to return “Jekyll and Hyde”. “It’s an amazing role and a great chance to stretch. You’re asked to do some things that are big stretches (the famous hair-flipping scene) and real risks on stage, and I try to rise to that challenge”. Some of those challenges are physical, and Wagner describes the show as a “forced workout every night”.
Wagner also finds it challenging to play 2 polar-opposite characters. He approaches it with the philosophy that “you can’t have one without the other”. In his researching the role, Wagner focused on the novella and Stevenson’s concept of duality. “It’s not really like it’s 2 separate people. He doesn’t inject this potion and magically become someone else. He becomes what he would be with no restraint. So, it’s still essentially the same man – certainly it is the animal side of him, the libido unchecked. For me it’s a chance to take the inhibitions off and just go crazy.”
“Go crazy” is exactly how audiences have been reacting. “We’re getting standing ovations every night. It’s remarkable – it’s like a rock concert” claims Wagner, who is pleased and invigorated by the response. He attributes this – and the devotion by the show’s obsessive fans, “Jekkies” – to the fact it is a show that really touches the people. “As far as reaching the people, you just can’t beat it. Audiences are deeply moved”. Wagner credits Frank Wildhorn, the show’s composer, for the musical’s appeal. “Frank is an emotional writer who writes from a good place. I think that the heart performers open and share with the audiences, along with the music that Frank delivers, reaches people’s hearts.” Wagner speaks from experience, having worked with Wildhorn for 20 years, including “Svengali” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel”. “Frank writes music that, as a performer, you can’t help but be exhilarated by it, along with the audience. It’s not just a song, it’s an experience. You go through the full range of emotions and you can’t ask for anything more in a show”.
Though Wildhorn’s musicals have received criticism over the years, they have also been huge crowd pleasers. Wagner is clear about what they are trying to accomplish. “We’re not trying to be pretentious, and we’re not trying to be Sondheim. We provide a good night of passionate, sexually charged musical theatre that will take you on a ride. If you will allow your heart to be open, you can’t help but be moved”. Also, Wagner defends the show’s lyricist, Leslie Bricusse, who has been accused of writing “predictable” lyrics. But, Wagner appreciates the “sheer elegance of his poetry. The things that Bricusse is criticized for are the same things he could be praised for. His lyrics are elegant in their simplicity and essential purity”.
Though Jekyll and Hyde is a return to a former role for Wagner, it is also like originating one. While “Jekyll & Hyde” on Broadway is currently in its 3rd year, the touring production has a number of significant changes, many of which Wagner prefers to the Broadway version. “I have more music that tells the story in a nicer way, including ‘I Need to Know’ and the Address to the Board of Governors – an important, full operatic moment. Both of these set up the story and define Dr. Jekyll’s character.” Wagner also describes the tour’s staging as “a huge rock and roll visceral wash. I think that is Wildhorn’s strong point”. Compared to the intimate theatre and small stage that the Plymouth Theatre provides on Broadway for J&H, touring cities will see a huge, gorgeous production.
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