When aspiring thespians embark on a career in the stage, most don't expect
they'll need military-level endurance to make it into Broadway productions.
But for Chuck Wagner, star of the traveling production of 'Jekyll & Hyde,' which
opened at Wharton Center's Great Hall on Tuesday night, his dual role of an
erudite doctor and his dangerous alter-ego has proven a formidable task. " I'm
on stage 75 to 80 percent of the show," Wagner said from a hotel in Edmonton.
"It's a very vocally and physically demanding role that's gotten me into great
shape."
Wagner is reprising the role he helped create when the show based on Robert
Louis Stevenson's famous novel debuted 10 years ago. He has enjoyed the challenge
of the two distinct personas, which require him to change mannerisms and behavioral
patterns quickly. "It's great to be back doing this role again because it's
been a great vehicle for me," Wagner said. "This is a great piece of literature
that's nice to share with adults and kids and keeps Victorian language alive
in the theater."
In between his stints in "Jekyll & Hyde" Wagner has starred in prominent roles
in productions of famous Broadway shows such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "Les
Miserables." Wagner appreciated his parts in those productions, although he
enjoys the dark, sinister aspect that Mr. Hyde offers. "It's nice to play someone
on the brink of insanity," he said. "Thankfully, I have my wife and children
to keep me grounded in reality."
Wagner's role, along with hit songs such as "Someone Like You" and "This is
The Moment" have inspired a legion of rabid fans who identify themselves as
"Jekkies" and share stories of their experiences with the show via the Internet.
Such dedication on the part of fans makes it easier for Wagner to give a strong
performance on stage during the company's eight weekly shows. "To have such
a devoted fan base and have people who have seen the show 30 and 40 times is
a tribute to the music and the drama of the show," he said. "The fans are devoted
like that to 'Beauty and the Beast' and Les Mis' in that they use the online
world to pursue that experience and make a global community."
Dixie Durr, chairwoman of MSU's Department of Theatre, saw the Broadway production
of "Jekyll & Hyde" in New York two years ago and was shocked at the versatility
the lead role requires to be performed successfully. "When I saw it that's what
amazed me was how wonderful the lead actor was," she said. "The music was good,
too, but the lead was what really stuck with me." Because of that demanding
part, Durr said it would take a student of great skill to make an MSU production
of the show work."It would have to be someone with great maturity, no question,"
she said. "WE could do the other parts in the show, but that lead role is what
makes the show."
"Jekyll & Hyde" runs today through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m and 7 p.m. Student discounted tickets start at $22 with identification and are available by calling 432-2000 or (800) WHARTON.