Sometimes when a group of exceptionally talented people put their heads together there is no telling how far they can go. This was the case with the force behind Jekyll and Hyde the Musical in 1990 when Frank Wildhorn, Chuck Wagner, Linda Eder and many more set out to stage for the very first time a small show telling the famous story about the man with the alternating personas, only this time, it would be told in song. The music was phenomenal as well as the supporting cast but for this show to succeed it needed something else, two performances of a lifetime out of one man. That man was Chuck Wagner who originated the title roles of Jekyll and Hyde opposite Linda Eder. Chuck garnered rave reviews during the shows inagural run and the fan base began there. Some shows die long at this stage, after a small out of town try out, long before the bustling streets of Manhattan and the broadway spotlights but this one would not. Seemingly driven by the same manic energy of Edward Hyde, the show pushed on. Fueled by the success of the two concept recordings and by the rising recording star Eder, Jekyll began the long road to Broadway with an extended tour this time starring Robert Cuccioli. Before arriving on broadway Frank, having already written songs for Whitney Houston among other pop stars, released This is the Moment in to the pop world, into the sports industry and the rest is history. The show’s anthem has utterly penetrated every inch of society, at every major sporting event you cannot go without this song. Finally, in April 1997, Jekyll and Hyde had its day in the lime light, on 45th street in NY, NY. Though the show received devastating reviews, a small band of fans known as jekkies spread the word and supported the show like no other group of fans ever has. Amazingly, J&H has survived the reviews, a tony shut-out and a cast change and after almost two and a half years is still running strong. It was after two years on broadway that Frank Wildhorn decided to send another troupe out on a journey to conquer the nation again. It was at this time that Chuck Wagner was reunited with the role he created those years ago. To those who have seen the completely revisited show it comes as no surprise that Chuck has not lost his touch nor his step as he steps back into the tragic doctor for another run. People who have only seen the show on Broadway have been amazed at how different the tour is from the Broadway version. Jekyll and Hyde has been brought closer to its originally conceived form all those years ago with the revision of the book and the insertion of two older songs cut for Broadway, the collaborative team has fused the two “distinct and opposing” Jekylls of old and new into the current tour helmed by Mr. Wagner. His performance is thrilling and brilliant and moving, one not to be missed.

Reviews from the 1999-2000 Tour