Jekyll & Hyde.qxd - State Theatre

T H EP R O D U C T I O ND E S I G NTo the design team—Some things to consider as we’re creating the sets,costumes, lighting, and soundscape for our play:— In our play, we’re simultaneously showing theperformance of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde as well as thebackstage story. The production design should help makeclear to the audience the difference between “onstage”and “backstage.”— At the time our play takes place, the London theaterswere very ornate and lavishly decorated. This was in greatcontrast to the filth and poverty outside. I’d like ourdesign to reflect this contradiction between wealth andpoverty that was so much a part of the Victorian era.— Since this production will be touring by truck and planeto theaters across the U.S., keep in mind that the setsneed to be compact and light enough to pack up andtravel easily. Your design will also have to be flexibleenough to work in theaters of all different sizes—from 600seats to 2,000 seats.—BrianThe set design should include somebasic pieces that can be used inmany different ways during the play.They need to be light and easy tomove so the scene changes can bemade quickly and smoothly.Mr. Hyde, as he’sabout to transformhimself back into Dr.Jekyll. Let’s see if ouraudience can tellwhat theatrical“tricks” we used toshow not only theJekyll & Hydeperformance, but whathappens backstage, too.Here’s Willis, stepping in for Mansfield toplay Dr. Jekyll in the playwithin-theplay. His bodylanguage gives a good ideaof the acting style of theperiod. Note the Victorianeraneckwear.AQUILA PRODUCTION TEAMDirectorBrian ParsonsProducerPeter MeineckComposer/Musical Director Anthony CochraneProduction Design Meineck & RichmondLighting DesignPeter MeineckAssociate ProducerTodd BatstoneTechnical DirectorRobert ColonCostumierMegan BowersH O M E W O R KBased on the story,characters, andsetting of our play andthe ideas we’vechosen toemphasize, what kind ofmusic should we askTony, our composer tocreate? Can we findsome existing music thatwould give him an idea ofwhat we’re after? Looking at thestory, what kinds of sound effectsmight we need him to design?8