Savannah Children's Theatre Unveils Encore! Program, Bringing Back Acclaimed Alumni for Thrilling "Jekyll & Hyde" Production

The Savannah Children's Theatre (SCT) is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of its SCT Encore! initiative. This groundbreaking program is designed to engage teens and young adults, offering them the opportunity to explore more mature themes in theater and foster their artistic and personal growth. The debut production of this initiative is the captivating musical "Jekyll & Hyde," based on the classic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Unleashing the Duality of Human Nature on the Savannah Stage

Revisiting the SCT Roots: Alumna Amelie Steffen Returns to the Spotlight

For Amelie Steffen, a seasoned performer at SCT, the opportunity to return to the stage holds deep personal significance. Having been involved with the theater since the age of four, Steffen has honed her craft over the course of 14 years, culminating in her recent role as Christine Daaé in "Phantom of the Opera." Despite her transition to college life at Florida State University, the call to participate in the Encore program was one she couldn't resist. "I've been with the Savannah Children's Theatre since I was four years old," Steffen shared, "so, I've done shows here for about 14 years now." In the production of "Jekyll & Hyde," Steffen takes on the role of Lucy, a character that promises to challenge her artistic abilities and push her boundaries.

Molly Bass: A Lifelong Passion for the Performing Arts

Molly Bass, another veteran performer at SCT, is equally thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking production. Like Steffen, Bass has been involved with the theater since the tender age of 7, with her father even lending a hand behind the scenes. Now a student at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Bass is fully committed to her craft, with musical theater being her chosen field of study. "My major in college is musical theater," she shares, "that's the end goal for me. I don't think there's anything else I would rather do."

Exploring the Complexities of "Jekyll & Hyde"

The allure of "Jekyll & Hyde" lies in its multifaceted narrative, which has captivated audiences worldwide. For Bass, the story's blend of mystery, romance, and the exploration of the human psyche was a major draw. "I had never learned or heard anything about the story of Jekyll and Hyde before this," she admits, "but I love true crime and spooky stuff like this. When I found out about the audition and researched it, I was hooked." In the production, Bass takes on the role of Emma, Dr. Jekyll's fiancée, a character that requires her to navigate the complexities of Jekyll's duality.

Bringing the Duality to Life: Ben Templeton's Portrayal of Jekyll and Hyde

Ben Templeton, who plays the dual roles of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, offers a unique perspective on the adaptation. "My first exposure to Jekyll and Hyde was the musical," Templeton explains, "when the show was cast, I got a copy of the book and read it. Then I read the script again, and it's not at all the same things. In the book, they don't even know it's the same person until the end. But I like how this story is a classic, and you can tell such different variations of it and still be meaningful."Templeton delves into the challenges of portraying both characters, highlighting the need to heighten the senses and find the hatred within Jekyll to fully embody the Hyde persona. "With Jekyll, you have this backstory you can build off of, but Hyde just appears without a past. You really must find the hatred within Jekyll because Hyde is a heightened version of Jekyll. I tried to play off that by heightening those senses."The conflict between the two characters is also a central focus for Templeton, who explores the internal struggle within Jekyll as he tries to suppress Hyde's murderous tendencies. "The conflict is Jekyll wanting to prove himself, right, but not really knowing what he's doing. People question him, and he doesn't give a solid answer. He wants to stop Hyde from coming out, but when he realizes Hyde is a murderer, the conflict becomes fighting something from inside him and someone else. Later in the show, you can see Jekyll seeing a different person in front of him when he's battling Hyde in his own mind."

Navigating the Complexities of Jekyll's Relationships

Templeton also delves into the intricate relationships within the story, particularly the dynamics between Jekyll, Emma, and Lucy. "Jekyll sees Emma as his rock, someone he can always fall back on. He's thankful but takes her for granted. When he meets Lucy, he has suppressed desires that Hyde, being a heightened sense of Jekyll, acts on. It's more animalistic lust than love from the heart."

Bringing the Vision to Life: The Cast and Crew's Dedication

The cast and crew of "Jekyll & Hyde" have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Rehearsals have been intense, with long hours dedicated to perfecting the intricate choreography and powerful musical numbers. The production's technical elements, from lighting to set design, have been meticulously crafted to enhance the storytelling.As opening night, July 5, approaches, the excitement among the cast grows palpable. "There's a real sense of anticipation and camaraderie," Steffen shares. "We've all put so much into this production, and we're eager to share it with the audience."For Steffen, Bass, Templeton, and their fellow cast members, the experience of bringing "Jekyll & Hyde" to the stage is one they will carry with them for years to come. "It's been an incredible journey," Steffen reflects. "I've learned so much, not just about theater, but about myself as an artist and a person. I can't wait for the audience to see what we've created."