RICHARD BERMUDEZ SLAYS TWICE
IN SDMT’S JEKYLL & HYDE

San Diego Musical Theatre is presenting a gripping revival of the 1997 Broadway musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 horror short novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, commonly called Jekyll & Hyde. The story follows idealistic London physician Henry Jekyll, who hopes to separate good from evil in the human soul for the greater benefit of humanity. His noble experiment backfires when the monstrous Edward Hyde takes control, and the bodies begin to pile up.

With music by Frank Wildhorn and book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Jekyll & Hyde doesn’t shy from melodrama. In fact, it’s oozing with it. The show revels in its over-the-top gothic excess — grand passions and moral extremes — but the score is loaded with dramatic songs, from solos to chorus numbers, all astoundingly sung. Director Omri Schein leans in with confidence, melding the violence (garnished with eroticism and grim humor) with romance so well that the production feels both thrilling and unexpectedly human.

What makes this staging a must-see is Richard Bermudez‘s commanding dual performance, a wonder on both sides. From thoughtful and restrained to a barely contained force of nature, his physical and vocal transformation between the well-groomed and sympathetic Jekyll and the wild-haired and murderous Hyde is mesmerizing. He has a powerful voice that can hold a note for what seems like an eternity, and his vocals extend from the poignant to the fiery. His “This Is the Moment” and “I Need to Know” stop the show cold.

The production is buttressed by Dacara Seward as Jekyll’s fiancée, Emma Carew, and Melissa Musial as Lucy Harris, the doomed barmaid who falls for Hyde. The moving duet declaring love for their man, “In His Eyes”, is luminous, and Musial’s solos “Someone Like You” and “A New Life” soar with show-stopping emotion. Tanner Vydos offers solid support as Jekyll’s loyal friend John Utterson, and Ruff Yeager brings warmth to Emma’s affectionate father Sir Danvers Carew. The ensemble, fourteen strong, creates an atmospheric London of clergy, aristocrats, and rogues, moving fluidly through Luke H. Jacobs’ invigorating choreography that energizes the otherwise tension-filled presentation.

The show’s physical production resides primarily in the stylish and sometimes elegant period costumes by Chong Mi Land. The stage is limited to a single, simple set designed by Chiara Oyos-Haynes, suitable to evoke both indoor or outdoor London. Michelle Miles (lighting), Paul Peterson (sound), Jennifer Jones Glor (properties), and Monique Hanson (hair and wigs) all contribute to the unified tone, while musical director Richard Duenez Morrison ensures the recorded orchestral score supports, rather than overwhelms, the singers.

This production is so persuasive that some viewers may not recognize the artistry and hard work that make Jekyll & Hyde such a rich experience. And to those who might write off the show as not their cup of theatrical tea, rethink any hesitancy. This one is a winner.

Each ensemble member deserves their names on the production’s honor roll: Cody Bianchi, Cameron Blankenship, Danny Campbell, Sam Castillo, Katie Flores, Riohn Jones, Andres Lagang, Colden Lamb, Victoria Patton, Josh Penrod, Julianne Riddle, Analia Romero, Nick Siljander, and Sheira Stein.

photos by Karli Cadel

Jekyll & Hyde
San Diego Musical Theatre
4650 Mercury Street  San Diego, CA 92111
Thurs & Fri at 7; Sat at 2 and 7; Sun at 2
ends on November 2, 2025
for tickets ($30-$69), call 858.560.5740 or visit SDMT