Collegiate Times

The story may be old and the settings outdated, but the message of "Jekyll and Hyde," a Victorian novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson, is still relevant today. From the two-faced friend who gossips behind everyone's back to the shy studious classmate who turns into a party animal at night, we all have in us another side that takes those who don't know us well by surprise.

This Thursday, Nov. 30, Jekyll, Hyde and the rest of the cast will transform Burruss Auditorium into a New York City caliber, suited for a Broadway musical. However, the Jekyll & Hyde Broadway hit will be presented in an alter ego not typical of its usual stage form, a rock concert.

Lively Arts Director Ashley Brooks, a sophomore in biology said, "It's a popular Broadway show and tells the traditional Jekyll and Hyde story. It's unique because people usually like the music more than the play itself … so they created a show in which they have the music and some of the actors who are all in costume."

Brooks continued, "They perform the music and not the dialogue. It's almost as if you went out and bought the soundtrack to the Broadway play."

One of the producers for Jekyll & Hyde the Concert gave his take on what audiences experience at the show.

"It's interesting because I don't think the public knows what to expect when they go in to see the show," said Tom Lazenby, producer and CEO for Thoroughbred Entertainment LLC.

He continued, "Basically when you are seeing our concert, it's a great setting because the music is enhanced from what you would see on Broadway. It has a little bit of a rock tilt to it and is more popular among the college group."

Jekyll & Hyde the Concert is an alter ego of the hit Broadway play and shows that many people enjoy seeing different sides of an artistic concept.

"We've pretty much been around the U.S., and now we are starting to expand overseas. The show has been seen by 10 million people worldwide … the actual number has probably increased since the last count," Lazenby said.

Changes from the original play include a longer playlist.

"Some new songs were added that weren't in the production like 'If you only knew.' It hasn't been sung anywhere except in our show," Lazenby said.

The concert is constantly recreating itself to fit different venues.

"We involved a lot of the original people who were in the Broadway show and put together what I feel like, a great rhythm section. There are three adaptations of it (Jekyll & Hyde the Concert); we do a six piece rhythm section, a 30 piece version and a full symphonic with a rhythm section," Lazenby said.

Brooks hopes the concert performance will be a draw for students who usually "Hyde" from the arts side at Virginia Tech.

"We go to a technical school so it's hard to tell how many people are going to be interested in the arts events," she said.

Despite this worry, ticket sales for Jekyll & Hyde the Concert are relatively strong, and a large door sale turnout is expected.

The Big Apple's culture in this small town's eye can be appreciated without seeing the city's Hyde — noise and traffic.

"I think it's great we have a Broadway season in Blacksburg because it is a small town but with these shows, you get the feel of having a city life," Brooks said.

She continued, "I also think as far as students, it's a good alternative because for about the same price as going to a movie. They can do something totally different from their usual routine and don't even have to leave campus."