Highlights from Jekyll & Hyde [Concept]by Anonymous
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January 09, 2006:
This is the original concept album for Jekyll & Hyde, the earliest version of the musical that took another 8 years and many revisions to reach the stage. Following in the tradition of such epic ‘concept albums’ as those that brought Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Chess to the stage, the objective of this album was to showcase the songs that the musical would be built around. It does so wonderfully, using two of musical theater’s most glorious voices – Linda Eder and Colm Wilkinson. The musical was written to showcase Eder’s achingly lovely voice. She portrays both Jekyll’s fiancé Lisa and the prostitute Lucy occasionally you need a scorecard to determine which you are listening to. She is especially effective as Lucy - soaring through “Someone Like You”, tugging at your heart in “No One Know Who I Am”. Wilkinson’s rich, mellow tenor complements her beautifully in the duets “Love Has Come of Age”, “Letting Go” and “We Still Have Time”. Although Wilkinson is listed as both Jekyll and Hyde, in fact all the songs are Jekyll’s. As always this fine musical actor hits EXACTLY the right emotional note. It is an absolute joy to listen to in his solos – such wide-eyed, youthful optimism in “Hospital Board”, such fierce, possessive love in “Till You Came Into My Life”. What a thrilling version of “This Is the Moment”! For Jekyll to do what he does, he HAS to have such total confidence, such clarity of purpose, such an absolute belief in his own abilities. Like Henry Jekyll, Wilkinson charges ahead with joyous, infectious abandon. There is some dispute among fans as to which actually should be regarded as the ‘definitive version’ of the musical as it is (or should have been) staged - the 1984 “Gothic Thriller” concept album or the 1988 cast album. As Bricusse and Wildhorn had reportedly written more than 6 hours (60 songs) by 1994, there may never be a final version. Personally, of the two I incline towards the “Gothic” version - it has the complete story and the powerful, deeper voice of Anthony Warlow shines, especially as Hyde. (However, his Jekyll seems too somber to me, too practical to plunge foolishly into experimenting on himself.) THIS admittedly is NOT the complete version of the story. It focuses on exploring the characters and their relationships. Yet I have no difficulty in recommending it wholeheartedly. I have this and the “Gothic” version, and if for some reason I had to give one up, it wouldn’t be this one. It’s easily one of my favorite albums. Judged solely on its own merits, this album is a jewel. Bookended by 2 versions of “Once Upon a Dream”, it offers a highly romantic and perhaps more optimistic version of the story. Listening to “We Still Have Time”, you find yourself hoping that somehow it really will work out. All of us will find a compelling story, and fantastic voices singing enchanting ballads. Fans of the musical will find Frank Wildhorn’s original vision, sensitive portrayals of the main characters, and several songs that were regrettably trimmed in preparing the musical for the stage. All are lovely, and Lisa’s character...
Highlights from Jekyll & Hyde [Concept]by Anonymous
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May 13, 2004:
I had this alblum when I graduated in college. After 14 years, the songs still touch me.
![Highlights from Jekyll & Hyde [Concept] by Frank Wildhorn: CD Cover](http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/13870000/13871677.jpg)
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