SALEM COMMUNITY THEATRE 'Dr. Jekyll' fits tone of the season

A certain zing that was missing hopefully will be brought out in future performances.
By GARRY L. CLARK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
SALEM -- In keeping with the macabre tone that takes place each year as Halloween nears, the Salem Community Theatre opened its production of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" on Friday evening. The play is based on a story by Robert Louis Stevenson written in the 1880s.
The solemn tone of the piece along with its attending eeriness are well in keeping with the various holiday observances around the area such as haunted houses and hayrides.
Cast
Bill Finley starred as Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, a tormented scientist who endeavors to separate his good qualities from his evil side through various chemical experiments. Finley did quite well in a demanding role that required him to transform himself between the two characters frequently and quickly throughout the evening.
Portraying Jekyll's fianc & eacute;e, Diana Carew, was Jeanne Kelly, who did an excellent job. Her hair, makeup and costuming were perfectly suited to the late 1800s that the drama is set in, and she comported herself as a lady of that era.
The part of Dr. Lanyon, a friend of Jekyll's, was ably played by Tom Smith, and the role of Mr. Utterson, Jekyll's solicitor was also well done by Gary Barringer.
H. Gene Shafer gave an excellent rendition as Diana's father, Sir Danvers Carew, giving him the perfect aplomb of a rich elderly aristocrat.
The role of Richard Enfield, an erstwhile suitor of Diana's, was adequately played by Daniel Haueter, and Dick Fawcett and Brandi Harn gave fine turns in supporting roles as Inspector Newcomen and Connie (a maid), respectively.
Playing the part of Pauline, Jekyll's housekeeper, was Karen Losito. Her performance was solid, although her affectation of an English accent was rather sporadic and would probably have been better done without.
Clearly giving the finest performance of the evening in a smaller role was Kathy Fawcett as Bridget. Her Irish accent was dead-on throughout, and her excited rantings of fear over the things she witnessed were perfect.
Behind the scenes
J.E. Ballantyne Jr. is directing this production, and while he has assembled a good cast, there seemed to be a general shortage of energy. A certain zing was missing but hopefully will be brought out in future performances.
Set design by Paula Strobel was well above par, as was lighting design by Ballantyne and John Owens.
Background music also was well-chosen, especially the themes from the old "Dark Shadows" television series. They set the right mood for the melancholy story.