Broadway in Chicago and Kokandy Productions said Monday that Kokandy’s hit 2025 production of Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn’s “Jekyll & Hyde” will be restaged downtown off Michigan Avenue at the 549-seat Broadway Playhouse (175 E. Chestnut St.), from Sept. 7 to Oct. 25, if not beyond.
Through several extensions, Kokandy sold virtually every ticket to the long-popular musical, which had not been produced professionally in Chicago well over a decade. Directed by producing artistic director Derek Van Barham with music direction by Nick Sula and choreography by Brenda Didier, the conceptually compelling show features a full orchestra and was especially notable for the performance of the Chicago-based newcomer Ava Lane Stovall in the lead female role of Lucy, a character afforded several power ballads that stick in the skull.
“Jekyll & Hyde” can remain a non-union show, as the Actors’ Equity union does not have specific rules regarding particular venues in Chicago. The entire original cast is expected to return for the run, which is a rare transfer from a nonprofit Chicago theater to a downtown showcase. Most of Kokandy’s productions, known for their quality and intimacy, have been performed in the storied basement of the Chopin Theatre.
But although still a Kokandy production, “Jekyll & Hyde” will now be on Broadway in Chicago’s subscription season, on sale in April. Group sales are already available; more at www.broadwayinchicago.com.
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic
cjones5@chicagotribune.com
