(Above: Esack Grueskin and Sabrina Gross play Mr. Hyde and Lucy Harris in The Very Little Theatre’s production of the classic story in Jekyll and Hyde The Musical. Brittanie Sorensen takes the role of Emma Carew, playing opposite Grueskin’s Dr. Jekyll.)

Edited by Randi Bjornstad

Here’s what The Very Little Theatre has to say about its musical production of the classic tale of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde:

Brittanie Sorenson and Esack Grueskin play Dr. Jekyll and Emma Carew, the lighter side of the the pairings in Jekyll and Hyde the Musical

“Prepare to embark on a mesmerizing journey into the depths of human duality as The Very Little Theatre presents Jekyll and Hyde. This captivating and dark tale, directed by Michael P. Watkins, explores the profound and chilling complexities of the human psyche, all set to some of the most beautiful music in the Broadway repertoire.

“Enter into the enigmatic world of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a brilliant and romantic physician driven by an insatiable desire to unlock the secrets of medicine’s most profound challenges. Faced with rejection by society’s elite, he courageously becomes the subject of his own daring experiments, unwittingly releasing not only his inner demons but also the malevolent force known as Mr. Hyde — a terrifying embodiment of madness.

“As the narrative unfolds, you’ll unravel the intricate tapestry of love and longing that entwine Jekyll and Emma. Simultaneously, be drawn into the irresistible but ominous allure of Hyde and Lucy. Two women, captivated by the same man, remain blissfully unaware of his chilling secret. One exudes beauty and unshakeable trust, while the other’s trust extends only to herself.”

In addition to Grueskin, Sorensen, and Gross, the cast includes Matt Arscott, Jonathan Matthews, Christopher Ridgley, Sarah Landstrom, Colin Gray, Erikajane Johnston, Milo Musgrove, Joshua Sayre, Spencer Williams, and Michael Walker, plus ensemble members Alysia Culnane, Avery Eberardo, Gabrielle Rios, Jessica Rossi, Moura Stewart, Sophie Mitchell, and Zoe Banuelos.

The director is Michael P. Watkins, with Sharon Wetterling as assistant director and Gerald Walters as vocal director.

Jekyll and Hyde the Musical at The VLT

When: Evenings at 7:30 p.m. on Oct.13-14, 20-21, and 26-28; matinees at 2 p.m. on Oct. 15, 22, and 29

Where: The Very Little Theatre, 2350 Hilyard St., Eugene

Tickets and information: $26-$31, available online at thevlt.com/event/jekyll-and-hyde/ or by telephone at 541-344-7751

Covid protocol: For the health and safety of our audience, cast, and crew, Very Little Theatre encourages all attendees to be mindful of their fellow theatergoers while inside the venue. VLT may adapt measures based on changing conditions as needed.