Naomi Rose-Mock dives into eerie duality of 'Jekyll & Hyde' for Halloween
Director Naomi Rose-Mock highlights the duality of man to deliver a shadowy mystical musical linked to history and dazzling with a little theater magic in "Jekyll & Hyde The Musical" opening at the Monticello Opera House, Oct. 27.
The duality of personality
During the Victorian era, the poor and the aristocracy lived a divided existence. The industrialization of work and everyday life brought change that felt like the end of the world as they knew it. With a world on the brink of such change, given the opportunity, would a person take a potion to separate the “good” and “bad” qualities of their personality and societal position?
Would that division allow for a healthier version of a person, or would it lead to disaster? Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella, "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," published in 1886, provides insight into the damaging destruction of such duality.
Since then, the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde have invaded our storytelling. Films, music, and theatre have all been fascinated by the dichotomy found in these characters.
In 1990, playwright Leslie Bricusse and composer Frank Wildhorn presented a new twist to a classic tale. Their musical adaptation of Stevenson’s Jekyll & Hyde is a robust pop-rock musical that follows the life of one man as he slides slowly into madness. The show balances the beauty and terror of life with a dissonant score that adds to the show's sinister secrecy.
Naomi Rose-Mock, a local musical theater director, layers her own vision onto this story informed by years of directing over 150 shows. With theater as her sanctuary, she lives a life of multiplicity, wearing the hats of performer and director.
“I’ve always loved the exchange of energy between the audience and the performer, and the ephemeral nature of theatre,” says Rose-Mock. “As a director, I’m drawn to the fact that you get to create an entire world out of nothing, and it can never be done exactly the same way again.”
For this production of Jekyll & Hyde, Rose-Mock leans into the historic setting of the Monticello Opera House, which she believes is its own character. The playhouse’s gothic sensibility lends itself to the macabre, creating poignant and eerie moments within the show.
The story of Jekyll & Hyde reminds the audience of the duality in any situation by posing the question: Are humans one-dimensional, or do they carry elements of light and dark?
Ties to Tallahassee and the theater
Originally from the United Kingdom, Rose-Mock has made Tallahassee her forever home. She arrived at Florida State University and fell in love with the trees, hills, and, most importantly, her husband. She continued developing her artistry and honed her theater-making skills by "doing."
Rose-Mock credits her theater mentors for shaping her style and approach to directing. Her directorial debut was "Calamity Jane."
“It was the first time in my life I literally felt like everything clicked. I loved everything about it,” says Rose-Mock. “I loved that, as a director, you get to become part teacher, part psychologist, and part event creator. I had never felt like I had loved something so much before.”
In January 2020, Rose-Mock joined the Monticello Opera House to direct "Little Women." She was immediately taken by the space's beauty and the way it lends itself to portraying period pieces. This experience solidified in her a desire to direct and guide the vision for any given production.
Rose-Mock's role as the “big head” demands perspective, collaboration, and nurturing of people and projects. “I think, especially when working with volunteer actors, it’s important to create a nurturing and safe environment to allow people to get to know each other and feel confident to take risks or experiment,” says Rose-Mock.
The beast that is musical theater
Putting on a musical is a monstrous feat that takes an exceptionally critical eye. Musicals, by nature, are larger than life, like a puzzle with countless moving parts. The story must balance seamlessly with the music and performance to transport an audience to an alternate time and place.
It is a director's job to be a bridge between the audience and that world. Therefore, casting is crucial. Rose-Mock breaks it down. “You have to consider all three elements (dancing, singing, and acting) when casting and rehearsing. Depending on the show, you look for different strengths in performers. This show requires a lot of versatility, both in acting and vocals. This score is pretty demanding.”
Theatre is a collaborative sport. It combines the artistry of musicians, set and light designers, and performers. Rose-Mock relies heavily on the expertise of her music director, Robert Nelson, choreographer, Emma Kerr, and scenic designer and husband, Mike Mock, to tell the story.
Rose-Mock is proud of the work she and her talented cast and crew have done to bring Jekyll & Hyde to the stage. “Expect a lot of great memorable musical numbers, a bloody good time, and some spooky, creepy moments!”
Rose-Mock is delighted to share the fruits of her own duality as a performer and director with the Monticello Opera House audiences. Jekyll & Hyde opens this Halloween to reveal the eerie multiplicity of man mixed with melody sure to entrance theatergoers.
If you go
What: Jekyll & Hyde The Musical, presented by the Monticello Opera House
When: Oct. 27-Nov. 5; evening shows start at 8 p.m., Sunday Matinees at 2 p.m.
Where: Monticello Opera House, 185 West Washington Street, Monticello
Cost: $15 - $27, monticellooperahouse.org
Contact: 850-997-4242 I Director@MonticelloOperaHouse.org
Dr. Christy Rodriguez de Conte is the feature writer for the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA). COCA is the capital area’s umbrella agency for arts and culture (www.tallahasseearts.org).
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Naomi Rose-Mock dives into eerie duality of 'Jekyll & Hyde'
