'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' next on Winni Playhouse stage

MEREDITH — Robert Louis Stevenson's suspenseful Victorian tale of the intrepid Dr. Jekyll and his alter ego, Mr. Hyde, will bring some gothic drama to the end of The Winnipeaukee Playhouse's summer season. The play adaptation of Stevenson's novel, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," written by David Edgar, will be performed from Aug. 26 through Sept. 5.

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic horror story, this dramatic adaptation shows the transformation of the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll into the fiendish Mr. Hyde. When Jekyll discovers a drug that can transform him, he becomes able to unleash the dark side of his nature onto the streets of Victorian London. But he soon discovers the price of his double life.

Playhouse veteran Nicholas Wilder does double duty in the roles of both Jekyll and Hyde. He is joined by a talented supporting cast including A.J. Ditty, Jason Plourde, Ray Dudley, Sophie Pankhurst and Tyler Browne. Elizabeth Swan and Helen McMillan will round out the cast, both marking their Playhouse debuts.

The dark Victorian ambiance will be created through the set, designed by Andrew Stuart, with atmospheric lighting by Graham Edmondson. The beautiful costumes are designed by Lori McGinley.

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" will be directed by Nick Saldivar, a New York resident also making his Playhouse debut. Saldivar says, "It was really important to me that this story remained urgent.

"The show tackles some very lofty themes with beautiful, poetic language. However, the show is also extremely physical. I want our audiences to walk away intellectually simulated and emotionally charged."

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" will be performed at The Winnipesaukee Playhouse campus in Meredith.

The summer 2015 season is sponsored by Bank of New Hampshire and The Taylor Community. "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is further supported by the generous sponsorship of AutoServ Dealerships, Binnie Media's WLNH and Meredith Village Savings Bank.

Tickets for the Orchestra are $29, with Balcony seats for $18. Tickets can be ordered by calling (603) 279-0333 or by using a credit card at www.winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

The Winnipesaukee Playhouse also offers free educational programs: "How'd They Do That?" a backstage tour at 6-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, "Symposium" a pre-show presentation offering insight on the play from 6-6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, and "Talk-Back Wednesday" a post-performance Q&A with cast and director on Wednesday, Sept. 2.