Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical (2001)

This version of this musical is OK to watch once, but unlike other musicals I like, I will not watch it a second time. Hasselhoff's singing is OK, but not great. His acting was surprisingly good, though, in this difficult split personality character. Interesting to see the star of "Baywatch" and "Knight Rider" (never saw the former, always watched the latter as a kid) on the stage. He is better on the stage by far.Coleen Sexton's singing as Lucy was terrific and energized. Andrea Rivette's singing as Emma was wonderful. The supporting cast was very good.The music was great. The music was the reason why I rented this in the first place. I have a voice studio and several of my students have sung selections from this musical without me having seen it and knowing the context in which they were sung. Very memorable solos and the duet "In His Eyes" really showcases the two leading ladies.I question the director's artistic interpretation of having people in a surreal or interpretive background. It seemed like it was just busy work with no contribution to the story. This happened five times and three of them really detracted from the scene rather than supplementing it, especially since it was always during a solo. Come on--let the character have the stage all to himself! Also, there was one rainy day scene and one had a red umbrella in the midst of all these black and dark blue umbrellas and dark lighting with a darker set. It really stuck out with no apparent artistic value.The sets were excellent and I did enjoy the camera work, which was effective, I thought. Sometimes camera work of a live production can be distracting. The choreography many times didn't impress me, however, and I found it to be confusing to the eye.Just a warning for you fellow conservative parents out there: There were a few times that the choice of language in the dialog and lyrics made me very uncomfortable. And for some of you, the portrayal of the prostitute house might make you fast forward. The murder scenes were done in good taste, however. They were quite effective, but did not contain any bloody gore.

I am not a fan of Bay Watch, but David Hasselhoff did an outstanding job. I believe theater is Hasselhoff's calling. If you can watch this musical with an open mind, and get over the fact that the star has done crappy TV you will realize that he has talent for theater. His performance left me shocked and wanting more. I have watched the musical many times and the performance still amazes me. I first saw the musical in a College English class, Horror Fiction and Film, at Chapman University. I thought the professor was crazy for making us watch this film, but I was wrong. Anyone who is a fan of musical theater will enjoy this. I only wish I heard about this when it was still live. I would have enjoyed seeing it. I hope that Hasselhoff does more theater in the future. There is room for him to improve, but I believe over time he could be an outstanding theater performer.

Jekyll and Hyde is one of my all-time favorite musicals. I've seen it on stage many times and have every recording made (even the old Colm Wilkinson-Linda Eder concept album!). I was given this video as a gift and when I read that David Hasselhoff was starring, I had the same reaction that I'm sure many of you did: "The Baywatch guy? You've got to be kidding me." ...but I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised. I think many people wanted so badly to hate David Hasselhoff in this that they automatically wrote him off and didn't give him a chance. Was he the best Jekyll/Hyde I've seen? Well, no. His singing voice was sort of inconsistent. There were times when it really reached out with dramatic power, and other times when it suffered from a little too much vibrato for my taste. Believe it or not, it was his *acting* (surprise, surprise!) that impressed me the most. I think that Mr. Hasselhoff's talent was perhaps wasted on screen. He does a fine job as a stage actor, and has obviously come a long way from his Baywatch days. He seems to be more at home in front of a live audience. His Hyde impressed me the most. He shows a skillful use of the eyes and body language. Hasselhoff is surrounded by a talented supporting cast. I like Coleen Sexton's rather cute, sweet portrayal of Lucy. It offers a unique contrast to Linda Eder's sultry rendition. My only criticism of Sexton's performance is a personal preference issue: she belts too much when she sings, and extends her belting range too high. It sounds painful to me. Andrea Rivette is a class act as Emma Carew, Jekyll's fiancee. Her voice is beautiful, and her poise perfect for the role. George Merritt and Barrie Ingham were outstanding as John Utterson and Sir Danvers Carew, respectively. I absolutely loved Merritt's voice. The rich, deep quality of it carried over to his speaking lines as well. Overall, a good effort by all.

Jekyll & Hyde is probably one of the most amazing musical ever made. Great show based on a classic tale. Extraordinary songs, especially "This Is The Moment" and "Someone Like You". When I found out this musical was actually made for DVD, I rushed out to get a copy. When I saw David Hasselhoff was cast as Jekyll & Hyde, I had my doubts. A Baywatch lifeguard to a Broadway Musical Star??? Anyhow, I set aside my doubts and watch the show, I was soooo disappointed by Hasselhoff's performance in "This Is The Moment". He completely ruin the song by over-act in the scene. He really wasn't suit for a Broadway Star. He doesn't have the depth and the talent to be one. I really want to kick him after "This Is The Moment".Despite the horrendous performance by Hasselhoff, the supporting cast was wonderful. Especially Coleen Sexton, who played the role of Lucy Harris. She was breathtaking. So good beyond words can describe.Andrea Rivette who portrayed the Emma Carew was also wonderful.Go out and get a copy. The show is worthy to watch. Just don't have too much hope for Hasselhoff. Set aside his lack of Broadway talent and concentrate on the supporting casts, then you will love the show.