(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre (OLT) presents the musical, Jekyll & Hyde weekends from October 17-26, 2025. This pre-contemporary thriller follows Dr. Henry Jekyll, a brilliant scientist, who becomes obsessed with separating the good and evil sides of human nature.
Jekyll's experiments lead to the creation of Edward Hyde, his sinister alter ego. However, as Hyde’s actions escalate, Jekyll struggles to control the darkness within him. Jekyll & Hyde delves into the battle between good and evil, exploring the complexities of the human psyche.
Jekyll and Hyde is written by Leslie Bricusse with music by Frank Wildhorn. The show is directed by Peter Vaiknoras, with Music Direction by Stefanos Hunter, and choreography by Nikki Vaiknoras. The show is produced by Laura Penney Shamir and Nikki Vaiknoras. The production team is rounded out by stage manager Ash Torbic, assistant stage manager Maddie Jones, lighting and sound designer Kai Goz, costume designer Abigail Citarella and fight coordinator Michael Serpe.
The cast includes Kevin Maphis as Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde; Kari Moloney as Emma Carrew; Mia Jacobs as Lucy Harris; Abbi Pesner as Gabriel John Utterson; Dave Toussas as Sir Danvers Carrew; Thomas Barca as Simon Stride; Pamela Pedersen as Lady Beaconsfield; T.J. Insana as The Bishop of Basingstoke; Paul Foster as Lord Savage; Gerard Macanas as General Lord Glossop; Melissa Mooney as Lady Angela Proops; Leslie Silverman as Nellie; Kaitlyn Barnes as Poole; and Max Rogers as Spider . The phenomenal ensemble is made up of Francesca DiPisa, Avamichelina Hodgens, Mason Insana, Asuka Kimura, Natayla “Artemys” Kozlovski, Michelle McGorty, and Emily Rhinesmith.
Performances take place Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:00pm at the George Frey Center for Performing Arts in the Fair Lawn Community Center, located at 10-10 20th Street in Fair Lawn. Tickets are $30 and available for purchase online. Old Library Theatre is committed to bringing quality entertainment at an affordable cost in Bergen County.
Director Peter Vaiknoras said “Join us this Halloween season as we tell the classic spooky tale about the most famous mad scientist in history and his descent into madness. As Dr. Jekyll struggles to balance his science with his morality, the perils of the scientific frontier in the face of empathy roar to the surface and spark a striking change within him. Come discover a past world not too far off from our own. A world where folks are just trying to survive, by any means necessary. The possibilities for success seem endless, yet harder and harder to obtain for more and more people. In these modern times, we must find a place for everyone to practice dignity and courage, and the lessons from this story I believe will transform the minds of our audience to work towards a brighter future for all. ”
Producer Laura Penney Shamir said, “Jekyll & Hyde marks a powerful turning point for Old Library Theatre. As our first production since transitioning from Fair Lawn’s resident theater company to an independent nonprofit, this show is more than a performance—it’s a declaration of resilience, reinvention, and artistic purpose. This past year has been one of profound transformations for OLT, and Jekyll & Hyde couldn’t be a more fitting reflection of that journey. At its core, the show explores the duality within us all—the tension between ambition and morality, between personal desire and collective responsibility. Dr. Jekyll’s pursuit of greatness, unchecked by law or conscience, reminds us how easily noble intentions can spiral into harm.”
Old Library Theatre (OLT) is a non-profit community theater established in 1967 for the purpose of producing, promoting, and presenting high-quality theatrical productions and artistic events. They are committed to providing a platform for creative expression, education, and community engagement. Through their productions and programs, they aim to enrich the cultural life of Northern New Jersey and provide opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to experience and participate in the transformative power of the arts.
