Written by Gary Graves World Premiere #51: A Central Works Method Play
Directed by Jan Zvaifler
Produced in: 2016
developed in collaboration with Brian Herndon, Danielle Levin, Vanessa Ramos, Gregory Scharpen and Jan Zvaifler
A new play based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of good and evil.
In a cottage on the stormy English seacoast, “Louis” wakes from a terrifying fever dream. Finally, the author of Treasure Island has an idea for a new novel. The story has come to him from the deep unconscious recesses of his mind, fully formed, as a dark, ghastly dream. He reveals the story in intimate detail to Fanny, his beloved, volatile, and very eccentric wife. But Fanny is horrified by the monstrous tale. She pleads with her husband to abandon the fiendish allegory that threatens to unhinge him utterly. All hangs in the balance as Louis gives himself over to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Production sponsor: Ted McClellan
This production is also made possible with the generous support of the Actors Equity Foundation, City of Berkeley Civic Arts Grants Program, RHE Foundation, and Wilder Green Art Fund.
This play is available for licensing! Please contact us for details.
Psychological thriller, 1M/1F
Brian Herndon*
Danielle Levin*
Costume design: Tammy Berlin
Lighting design: Gary Graves
Prop design: Debbie Shelley
Sound design: Gregory Scharpen
Stage manager: Vanessa Ramos
*member AEA
Robert Louis Stevenson (r: Brian Herndon*) and
his wife, Fanny (l: Danielle Levin*) will be destitute
if “Louis” can’t come up with an idea for a new story
in Robert Louis Stevenson: Jekyll and Hyde.
Photo by J. Norrena
Fanny (r: Danielle Levin*) reveals to Louis
(l: Brian Herndon*) that she has seen the spirit of
her dead son in Robert Louis Stevenson: Jekyll and Hyde,
a Central Works Method Play.
Photo by J. Norrena
In Robert Louis Stevenson: Jekyll and Hyde,
“Louis” (Brian Herndon*) relates the new
idea for a story to his beloved wife Fanny
… in shocking detail.
Photo by J. Norrena
*member AEAAll photos: ACT OUT Photography by Jim Norrena
Edward Hyde (Brian Herndon*) threatens to overtake
Dr. Jekyll in body and soul – and possibly “Louis,” too –
in Robert Louis Stevenson: Jekyll and Hyde.
Photo by J. Norrena
Editor’s Pick by Velina Brown: “I look forward to learning about the creation of this iconic tale…but they had me at Herndon and Levin.” –Theatre Bay Area Magazine
“Graves has fashioned a fascinating new script based on Stevenson’s classic tale of good and evil [and] the artistic team at Central Works has done a splendid job of tightening the screws on their audience’s nerves” -G. Heymont, Huffington Post
“It’s forcefully and compellingly delivered with actors Brian Herndon as Robert Louis Stevenson and Danielle Levin as his wife Fanny…go see the play.” -Jaime Robles, repeat performances
“The intensity of the fine acting is greatly enhanced in the small, drawing room setting of the theatre by outstanding direction, lighting, and sound.” -Eddie Reynolds, Theatre Eddys
“Danielle Levin is brilliant as Stevenson’s wife….Herndon is fascinating to watch in his own right” -Adam Brinklow, Edge Media Network
“Graves’ play is interesting, creating an atmosphere of horror between the couple … a fanciful glimpse of alternate literary history….a testament to the neo-mythic resonance of the classic story.” –Sam Hurwitt, San Jose Mercury News
Read the original story, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Robert Lewis Stevenson
Fanny Osborne Stevenson
Skerryvore Lighthouse, designed and built by Alan and Thomas Stevenson, the uncle and father of Louis:
Fanny and Louis named their home in Bournemouth after it:
Skerryvore Cottage
