The Dream Journal of Doctor Jekyll at The Mammals | Theater review

Collaboratively penned by the Mammals’ committee of writers yet surprisingly cohesive, Jekyll is a grotesque, hilarious play-within-a-play. Professor Oliver Mastodon Peale is in possession of the authentic journal of Dr. Henry Jekyll. With the help of his faithful servant Hunch Front (yes, the opposite of a hunchback), Peale presents the contents of this tortured tome via a team of hypnotized somnambulists, used, we’re told, because their zombie-like state renders a performance superior to that of mere actors.

The script retells the story of Jekyll and Hyde, though it’s barely recognizable from its basis in the Robert Louis Stevenson story. Jekyll attempts to fulfill the wishes of his dead mother by unifying science and art in his laboratory. His brother/lover/darker half —it’s never entirely clear which—Hyde seeks the same goals through magic. Their quest involves love found and lost, blood rituals, demon possession, and a fair number of cunnilingus and rape jokes. Framing that, Professor Peale and Hunch Front valiantly stage the show despite the threat posed by D.D. and Sissy, conjoined twins intent on stopping them.

If it sounds like a lot to take in, that’s because it is. A shot of clarity is in order, particularly in the Dr. Peale story line, which can be difficult to follow. Still, the audacity of the jokes, the beautiful Victorian costumes and set, and the spot-on performances make for an engrossing night.