OVATION - the Hippodrome Newsletter

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Adapted by Jean Lafayette
From the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson

     "The most racking pangs succeeded: a grinding in the bones, deadly nausea, and a horror of the spirit that cannot be exceeded at the hour of birth or death. Then ...there was something strange in my sensations, something indescribably new and, from its very novelty, incredibly sweet. ...I knew myself, at the first breath of this new life, to be more wicked, and the thought, in that moment, braced and delighted me like wine."
     Dr. Jekyll is at odds with himself - literally. On one hand, he is a brilliant scientist and professor loved and respected by his family and friends. On the other hand, he recognizes his darker, more reckless self... a "self" that longs to be set free. For years, Dr. Jekyll dreams of unique ways to separate these two elements of his being: “If each could be housed in separate identities, life would be relieved of all that was unbearable”. And so with great perseverance, Dr. Jekyll launches an experiment to achieve his long-term dream. The results are disastrous!!
     In Jean Lafayette’s stage adaptation of Stevenson’s famous novel, we meet the famous scientist and the witness the shocking outcome of his experiment gone awry. The chief inspector on the “strange” case introduces us to a conglomeration of characters from Dr. Jekyll’s life: his loving fiancé Rachel, his best friend Dr. Lanyon, his housekeeper Jeanne Poole and of course, his infamous alter ego the evil Mr. Hyde. Anticipating modern psychology, Jekyll and Hyde is a brilliantly original story of man’s dual natures.
     It is sure to be a Halloween treat for the whole community, a good way to explore Stevenson’s novel, and a great outing for families who want to celebrate one of history’s most famous best-selling authors (Treasure Island, The Body Snatcher, Kidnapped and A Child’s Garden of Verses). It makes a perfect date idea for Halloween, too!
     Don’t miss The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, one of the most popular horror stories for centuries. See for yourself why Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde have become two (or one?) of the most famous characters in literature.

     Previews are October 15 and 16. The production runs October 17-November 9. Call 375-4477 for ticket information.

Special Note: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is on Alachua County’s recommended reading list for middle schools. Enhance a young person’s reading experience by contacting Gordon McMahan at 373-5968 to arrange for your group to see the play.

Featured Artwork of FX

The Hippodrome State Theatre will be featuring the artwork of FX during the run of The Strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Gerard H. Bencen describes the work of FX as “…a celebration of multiplicity, with incredible use of juxtaposed colors and images. Sometimes wistful, other times troubling, FX does not shy away from subject matter that is either difficult or easy. Occasionally sublime, always powerful, FX’s images come from a depth of understanding of the contortions that the human soul endures, in all its beauty and depravity. Work, in short, to be enjoyed by either Jekyll or by Hyde.”

“What’s so bad about terminal uniqueness more refined vs. the more crass the less speaks more eloquently it discontinues mattering what is real if you draw on your own reality I am mostly a genuis when i’m not looking” -FX

Painting pictured: JACK AND ME by FX (acrylic on canvas; 2003)

HITT in Dominica

     Dominica is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been. A dense tropical rain forest blankets the mountain slopes. Palms, bananas, coffee trees, tree ferns, traveler palms, bird of paradise and ginger lilies greet you at every turn. The plentiful rainfall feeds Dominica’s 365 rivers (“one for every day of the year”) and beautiful waterfalls. There are no resorts, no casinos, few tourists, and no time share salesmen. It is truly paradise!
     So imagine our good fortune to be asked to travel to Dominica to introduce the students in the Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) to our HITT (Hippodrome Improvisational Teen Theatre) Program. Dominica’s Planned Parenthood Association (DPPA) requested that Florida Volunteers for Caribbean Action (FAVACA) send our HITT team to work with the youth in their annual camp and to introduce them to the theatre and prevention techniques.
     Tamerin Dygert and I (Mary Hausch) traveled to Dominica in August to introduce the students in the Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) Leadership Camp to new ideas to take back to their communities. Students came from cities throughout the island. We were expecting 20 to 25 students. When we arrived at Delices Youth Center for the camp, we were greeted by 34 bright energetic students ready to take on whatever challenges we presented. That large a group would normally be impossible to work with in the HITT format. But these students were selected for their leadership abilities and they made the impossible possible.

     Our hosts from DPPA were Willie Fevrier and Valda Bruno. Counselor Delia Graham from Dominica’s School System and Susan Brummer from the Peace Corp worked with us throughout the camp. Our goal was to train student leaders to act as peer educators providing creative ways of addressing drug and substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, AIDS, sexual abuse, violence, and peer pressure. We introduced students to theatrical techniques to explore the most critical issues that affected them so that they could make informed decisions. We also worked on communication, team work, and conflict-resolution. Although some students were shy or intimidated by theatre and acting at first, by the end of our time together, they had forgotten their inhibitions. They shared their lives, dreams and stories with us. They shared the folktales of their island and adapted them into issue related stories. The students lead the final performance/ workshop like champs! They were confident, open and extremely entertaining.
     The group was exceptional and the session was very successful and lots of fun. I am sure that these students will share these new ideas and insights with their peers in their own community.
     We want to thank FAVACA and the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs International Cultural Exchange (FDCA-ICE) program for making this trip possible and for allowing us to share this incredible program with our friends in Dominica.

Please Welcome, Gordon
the Hippodrome’s new Subscriptions and Group Sales Manager!

     For those of you that I have not had the pleasure to meet, my name is Gordon McMahan and I am the new Subscriptions and Group Sales Manager here at the Hippodrome. Emilee MacDonald has an opportunity that will take her to Spain, and she will certainly be missed. I look forward to maintaining the excellent level of service that Emilee provided in this role.

Subscriptions
      Our 31st season is off to a great start and now is the time to subscribe! It’s not only a great way to save money, but also a wonderful opportunity to support the theatre. To meet the needs of our subscribers, we have two plans. Reserved Seating allows you to guarantee specific seats in the theatre on a particular evening for the season. Our Flex Pass gives you the ability to choose the shows you’d like to see and when you’d like to attend. Something for everyone!
     If you have already renewed, we appreciate your commitment to the Hippodrome. This year’s tremendous state funding budget cuts have brought increased importance to subscriptions and donations, and we are thankful your help. Now would also be the perfect time to introduce a friend to the Hippodrome, subscribe your business or pledge a tax deductible donation.

Group Sales
      Do you have a group or organization interested in a night at the Hippodrome? Want to get your Holiday Party plans squared away well in advance? We have space available in the Hippodrome Gallery perfect for a private party. Depending on your group size, you could save up to 30% on ticket prices! A full bar is available for refreshments. We would love to host your group for a unique and memorable evening.

     To subscribe for our exciting 31st season or to book your group for a wonderful night at the Hippodrome, please call Gordon McMahan at 373-5968.

See you at the shows!


The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Adapted by Jean Lafayette From the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson More Review-Gainesville Sun "The most racking pangs succeeded: a grinding in the bones, deadly nausea, and a horror of the spirit that cannot be exceeded at the hour of birth or death. Then ...there was something strange in my sensations, something indescribably new and, from its very novelty, incredibly sweet. ...I knew myself, at the first breath of this new life, to be more wicked, and the thought, in that moment, braced and delighted me like wine." Dr. Jekyll is at odds with himself - literally. On one hand, he is a brilliant scientist and professor loved and respected by his family and friends. On the other hand, he recognizes his darker, more reckless self... a "self" that longs to be set free. For years, Dr. Jekyll dreams of unique ways to separate these two elements of his being: “If each could be housed in separate identities, life would be relieved of all that was unbearable”. And so with great perseverance, Dr. Jekyll launches an experiment to achieve his long-term dream. The results are disastrous!! In Jean Lafayette’s stage adaptation of Stevenson’s famous novel, we meet the famous scientist and the witness the shocking outcome of his experiment gone awry. The chief inspector on the “strange” case introduces us to a conglomeration of characters from Dr. Jekyll’s life: his loving fiancé Rachel, his best friend Dr. Lanyon, his housekeeper Jeanne Poole and of course, his infamous alter ego the evil Mr. Hyde. Anticipating modern psychology, Jekyll and Hyde is a brilliantly original story of man’s dual natures. It is sure to be a Halloween treat for the whole community, a good way to explore Stevenson’s novel, and a great outing for families who want to celebrate one of history’s most famous best-selling authors (Treasure Island, The Body Snatcher, Kidnapped and A Child’s Garden of Verses). It makes a perfect date idea for Halloween, too! Don’t miss The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, one of the most popular horror stories for centuries. See for yourself why Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde have become two (or one?) of the most famous characters in literature. Previews are October 15 and 16. The production runs October 17-November 9. Call 375-4477 for ticket information. Special Note: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is on Alachua County’s recommended reading list for middle schools. Enhance a young person’s reading experience by contacting Gordon McMahan at 373-5968 to arrange for your group to see the play.
	Featured Artwork of FX The Hippodrome State Theatre will be featuring the artwork of FX during the run of The Strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Gerard H. Bencen describes the work of FX as “…a celebration of multiplicity, with incredible use of juxtaposed colors and images. Sometimes wistful, other times troubling, FX does not shy away from subject matter that is either difficult or easy. Occasionally sublime, always powerful, FX’s images come from a depth of understanding of the contortions that the human soul endures, in all its beauty and depravity. Work, in short, to be enjoyed by either Jekyll or by Hyde.” “What’s so bad about terminal uniqueness more refined vs. the more crass the less speaks more eloquently it discontinues mattering what is real if you draw on your own reality I am mostly a genuis when i’m not looking” -FX Painting pictured: JACK AND ME by FX (acrylic on canvas; 2003)
HITT in Dominica Dominica is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been. A dense tropical rain forest blankets the mountain slopes. Palms, bananas, coffee trees, tree ferns, traveler palms, bird of paradise and ginger lilies greet you at every turn. The plentiful rainfall feeds Dominica’s 365 rivers (“one for every day of the year”) and beautiful waterfalls. There are no resorts, no casinos, few tourists, and no time share salesmen. It is truly paradise! So imagine our good fortune to be asked to travel to Dominica to introduce the students in the Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) to our HITT (Hippodrome Improvisational Teen Theatre) Program. Dominica’s Planned Parenthood Association (DPPA) requested that Florida Volunteers for Caribbean Action (FAVACA) send our HITT team to work with the youth in their annual camp and to introduce them to the theatre and prevention techniques. Tamerin Dygert and I (Mary Hausch) traveled to Dominica in August to introduce the students in the Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) Leadership Camp to new ideas to take back to their communities. Students came from cities throughout the island. We were expecting 20 to 25 students. When we arrived at Delices Youth Center for the camp, we were greeted by 34 bright energetic students ready to take on whatever challenges we presented. That large a group would normally be impossible to work with in the HITT format. But these students were selected for their leadership abilities and they made the impossible possible. Our hosts from DPPA were Willie Fevrier and Valda Bruno. Counselor Delia Graham from Dominica’s School System and Susan Brummer from the Peace Corp worked with us throughout the camp. Our goal was to train student leaders to act as peer educators providing creative ways of addressing drug and substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, AIDS, sexual abuse, violence, and peer pressure. We introduced students to theatrical techniques to explore the most critical issues that affected them so that they could make informed decisions. We also worked on communication, team work, and conflict-resolution. Although some students were shy or intimidated by theatre and acting at first, by the end of our time together, they had forgotten their inhibitions. They shared their lives, dreams and stories with us. They shared the folktales of their island and adapted them into issue related stories. The students lead the final performance/ workshop like champs! They were confident, open and extremely entertaining. The group was exceptional and the session was very successful and lots of fun. I am sure that these students will share these new ideas and insights with their peers in their own community. We want to thank FAVACA and the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs International Cultural Exchange (FDCA-ICE) program for making this trip possible and for allowing us to share this incredible program with our friends in Dominica.
Please Welcome, Gordon *the Hippodrome’s new Subscriptions and Group Sales Manager!* For those of you that I have not had the pleasure to meet, my name is Gordon McMahan and I am the new Subscriptions and Group Sales Manager here at the Hippodrome. Emilee MacDonald has an opportunity that will take her to Spain, and she will certainly be missed. I look forward to maintaining the excellent level of service that Emilee provided in this role. Subscriptions Our 31st season is off to a great start and now is the time to subscribe! It’s not only a great way to save money, but also a wonderful opportunity to support the theatre. To meet the needs of our subscribers, we have two plans. Reserved Seating allows you to guarantee specific seats in the theatre on a particular evening for the season. Our Flex Pass gives you the ability to choose the shows you’d like to see and when you’d like to attend. Something for everyone! If you have already renewed, we appreciate your commitment to the Hippodrome. This year’s tremendous state funding budget cuts have brought increased importance to subscriptions and donations, and we are thankful your help. Now would also be the perfect time to introduce a friend to the Hippodrome, subscribe your business or pledge a tax deductible donation. Group Sales Do you have a group or organization interested in a night at the Hippodrome? Want to get your Holiday Party plans squared away well in advance? We have space available in the Hippodrome Gallery perfect for a private party. Depending on your group size, you could save up to 30% on ticket prices! A full bar is available for refreshments. We would love to host your group for a unique and memorable evening. To subscribe for our exciting 31st season or to book your group for a wonderful night at the Hippodrome, please call Gordon McMahan at 373-5968. See you at the shows!