Chi, IL Live Shows on our Radar:
Kokandy Productions’
(center) David Moreland and the cast of Kokandy Productions’ production of Jekyll & Hyde.
All Photos by ©Amy Boyle Photography.
REVIEW
By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara
Kokandy Productions' Jekyll & Hyde killed it last night at Broadway in Chicago's Broadway Playhouse. I saw their first sold out run on Halloween night last year and was blown away by the talent on stage and the creative team behind this beast. It's even better the 2nd time around! The acting, singing, choreography, and costumes are to die for. Kokandy's remount of their critically acclaimed, sold out, production is back with a vengeance and sure to be a hit!
This cast is hotter than rock stars; like Siouxsie Sioux, Bowie, and Rammstein had unholy spawn. But Kokandy is more than eye candy. Jeff Award winners David Moreland (Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde), Ava Lane Stovall (Lucy Harris), and Emily McCormick (Emma Carew) give highly physical, world class performances. And their vocals are nothing short of astonishing. Kevin Webb is always a treat to see on stage, and looks the part! And the 3 Quinns are a trio of terrific... singing, dancing and acting their guts out. And In fact, this entire triple threat cast is Très impressive!
The live orchestra accompaniment adds so much. Thankfully the applause went on so long after the big vocal numbers, as it's the only time the actors got to freeze and just breathe!
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde has captivated audiences since the original novella by Robert Louis Stevenson came out on January 5, 1886. Chicago's own Kokandy Productions elevates this dark favorite to another level. Jekyll & Hyde is truly an astounding production and an absolute must-see. Now extended through November 8th. Don’t miss this!
Something Dark Is Brewing This Halloween At Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place
Kokandy Productions'
Jekyll and Hyde
Conceived for the stage by Steve Cruden & Frank Wildhorn
Book & Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Music by Frank Wildhorn
Orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg
Arrangements by Jason Howland
Direction by Derek Van Barham
Music Direction by Nick Sula
Choreography by Brenda Didier
Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed performances of JEKYLL & HYDE is back. This darkly delicious Halloween surprise has been extended by popular demand through November 8.
Kokandy Productions’ Jekyll & Hyde will play the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut St.) from September 8 to November 8. For the performance schedule and additional ticket information, see below.
Leading the multi-award-winning JEKYLL & HYDE cast this Halloween season for a hauntingly good night at the theatre are Jeff Award winners David Moreland (Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde), Ava Lane Stovall (Lucy Harris), and Emily McCormick (Emma Carew). Also featured are Jake Elkins (Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde alternate), Dani Pike (Lucy Harris alternate), Nathan Calaranan, Ismael Garcia, Joe Giovannetti, Jon Parker Jackson, Quinn Kelch, Quinn Rigg, Gabby Sauceda-Koziol, Quinn Simmons, Maiko Terazawa, and Kevin Webb.
Understudies are Jeffrey Gougis Jr., Emily Ling Mei, and Anna Seibert. Swings are Andrew Lund, Halli Morgan, Caitlin Preuss, and Jaxson Smith. The distinguished creative team for JEKYLL & HYDE, conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden & Frank Wildhorn and based on the story by Robert Louis Stevenson, features a book & lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and music by Frank Wildhorn, orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg, arrangements by Jason Howland, direction by Derek Van Barham, music direction by Nick Sula, and choreography by Brenda Didier.
ABOUT JEKYLL & HYDE Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping gothic musical. The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life on stage in the musical phenomenon, Jekyll & Hyde. Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson and featuring a thrilling score of pop rock hits from multi-Grammy-and Tony-nominated Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse, Jekyll & Hyde has mesmerized audiences the world over.
JEKYLL & HYDE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
TICKET INFORMATION
(as of 9/8/26, based on availability and subject to change): Individual tickets, priced from $45 to $110 with a select number of premium seats available for all performances, may be purchased at www.BroadwayInChicago.com or in person at any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Additional fees apply for online purchases. For a frightfully good group night, discounted group rates for parties of 10 or more may be purchased by emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com or calling 312-977-1710.
ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 26 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater Districtentertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and, just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at WaterTower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium.
ABOUT KOKANDY PRODUCTIONS
Founded in 2010, Kokandy Productions seeks to leverage the heightened reality of musical theatre to tell complex and challenging stories, with a focus on contributing to the development of Chicago-based musical theatre artists and raising the profile of Chicago's non-Equity musical theatre community.
The company's artistic staff is comprised of Derek Van Barham (Producing Artistic Director), Scot Kokandy (Executive Producer), Nicholas Reinhart (Associate Producer), and Adrian Abel Azevedo & Leda Hoffman (Artistic Associates). The Board of Directors includes Preston Cropp, Scot Kokandy, Danielle Sparklin, and Katie Svaicer.
JEKYLL & HYDE Performance Run: Now—October 25, 2026
JEKYLL & HYDE Extension Dates: October 27—November 8, 2026
Follow Kokandy Productions on
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THE CAST
David Moreland (Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde) is a carpenter and performer in the Chicagoland area. Recent onstage credits include Waitress (Paramount Theatre), Rock of Ages (Mercury Theater Chicago), Legally Blonde (Music Theater Works), Sunday in the Park with George, Rent (Porchlight Music Theater), American Psycho, Cruel Intentions (Kokandy Productions), Dear Jack, Dear Louise, Mousetrap (Metropolis Performing Arts). Thank you all for coming to the show, and special thanks to friends and family for all their continued support. Represented by Stewart Talent.
Ava Lane Stovall (Lucy Harris) is incredibly humbled and thrilled (see what she did there?) to be back home with Kokandy, where she made her Chicago debut last year inAlice by Heart. Other Chicago credits include New Faces Sing Broadway NOW!, ICONS Gala (’24 and ’25), Broadway in Your Backyard 2025 (Porchlight), Rock of Ages (Metropolis), and Legally Blonde (Music Theater Works). Select regional favorites: The Little Mermaid, Little Women, Mary Poppins, Much Ado About Nothing, and Jekyll & Hyde. She recently originated the role of Camilla Burlington in DKG’s murder mystery musical radioplay The Murder at Monroe Manor. Offstage, Ava is a passionate voice teacher (with the world’s loveliest students), an aspiring writer for stage and screen, a multi-instrumentalist, and a devoted aficionado of cheese-and-crackers. Each performance is for the people who shaped her, with a special dedication to her mother—the heart and soul behind every dream come true. Mom, I love you! Represented by TalentXAlexander. Instagram: @avalanestovall — let’s be friends!
Emily McCormick (Emma Carew) (she/her) could not be more excited to be making her Kokandy debut with such an amazing team! Originally from Cookeville, TN, Emily is a graduate of the University of Memphis theatre program. Chicago credits: Rock of Ages, A Christmas Carol (Metropolis). Other credits: The Sound of Music (Studio Tenn), Romeo and Juliet, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Tennessee Shakespeare Company). So much love to her family and friends!
Jake Elkins (Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde alternate) is honored to be a part of Kokandy’s production of Jekyll and Hyde. Previous credits include Wizard of Oz (Metropolis Performing Arts Center), Loki: The End of the World Tour (Lifeline Theater), A Lie of the Mind (Raven Theater), Cats, Shrek the Musical (Music Theater Works), A Year With Frog and Toad, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Junie B Jones (Young People’s Theatre of Chicago), Passion, Sweet Charity (Blank Theater) Musical Parodies of Love Actually and “The Bachelor” (Right Angle Entertainment), Wizard of Oz, Grease (Marriott Theater), Mary Stuart and Wizard of Oz Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Love and thanks to friends, family, his beautiful fiancée Amanda, and to all of his educators and coaches. He would not be here without any of you. Proudly represented by Gray Talent Group.
Dani Pike (Alternate, Lucy Harris) is thrilled to be making her Kokandy debut with this incredibly talented group of folks. Favorite Chicago credits include “Emma” in Tell Me on a Sunday (Theo), “Sherrie” in Rock of Ages (Metropolis), “Fiona” in Shrek the Musical (MTW), “Casey” in First Date(Oil Lamp), and “Audrey” in Little Shop of Horrors (Citadel). A Houston native, Dani holds a BFA in acting with a directing minor from Oklahoma City University and is represented by TalentXAlexander. @DaniPike77 DaniPike.com
Nathan Calaranan (Sir Danvers Carew)is a Chicago-based actor who is so excited to make his Kokandy Productions debut in Jekyll & Hyde. His Chicago credits include A Doll’s House (u/s, Raven Theatre), Mary Stuart (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), and Sita Ram (Lookingglass Theatre). Nathan began performing at age seven with the Chicago Children’s Choir, appearing with artists such as Chance the Rapper, Kurt Elling, and Yo-Yo Ma, as well as with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is so grateful to the cast, crew, and Kokandy Productions for welcoming him and giving him this amazing opportunity! He also wants to thank his family and Bridget for supporting him all these years as he returns to the stage!
Ismael García (Lord Savage) (They/He) is beyond thankful to be back and screaming at Kokandy! Company credits include Into the Woods, SpongeBob The Musical, Sweeney Todd. OTHER: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (“Yitzhak”, HAVEN), Sondheim Tribute Revue, Never Better, Threepenny, Diana (THEO). They are proud to be represented by GrayTalent Group. “Art is a luxury. Free those suffering at the hands of colonialism–tu lucha es la lucha de todos. Solidaridad para siempre.” Instagram: Operation.Isa
Joe Giovannetti (Gabriel John Utterson) Joe is excited to join the company of Jekyll and Hyde, after appearing in Kokandy’s productions of Amélie (Nino Quincampoix, Jeff Nomination for Supporting Performer) and Alice By Heart (Alfred). RavenTheatre/Goodman Theatre: Octet. Paramount Theatre: White Christmas, Cats. Theo: Sondheim Tribute Revue, The Full Monty, The Most Happy Fella (Jeff Nomination: Supporting Performer). Porchlight Music Theatre: Sunset Boulevard, A Chorus Line. Music Theatre Works: Guys and Dolls. Love to the family and Gray Talent Group. joe-giovannetti.com, @joegio.
Jon Parker Jackson (Bishop of Basingstoke) (He/They) is making his Kokandy debut. Recent credits include his Jeff Award winning supporting performance as Sam Byck and Ensemble in Assassins, as well as roles in Diana: The Musical, Godspell, and The Full Monty (Theo Unique). Other credits include Barney the Elf (The Other Theater Co.) and Bare: A Pop Opera (Refuge Theatre Co.) Represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent. @jonpjackson
Quinn Kelch (Simon Stride, Spider) (he/him) is excited to be back with Kokandy after appearing in the Jeff Award-winningAmerican Psycho. Other credits include Rock of Ages (MPAC); Dragons Love Tacos, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (NTYA); Avenue Q (William Street Rep); The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Lookingglass Theatre Company); and Spring Awakening (Porchlight Music Theatre). Quinn is a dual-degree graduate of Northwestern University, an avid charcuterie enthusiast, and is represented by Big Mouth Talent.
Quinn Rigg (General Lord Glossop, Bisset) is a Jeff-nominated actor, musician, playwright and graduate of Columbia College Chicago’s Musical Theatre BFA program. Fresh upstairs fromAmélie, Quinn’s previous adventures with Kokandy include Alice by Heart, The Spongebob Musical, Sweeney Todd, and writing for the 2024 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival (Out of Focus, book/lyrics). Quinn is grateful to call this place and these people home. Additional credits include Marriott Theatre, Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Beautiful City Project, and Timber Lake Playhouse. When not performing, Quinn can be found collaborating with best friend and castmate Kelan M. Smith. @quinn._.stagram, qrigg.com
Gabby Sauceda-Koziol (Sir Archibold Proops)(She/her) is thrilled to be working with Kokandy again for Jekyll and Hyde! A recent CCPA graduate, majoring in musical theater, this is Gabby’s second production with Kokandy. Some of her credits include Mrs. Taylor/Rev. Hightower and many more in Bat Boy: The Musical (CCPA), Miss Gardner in Carrie the Musical (CCPA), and Little Red U/S at Kokandy last year. A big thanks to her family for always supporting her dream, and to the wonderful individuals in this production!
Quinn Simmons (Nellie, Poole) (they/he/she) is a Chicago-based musical theatre performer and choreographer. They most recently worked onAmélie (Kokandy) as the Associate Director/Choreographer. Other recent credits include 9 to5 and Rock of Ages (Metropolis, Associate Choreographer). Performance: Spring Awakening (Flint Rep), The SpongeBob Musical and American Psycho The Musical (Kokandy), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Marriott), The Best LittleWhorehouse in Texas, Trans Voices Cabaret, and Godspell (Theo Ubique). Quinn is a proud Filipino-American, and a graduate of Chicago College of Performing Arts’ BFA Musical Theatre program. Huge thanks to my family, always. Mahal ko kayo! @quinnonstage
Maiko Terazawa (Lady Beaconsfield) is thrilled to be back with Kokandy! Credits include: Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd (replacements, Kokandy); Baked! The Musical (Theo Ubique); Avenue Q (u/s, Music Theatre Works); Blithe Spirit (Eclectic Full Contact Theatre); Mary Rose, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog, Nightmares & Nightcaps, Nevermore (Black Button Eyes); Christmas Dearest, Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical (Hell in a Handbag); Cabaret (Cowardly Scarecrow); Ruddigore (The Savoyaires); Diamond Lil, The Holiday Radio Show 1944 (Three Cat Productions); Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Pride Films & Plays).
Kevin Webb (Gabriel John Utterson) (he/him) has previously been seen with Kokandy in his Jeff Award-winning performance as the title role in Sweeney Todd and as The Baker in the Jeff Award-winning ensemble of Into the Woods. Chicago credits: Titanic the Musical (Marriott); The Secret Garden (Court); Sweeney Todd (Porchlight); The Killer–Jeff nom, Mother Courage and Her Children, The Pragmatists, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Trap Door); A Little Night Music–Jeff nom, Sweeney Todd (Theo Ubique); Mary Rose–Jeff nom, Shockheaded Peter, Coraline (Black Button Eyes); Marie Christine, Myths & Hymns (BoHo); The View Up Stairs (Circle); Songs froman Unmade Bed–Jeff nom, Design for Living, Angry F@gs (Pride Films & Plays); Assassins (The Viaduct); WOZ (Victory Gardens); The Pitchfork Disney (Interrobang); Stupid F*cking Bird (Sideshow). Kevin is also a proud ensemble member with Trap Door Theatre.
Jeffrey Gougis Jr (u/s Sir Danvers Carew, Gabriel John Utterson,) is a performer, singer and actor in Chicago. Jeff is super excited to step into his first show with Kokandy Productions. Jeff has recently worked with theatre companies such as Chicago Children’s Theatre, Pegasus Theater and City Lit Theatre. He has been a performer all his life, whether it was puppeteering for young audiences at the DuSable Museum, teaching and performing at the 99th Street Summer Theatre Festival, or singing with the University of Illinois’s Black Chorus. Jeff has a passion and love for the arts, especially music. While in grad school, he performed as a part of Durham University’s Northern Lights A Cappella Group, placing 3rd in the UKICCA final and performing in a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Jeff is currently working on his first EP and is excited to explore more opportunities in musical theater.
Emily Ling Mei (u/s EmmaCarew) (she/her) is excited to return to Kokandy with this amazing team! Past Kokandy credits: Alice By Heart (Young Alice). Recent credits: Rock of Ages (Constance Sack) at Metropolis Performing Arts Center, Next to Normal (Natalie US) at Paramount Theatre, Annie at Encore Musical Theatre Company, Anything Goes (Chastity) at Porchlight Music Theatre, and R+H’s Cinderella (Ella) at The Barn Theatre. BFA MTD at CCPA. Repped byStewart Talent. Endless thanks to her family and friends! emilylingmei.com IG: @emily.lingmei
Anna Seibert (u/s LucyHarris) (she/her) is excited and scared to work with Derek Van Barham again, after previously appearing in Kokandy’s INTO THE WOODS and AMERICAN PSYCHO (Jeff awards for Best Production of a Musical and Best Ensemble). Previous credits: the inaugural PrideArts pantos, JACK OFF THE BEANSTALK and SLEEPING WITH BEAUTY; THE RIP NELSON HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR (Hell in a Handbag); HAIRSPRAY (Bonstelle Theatre); and Caroline Kidwell’s PENELOPE. She earned a BFA and a Certificate Of advanced actor training from Wayne State University and Moscow Art Theatre School, respectively. In high school, a friend told Anna she needed to learn Lucy’s songs. She is grateful for the prescient advice and would welcome any other clairvoyant warnings.
Andrew Lund (Swing) Kokandy: Amélie, Sweeney Todd, Loving Repeating, CMTF. Chicago: HAIR, Avenue Q, The Bardy Bunch (Mercury Theater Chicago); A Funny Thing... Forum, Double Trouble, Minnie’s Boys (Porchlight); The Nutcracker (The House); WHITE (Definition Theater); Little Shop, Avenue Q, Legally Blonde (Music Theater Works); Plano (First Floor Theater). Andrew is an emerging director, having lent a hand to projects including the Chicago Musical Theater Festival, Music Theater Works, Kokandy Productions, and (re)discover theater. Their micro-theater performance project One OnOne Chicago won Producer’s Choice at the Borderlight International Theater Festival with their work Anywhere But Here. Represented by Big Mouth Talent. www.andrew-lund.com
Halli Morgan (Swing) Halli is thrilled to be back at Kokandy and to be performing at the famous Broadway Playhouse! Other Kokandy credits include Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife/ Witch understudy) and Sunday in the Park with George (Nurse/OldLady understudy). She has also performed with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre (Peter Pan), Hell In A Handbag Productions (Poor People!), Blank Theatre Company (Passion, Merrily We Roll Along), and Music Theatre Works (Pirates of Penzance, How to Succeed). She would like to thank her husband Thomas for his endless support. Proudly represented by NV Talent.
Caitlin Preuss (Swing) is a Chicago based performer, director, & choreographer. She is thrilled to be making her Kokandy debut! Recent performance credits: A New Brain, [title of show] (PrideArts); Camp Rock (The Beautiful City Project); Who The #?!$ Are We, Opening Act (SmartAct); First Date (point2point). Founder: SmartActProductions. Teaching artist: Studio83 Dance Academy. Education: Carthage College MT & Directing. Thanks to my incredible friends and family for everything onstage and off! @caitlinpreuss_
Jaxson Smith (Swing) is a recent Chicago College of Performing Arts graduate with a BFA in Musical Theater (dance emphasis). He has been previously seen at Kokandy Productions in Cruel Intentions The ’90s Musical (Ensemble, Greg u/s). He is so grateful to be working with this dream team and the best actors in the city. It is a privilege to create art. Jaxson would like to give a shout-out to his family for always showing him love and support. Insta: @jaxsonwesleysmith
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Brenda Didier (Choreography)Ms. Didier is a freelance director and choreographer based in Chicago. CHICAGO: ChicagoShakespeare Theatre, The Goodman, Marriott, Paramount, Porchlight Music Theatre, Royal George Theatre, Theatre at the Center, Theatre Wit, Mercury Theater, Second City, Theo Ubique, Kokandy, Victory Gardens, City Lit, and many others. Tour: The Kenny Rogers Christmas Tour and Cirque Shanghai at Navy Pier’s Skyline Stage, with engagements at the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City, Harrah’s in Las Vegas and The New Victory Theatre in New York’sBroadway District. Ms. Didier made her TV choreography debut with T-Mobile’s national commercial “Home for the Holidays”. She is a multiple Jeff Award recipient in both Direction and Choreography (Equity and Non-Equity wing), proud recipient of the Guy Adkins Award and Artistic Director/Founder of the Lincolnshire Academy of Dance, now in its 28th Season.
Derek Van Barham (Director) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions. Directing credits include Children of Eden in Concert (Broadway In Chicago), Jekyll & Hyde (BIC/Kokandy), Amélie, Into the Woods, Alice by Heart, Sweeney Todd, American Psycho, Head Over Heels (4 Jeff Awards and 3 Jeff nominations, Kokandy); Spring Awakening (FlintRep); Rock of Ages (Metropolis); The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre); Miracle by Dan Savage, Poseidon (Hell in a Handbag) Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Carrie, Bat Boy, Merrily We Roll Along (CCPA/Roosevelt University). Choreography credits include Evil Dead (Jeff nomination), Coraline the Musical, Ghost Quartet and Shockheaded Peter (Black Button Eyes). He was previously named one of Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30, and one of Newcity Magazine’s 50 Players 2024 and 2026. MFA: CCPA/Roosevelt University. IG: @dvbarham
Nick Sula (Music Direction). Nick is an award-winning music director and pianist, proud to continue with Kokandy Productions’ Jekyll & HydeforitsBroadway In Chicagotransferengagementat the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place! Recent productions include music director for Sunday in the Park with George with Kokandy Productions, Octet with Raven Theatre and Goodman Theatre, Jekyll & Hyde with Kokandy Productions (Jeff Award for Outstanding Music Direction) at Chopin Theatre, Into the Woods (Jeff Awards for Outstanding Music Direction and Orchestration), Sweeney Todd (Jeff Award for Outstanding Music Direction), and the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival. Other Chicago theatre musicdirection creditsincludeAnything Goes (Jeff nomination) with Porchlight Music Theatre; Dave Malloy’s Ghost Quartet(Jeff nomination), Mary Rose, Nevermore, Amour, and Coral with Black Button Eyes Productions; Myths & Hymns, The Glorious Ones (Jeff nomination), Hello Again, La Cage aux Folles, and Pippin with BoHo Theatre. As a professor of musical theatre, he serves as a music director, instructor, and vocal coach at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.
