Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical

In this version of Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse's Broadway musical, based on Robert Louis Stevenson's brooding horror classic and filmed at New York's Plymouth Theatre for pay-per-view, viewers are forced--much like the title character(s)--to confront the good and the bad. First, the good: using a nice multi-camera setup, this room-encompassing Dolby Digital 5.1 enhanced production showcases the thespian and singing talents of Jekyll and Hyde's main squeezes--fiancée Emily (Andrea Rivette) and seductress Lucy (Coleen Sexton), respectively--on highlights "In His Eyes" and "Someone Like You." Coupled with excellent cast numbers such as "Façade," Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical almost makes for a fine night at the theater. I say "almost" because of the hulking clunker in the dual lead role: Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, who has neither the acting nor the singing range to assay such a demanding, indeed pivotal, part. Still, given the show's popularity, and considering that few contemporary Broadway musicals are available on DVD, this is recommended, with reservations. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)