The week between Christmas and New Year’s is sure to be even more exciting as multi-platinum singer and actor Deborah Cox stars in “Jekyll & Hyde,” Dec. 26-30 at Forrest Theatre.
The Canadian singer is used to success on the charts and the stage, having had a number of R&B, dance and pop hits and the lead role in Elton John and Tim Rice’s Broadway musical “Aida.” In “Jekyll & Hyde,” Cox plays Lucy, alongside Tony Award nominee and rock singer Constantine Maroulis in the title dual role of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde. Cox is also slated to star in “Josephine” as Josephine Baker in 2014.
Cox talked to PGN about the show and how she balances her career in the music and theater worlds.
PGN: How did you come to be cast in this production of “Jekyll & Hyde”? DC: The producer of the show approached me and asked me if I would consider playing the role of Lucy in the new production. Initially, I didn’t understand it because I wasn’t aware of any central female characters in the original story of ‘Jekyll & Hyde.’ I then had a meeting in New York with the key executives. I then had a short work/jam session with Frank Wildhorn to go over the range and keys of a few songs. I was hooked by those melodies instantly.
PGN: What changes, if any, are in the stage version of this story compared to the original? DC: I’ve never seen the original so I don’t know for sure. However, the setting with this production is modern steampunk and Victorian. It’s dark and sexy. The songs were also arranged slightly different to suit Constantine’s voice and mine and give us liberty to put our own vocal style into these songs. PGN: Does this version of ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ come across as horror/thriller or is it more of a dramatic/romantic story? DC: I think it’s more of a tragic thriller. With Jekyll, you get a conflicted man who’s torn between two worlds, and with Hyde you get the thriller, the danger and darkness. Amidst all of that you have my character, Lucy, fighting her way through to find love.
PGN: What do you like about playing the role of Lucy? DC: What I love most about playing the role of Lucy is the challenge. Lucy is nothing like me so I have no safety nets. I have to make her come to life every night, every performance, even though I don’t have her life experiences to pull from. In her own way, Lucy has a duality issue. Her dreams and her reality are in constant conflict.
PGN: You and co-star Constantine Maroulis have careers as musicians and singers. Does that add an extra dimension of showmanship or competition to your performances? DC: Naturally, because of our backgrounds, we’re going to bring that additional level of showmanship. Competition no, collaboration yes. Constantine and I are out front but we have an incredible and talented cast and crew that we lean on for every performance and they also deliver for us.
PGN: Who would you rather date, Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? DC: What girl doesn’t appreciate a ride on the wild side? I would date Hyde for a little bit but definitely marry Jekyll.
PGN: How do you like performing and singing in a show such as “Jekyll & Hyde” compared to performing in concert? DC: I love performing with an orchestra every night. I’m a sucker for strings. I also love the intimacy and involvement of the audience. Sometimes I do miss the intensity and energy that I get from my concert crowd.
PGN: What can you tell us about your upcoming stage role as Josephine Baker? Is it at all intimidating to portray such an iconic entertainer? DC: There’s not much to tell right now. They’re looking for a theater for the show. Yes, it’s intimidating to play such an iconic figure, but I have gotten the blessings from many people who knew her and were very close to her. They saw the work that I did and were very supportive.
PGN: Do you have any plans for a new album or singles for 2013 and, if so, what can your fans expect as far as the direction of the new music? DC: I haven’t been able to focus on music as much as I’d like because of the touring schedule of “Jekyll & Hyde.” I’d like to release a pop/R&B album and a dance CD or EP in 2013. There will definitely be a few dance singles in 2013.
PGN: You have been a longtime supporter of LGBT events. Will you be performing at any Pride festivals in 2013? DC: I would love to do some Pride festivals in 2013 but given the schedule of the show, I’m not sure that I’ll be able to make that happen. Stay tuned.
The Kimmel Center presents “Jekyll & Hyde” Dec. 26-30 at Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-923-1515.