Constantine Maroulis Pulls Off Musical Hat Trick In 'Jekyll And Hyde'

DENVER (CBS4) - It was a difficult show to do. Now "Jekyll and Hyde" may be even tougher for the actor playing the lead.

CBS4 Critic at Large Greg Moody says Constantine Maroulis manages to pull out an impressive musical hat trick.

"The way I remember the show, 'Jekyll and Hyde' did not carry such a fast moving rock-and-roll sensibility," Moody said.

"They wanted it to be completely re-imagined," Maroulis said.

That's exactly what happened. They trimmed story and characters, lost a few songs, and rearranged their placement. That gave Maroulis of "Rock of Ages" and "American Idol" fame one of the most difficult hat tricks Moody has ever seen on stage.

Maroulis essentially sings three big numbers at once -- "This is the Moment," "Transformation," and "Alive" -- three songs, three characters, one man. It's quite the trick.

"I feel very connected to the work. I think when we're that connected, sure it can be very taxing, and it is -- emotionally, physically; I'm quite bruised up and beat up and my voice is tired and my heart is tired," Maroulis said. "But I love it."

And what those three numbers linked do is move the show along at a breathtaking pace, pulling the audience into the gothic Victorian atmosphere that certainly can't lead to good.

"That ability to re-imagine the material is what continues to keep 'Jekyll and Hyde' not only alive, but headed back to Broadway," Moody said.

"Jekyll and Hyde" starring Constantine Maroulis and Deborah Cox runs through Sunday in the Buell Theater downtown Denver. For tickets call (303) 893-4100 or visit denvercenter.org.

- Greg Moody is CBS4′s Critic At Large. His reports on CBS4 News are featured on the CBSDenver.com Entertainment section.

- Also, don't miss Moody's entertaining bio, his Top Spots in Denver lists, and his frequently updated Moody's Picks page.