Arts Beat: HartBeat stages political “musing” between iconic writer-activists

“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” The psychological thriller based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella “The Curious Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” opens the Hartford Stage season from October 10th to November 3rd. Directed by Melia Bensussen. Chaos reigns on the streets of Victorian London. The respected Dr. Jekyll faces off against his villainous alter ego, the mysterious Mr. Hyde, in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The cast includes Nathan Darrow as Dr. Henry Jekyll and an ensemble including Jennifer Bareilles, Sarah Chalfie, Nayib Felix, Omar Robinson and Peter Stray. For details: www.hartfordstage.org.

“Jimmy and Lorraine: A Reflection” Talvin Wilks’ poetic and political play about the friendship between iconic authors and activists James Baldwin and Lorraine Hansberry was an iconic production for Hartford’s HartBeat Ensemble. The play will be revived October 10-19 at Trinity College’s Austin Arts Center. Vanessa R. Butler plays Hansberry, Jon-Michael Reese plays Baldwin and Nick Roseler plays multiple roles. Directed by Brian Jennings. For details: www.hartbeatensemble.org.