Mark Twain wrote, “Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.” So it is in Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novella of dual personalities and scientific overreach. This adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher uses a cast of six actors, and is set in the dark alleyways of Victorian London, cleverly depicted in Ellen Lenbergs' set design of skewed lightposts and brick walls. In a portrayal infused with a convincing mix of arrogance and vulnerability, Stephen Van Dorn does the honors as Dr. Henry Jekyll, the ambitious physician who desires to find a door to the mind and “isolate the beast in man's nature.” Isaac Wade and Mark Bramhall are equally effective as the murderous Edward Hyde (oddly, in this adaptation, throughout the performance, two actors switch off playing the character). Director Mary Jo Duprey opts for a less terrifying presentation of Hyde (see the film version with Spencer Tracy as hokey, hairy beast), which brings the psychic split into sharper relief. Hyde even has a love interest, Elizabeth Jelkes (Greyson Chadwick), which further underscores an elemental humanity. This philosophical retelling of this old tale is well done, and features a fine ensemble. Pablo Santiago's lighting schema is exceptional. Actor's Co-op Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St., Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.; through Nov. 17. (323) 462-8460, ext. 300, ActorsCo-op.org.

Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 19, 2:30 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 16, 2:30 p.m. Starts: Oct. 11. Continues through Nov. 17, 2013

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