The Wallace Theatre is currently showcasing their current musical, Jekyll & Hyde at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA). This year, the musical will be extra special for Frenship families as our very own Theatre Director will be on stage.
Jake Lierman is ecstatic to be involved in The Wallace’s production of Jekyll & Hyde. Lierman is taking on his dream role of John Utterson, Jekyll’s closest companion and lawyer.
Jekyll & Hyde is one of Lierman’s favorite shows. Two years ago, he directed Frenship High School students in a show for the annual spring musical. When the Wallace announced they would be performing the show he couldn't pass up the opportunity to act in it.
In addition to starring in this show, he is currently working on directing the musical Anastasia at the high school. When going back and forth between directing and acting, Lierman keeps them very separate in his mind.
“When I act in shows I put my director's hat down and focus on the living, breathing human I am meant to bring to life on stage,” said Lierman.
While performing in Jekyll & Hyde is a personal dream for Lierman, he feels that he is also able to take his experience back to the classroom for his students.
“When you know what they are walking through, you know how to help them through it,” said Lierman. “Jumping into the actor's shoes has reminded me exactly what these amazing student actors do every day for me, and it isn't easy. I think it is important to exercise the acting muscle every so often and to be reminded of why I love telling stories so much.”
In addition to flexing his acting skills and relishing in the rush of live performance, Lierman also stated that he has got to reconnect with two pf his previous Frenship students who are also acting in the show.
“This journey has been an absolute joy, and I am so grateful to the Wallace Theatre and Anna Hogan for inviting me along for the ride,” said Lierman.
There are only three performances left, if you want to witness the epic struggle between good and evil as it comes to life on stage, get your tickets before they are gone!