The new incarnation promises to be a "boldly re-imagined" production of the gothic pop musical that has been seen twice on Broadway. The engagement marks the show's Melbourne premiere. It will transfer to Sydney beginning March 6, 2016.
In a promotional video for the Australian premiere, composer Wildhorn revealed that fans of the musical will see "a brand-new version of the show, but there will be some surprises that the audiences who know Jekyll and Hyde will go, 'Whoa! What's that?' And hopefully great new stuff for our new fans. It is not a revival. It is a re-imagination of the material. And it is brand new. It really is."
In addition to Rhodes, the cast will feature Jemma Rix (Wicked) as Lucy Harris and Lucy Maunder (Grease, Doctor Zhivago) as Emma Carew.
Additional casting will be announced.
Christopher Renshaw, who staged the award-winning 1996 Broadway revival of The King and I (the production originated in Australia and was revived there last year), will direct Jekyll & Hyde. John Frost will produce.
The creative team includes scenic designer Gabriela Tylesova (Love Never Dies) and lighting designer John Rayment (Walking with Dinosaurs).
Jekyll & Hyde is based on the novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson. Conceived for the stage by Tony and Grammy nominee Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden, the musical features a book and lyrics by two-time Oscar winner, Emmy winner and four-time Tony Award nominee Leslie Bricusse and music by Wildhorn.
Visit jekyll.com.au.
Meet the cast below: