The unlikely resurrection of an Australian production of Jekyll and Hyde-The Musical is becoming a reality with auditions being held in Sydney and Melbourne this week.

The musical, now enjoying Broadway success, was scheduled to open in Melbourne in October 1997, but folded during rehersals due to the financial woes of the production company, casting a significant cloud over any future the show might have in Australia.

Now in the hands of Kevin Jacobsen Productions, the new production is set to overcome it's troubled history. With casting underway,the question is raised as to renewed opportunities for the cast of 1997's unrealised staging. Of particular interest is leading musical theatre identity Simon Burke,who was to take his career to new heights in the title role.

Jekyll and Hydewill have it's Australian premiere at the Capital Theatre, Sydney,in November 1998.

--By Peter Ford
Australia Correspondent