THEATREGOER'S NOTEBOOK

CUCCIOLI'S MOMENT: When Robert Cuccioli takes center stage to deliver Jekyll & Hyde's "This Is the Moment," he might just as well be singing about himself. Cuccioli devoted almost three years to helping shepherd the musical to B'way, including two out-of-town productions and a national tour. "I had other offers, but I believed in this and never wanted to let it go," says the actor, who has been rewarded with fan adulation, a Tony nomination and a Drama Desk Award.

Jekyll & Hyde fans from all over turn out to cheer Cuccioli and leading lady Linda Eder. "I'm very flattered," he says, "but it's difficult for me sometimes because I get shy. I'm still trying to figure out how to deal with the attention."

Not so long ago, Cuccioli was a part-time singer and full-time financial adviser for E.F. Hutton. "I'm very split-brained," he says, laughing at the appropriateness of that description for his current roles. "I'm analytical and like dabbling in the market, but I have this artistic side as well. I still have friends from that world, but it's not something I'd ever want to go back to."

After Jekyll & Hyde, he says, "I just want to do a drawing room comedy where I sit and tell jokes. I love playing angst and torment, but it gets wearing after a while."