In the Nocturne Theatre’s acclaimed production of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical, Brayden Hade stepped into the role of John Utterson, the loyal friend and attorney to the ill-fated Dr. Henry Jekyll. While the production as a whole was praised for its dramatic flair and innovative staging, Hade’s performance brought quiet strength and nuanced subtlety to a character often overshadowed by the show’s more flamboyant leads.

A Steadying Presence in the Chaos

Utterson, as Jekyll’s confidant, serves as the moral compass and grounding force amidst the chaos unleashed by Edward Hyde. In a role that could easily fade into the background, Hade infused Utterson with a dignified gravitas and emotional depth. His performance conveyed the character’s internal struggle as he sought to reconcile his loyalty to Jekyll with his growing unease about the doctor’s dangerous experiments.

Hade’s rich baritone voice added weight to his musical moments, making the character’s contemplations resonate with the audience. Though Utterson lacks the dramatic transformations or showstopping solos afforded to Jekyll/Hyde, Hade’s portrayal ensured that every scene he occupied was layered with a sense of urgency and care.

Understated Yet Essential

While critics noted that the role of Utterson is “rather thankless” compared to the theatrical pyrotechnics of Jekyll/Hyde or the emotional arcs of characters like Lucy or Emma, Hade’s performance stood out for its quiet strength. He embodied the role of the steadfast friend with an understated elegance that complemented the production’s more dynamic performances.

Hade’s ability to portray Utterson as both a rational skeptic and a deeply loyal ally added an essential counterpoint to the story’s themes of unchecked ambition and moral decay. In doing so, he elevated a traditionally understated role into a memorable and vital part of the narrative.

A Key Part of a Stellar Ensemble

While Brayden Hade may not have had the flashiest role in this production, his Utterson provided the steady foundation upon which the more explosive elements of Jekyll & Hyde could unfold. His performance demonstrated his talent for finding the humanity in every character he portrays, ensuring that even a supporting role carried significant emotional weight. In a production filled with powerful performances, Hade’s portrayal of Utterson offered the audience a lens of empathy and reason—a reminder of the stakes in the battle between light and darkness.