Nathaniel Hackmann, who played Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde in the John W. Engeman Theater’s production of “Jekyll & Hyde,” has returned to the theater because of his enjoyment of the experience, currently playing Jud Fry in “Oklahoma.”

By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com

From John W. Engeman Theater’s run of “Jekyll & Hyde” earlier this year, actor Nathaniel Hackmann, who played Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, remembers around 20 instances where Northport local Tom Lucca, who played John Utterson, would cut his preparation process a bit close to showtime.

“When the stage manager would say, ‘Five minutes until you have to be on stage,’ we would all look up at Tom, who’d be completely dressed in his outfit, full hair, full makeup, ready to go and have completely forgotten to put his microphone on,” Hackmann said with a laugh. “He would have to get completely undressed to get the microphone on.”

The 34-year-old Manhattan resident added that this isn’t a surprising occurrence as, in theater, there are many tiny details that go into crafting a top-notch production.

“I’m just so lucky and fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly talented people on all levels that can really do this job and I think Northport is also lucky to have the Engeman Theater there as well,” Hackmann said.

Hackmann’s first role at Engeman was that of Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde. Immediately after the show’s run came to an end, Hackmann took his second job, the role of Jud Fry in “Oklahoma,” which is being shown through June 25.

He enjoys performing at the theater because of the intimacy the space yields, he said. It’s extraordinary, being able to see faces in the audience and then shaking hands with some audience members after a show, he added.

“It’s such a great place to see a show and you can feel that when you’re on stage,” Hackmann said.

After actors are cast based on auditions, the rehearsal process soon begins. It usually takes around three weeks, according to Sean Patrick, the theater’s production stage manager.

The first two weeks of rehearsals, which consist of six, seven hour days a week, take place at Manhattan’s Nola Rehearsal Studio since usually several cast members live in the city.

There, Patrick said, the group focuses on learning the music first and then integrates all scene work and choreography.

“The goal usually is to complete the entire show in terms of its staging and learning process within about the first seven to eight rehearsals, and then start running the piece to really get continuity on it,” Patrick, 35, of Manhattan, said. “It’s definitely a very quick process.”

For the third week, the group then shifts to Engeman Theater for technical rehearsals, which includes working with lighting, sound, costumes and the orchestra. This consists of four, 10-hour days a week, Patrick said.

When the big day comes, actors are formally called to the theater 30 minutes before curtain time. The first step when arriving is to get their microphones on, slip into costume, strap on a wigs, if necessary, and apply makeup.

“If we’re lucky, all the stars align, everything comes together and the show opens without massive train wrecks,” Hackmann said.

Aside from Hackmann, Engeman Theater has had many actors return for roles in different productions, Patrick said, adding, “I think that shows there’s an enjoyment of this venue and of the work that we get to do there.”

The love for the venue, in part, prompted Hackmann to return to it for his role in “Oklahoma!”

“I can’t say enough about the production staff, the production team, the people who are in the front of house, the ushers, the crew, just top to bottom everybody is in this together and you feel it every time you walk into that building,” Hackmann said.

“It’s an unfortunately rare thing in this business to be surrounded by such a supportive group of people, and so as far as I’m concerned, whenever it could possibly work out in my schedule, I will be back at the Engeman.”

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