Were You There?
January 6, 2001
Final performance of Jekyll & Hyde on Broadway

Well, it looks like the final moment has come for Rob Evan in Jekyll & Hyde on Broadway. This time it is NOT Rob leaving Jekyll, it is J&H leaving us all!

The show was one of those that will remain with us, in many fragments of memory for a long time. The cast was at the same time up for the performance, and seemingly well-aware of what was the significance of the moment. The Plymouth Theatre, my home for so long, was full to the very ceiling - all seats and standing room positions sold!

Although the SHOW was in the mind of all of those who attended this matinee, Rob was in the mind of most, and boy o boy o boy, did he ever do us proud! (this is not a non-partisan review, folks)

There was a barely controlled air of excitement, anticipation, and sadness as we awaited curtain time. The applause was heard even before each number was finished, and the cast rose to the occasion. Never had Rob sung Lost In the Darkness more poignantly, never had there been more anguish and frustration in the Board of Governors. Scene after scene, vignette after vignette, the tension was building, palpable, almost a living thing; and then, it was time... the final This Is The Moment, and Rob gave us a moment remember. Ladies and gentlemen, it was a Moment never to let go of! This man ,who has given us so much, gave us more! HOW could he have done that????? ROBERT EVAN gave us more than
one would think one man could give, but he did, and the audience responded with a most amazing thank you to him by a standing ovation at that time, and by enough applause and 'bravos' to fill Radio City.

Ladies and gentlemen, there is no way for me to explain my feelings objectively. ENOUGH of you were there to know that we were witnessing a performance NOT to be forgotten, and let me assure you, I will not forget, and I fervently hope that you remember that this was the way it should be!

Once Upon a Dream was even more moving than ever; In His Eyes left few eyes dry; Dangerous Game was quite able to dry all our tears with the heat generated; The Way Back took all the oxygen out of the theatre, with it's plaintive plea to the heavens, and by now, the cast was teary-eyed as well. Confrontation should not be discussed in mixed company! I am reasonably certain that most of the audience felt some of my emotions, and I have taken enough of your time. The CAST did not let us down! The ORCHESTRA was on target!

After the tumultuous curtain call, Rob asked us for a few more minutes, and the he spoke to all of us... cast, crew, staff, and audience. He was including us in his goodbye, and he spoke well, although not too long.

I hope you share many of my memories and thoughts as I thank Rob for the joy he has given us, and look forward to his next endeavor! J&H may be leaving, the Rob Evan Fan Club is not; we will continue to be the source of info from Rob himself. PLEASE join us if you have not already.

THANK YOU so much for so very much, ROB ... you have not ever let us down!

Linda Russak