The Modesto Junior College is staging an original production of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”

Shows are set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 and Nov. 1; and 2 p.m. Nov. 2. All shows are in the Main Auditorium of the Performing and Media Arts Center on East Campus, located at 435 College Avenue in Modesto. 

The stage adaption has been written and is being directed by MJC Theatre Professor Michael Lynch.

“I adapted the novel for stage and in doing so, I invented new characters, specifically more women in the story — it is heavily male in Stevenson’s novel,” Lynch said.  “It ends more in the tradition of the movie versions we have all known that is different from the original.”

The staged version of the classic horror story concerns a young doctor who explores the duality of humankind, from the good to the evil with tragic consequences. The show stars Tyrus Loveless in the dual role of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

“My MJC version will certainly have frightening theatrical effects — sound, lights, fog, lots of scary stuff from Hyde, wonderfully played by MJC student Tyrus Loveless in the dual role. It’s perfect for Halloween,” Lynch said.

This production is not recommended for children under eight years old.

Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 for students and senior citizens. The Oct. 23 and 30 shows are Student Preview Nights with all tickets $5.  Tickets may be purchased at the Auditorium Box Office, from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 90 minutes prior to each performance, or by calling 575-6776 during these hours.  Tickets may also be purchased in advance online at http://mjc.tix.com.