LEWISTON — Several excellent performances are highlights of Community Little Theatre’s musical presentation of “Jekyll & Hyde” at Lewiston Middle School Auditorium.

Unfortunately, the production falls short on too many staging and technical challenges, and those deficiencies overshadow the total effect. There is no fault in the efforts of any member of the large cast and crew; the difficulty is the ever-present dilemmas faced by local theatrical organizations — a small budget and too little time for preparation.

Despite those observations, solid directing and lighting by Richard Martin helped CLT’s “Jekyll & Hyde” team deliver a powerful version of the classic tale of good versus evil by Robert Lewis Stevenson.

Three of the show’s leading actors turn in outstanding performances. Shawn and Angela Robitaille, husband and wife, have the lead roles as Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Edward Hyde and Lucy Harris. Returning to CLT after 10 years, they bring exceptional dramatic and vocal talents.

Shawn Robitaille’s intense dual-role portrayal builds to a spellbinding climax in “Confrontation.” As the only person on-stage, he becomes both men in rapid-fire battle between their tragically contradictory personalities.

Kelsie Davidson’s portrayal of Emma Carew is also noteworthy. This is her second CLT appearance, having played an Indian in last summer’s production of “Peter Pan.”

These three singers/actors have several solos, duets and group vocal numbers with others in the cast. Songs include “Take Me As I Am” (Henry and Emma); “Dangerous Game” (Edward and Lucy); and “In His Eyes” (Emma and Lucy).

CLT veteran Mitchell Clyde Thomas plays Sir Danvers Carew, Emma’s father.” Thomas and Davidson perform a touching duet titled “Letting Go.”

While Emma is Dr. Jekyll’s fiancee in polite society, Lucy is the lady of the night to Edward Hyde, the doctor’s evil alter-ego. Angela Robitaille’s solo rendition of “A New Life” and Davidson’s solo of “Once Upon a Dream” are also highlights of the show.

Derrick Lacasse plays Dr. Jekyll’s good friend John Utterson, and Chris Camire plays Simon Stride; Nellie is played by Christine Doucette; Stefanie Lynn portrays Lady Beaconsfield; and Phil Vampatella is Poole.

Members of the ensemble are Sean Wallace, Bob Mathieu, Ken Mansur, Scott Adair, Richard Russell, Bruce Gerry, Karen McArthur, Michelle Good, Tatiana Curtis, Katie St. Pierre, Sheal Cooper, Karen Loggins, Jim Merrill and Michael Koch. They appear as the Board of Governors, Red Rat Girls and in other roles.

A 16-piece orchestra led by musical director Paul G. Caron provides very good accompaniment, but due to space limitations, musicians played in a separate room and the sound goes to speaker stacks at left and right of the stage. That, and the use of wireless microphones, caused disorientation of the sound source for many audience members.

Although this review points out some problems, there were many favorable comments from members of the audience at the first weekend’s performances. They rewarded the players with enthusiastic standing ovations.

The music of “Jekyll & Hyde” is by Frank Wildhorn (“The Scarlet Pimpernel“) with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse (“Stop the World – I Want to Get Off“). The musical ran on Broadway for 1,543 performances in 1997 through 2001.

Remaining shows

WHAT: “Jekyll & Hyde”

WHO: Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12-13; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14

WHERE: Lewiston Middle School Auditorium, Central Avenue

TICKETS: $16, $18 at the door. Call 783-0958 or visit www.laclt.com.