THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Bishop Hendricken Theatre’s current musical extravaganza is “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, a new musical which debuted at the La Jolla Playhouse in California in October, 2014. Then in March, 2015 it played at Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey. Both theatres have had shows transferred to Broadway. Unfortunately this musical did not make it and why is a complete mystery to me. This version is based on the Victor Hugo 1831 novel which was transformed by Disney into an animated film in 1996. This version has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Peter Parnell. However this is not the usual happy musical from Disney where everyone lives happily ever after. The songs from the Disney film “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” are powerful and potent and the tale dark and Gothic but still it is an entrancing and enticing musical to see and savor. Director Richie Sylvia who is also musical director picks the best performers for these roles and infuse them with high energy all night long. Richie plays lead keyboards and Sean Donnelly conducts a fabulous 13 piece orchestra and obtains awesome harmonies from the cast. Choreographer Teresa Pearson supplies some upbeat dances to lighten up the show in some of the gypsy sequences. Their expertise wins a very well deserved spontaneous standing ovation at the close of the performance.
The storyline is a deformed man, Quasimodo is hidden from the world by his devious caretaker and longingly observes all of Paris from atop a bell tower. However during the Feast of the Fools, he escapes for the day to join the crowd, discovering both the cruelty and compassion of strangers and new friends he must defend from a familiar evil. Richie blocks this huge epic musical splendidly on a fantastic three story cathedral style set by . He brings every ounce of pathos pouring out to the very appreciative audience. The multitude of gorgeous costumes are by Carrie Devanney. Brad Hutchinson does a magnificent job as Quasimodo, the poor tormented creature whose only friends are the gargoyles of Notre Dame. He captures the pathos of this character perfectly and acts his heart out in this role. Brad’s voice is so powerful as he renders the hopeful “Out There” where he yearns to be like other people, “Heaven’s Light” and the 11th hour show stopping song “Made of Stone” which is despairing but all are fabulously sung. Bravo! Marie Balemian also shines as Esmeralda, the gypsy who captures Quasimodo’s heart. She is a gorgeous brunette with a beautiful voice which is heard with the chorus in “God Help the Outcasts” and in “Someday”, a duet with Phoebus where people should learn to live with each other peacefully after facing prejudice against the gypsies. Marie also sings the poignant “Top of the World” song with Brad when he brings her to the bell tower.
Sean Ryan plays the Captain of the guard, Phoebus who falls in love with Esmeralda. His voice is heard in “Rest and Recreation” and “The Court of Miracles.” He must rescue the damsel in distress from the evil Frollo but is stabbed while doing so. He, Brad and Dominic sing “Who Is the Girl?”, strong trio number when they all first meet Esmeralda. Dominic DaSilva as Frollo, the pious archdeacon who lusts after Esmeralda and becomes more depraved. He is terrific as this pious but bigoted man whose hate for the gypsies overpowers his religious nature and he also treats his nephew, Quasimodo with disdain due to his father’s assignation with a gypsy girl. When Frollo meets Esmeralda, his dark side comes out. Sean’s powerful voice is heard in “Hellfire” with the choir. He sends chills up your spine with this bloodthirsty song and his malevolent character. The chorus and congregation vocalists are incredible and their voices soar in the group numbers especially in “The Bells of Notre Dame”, the Latin songs, “Justice in Paris” and “While the City Slumbered.” Samuele DeLuise plays Clopin, the head of the Gypsies while Alex LeBlanc plays Frollo’s brother and Quasimodo’s father who as he’s dying leaves the boy in the care of his brother. Richie does a magnificent job with the soaring, beautiful harmonies of these numbers. So for a splendid new epic musical, be sure to catch “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at Bishop Hendricken Theatre before time runs out. Tell them Tony sent you.
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (6 to 9 December)
Bishop Hendricken Theatre, 2615 Warwick Ave, Warwick, RI
1(401)739-3450 or www.hendricken.com
