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.

Read more “THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME Bishop Hendricken Theatre, Warwick, RI”