This article is being published in association with The Schwartz Scene issue 59, Fall 2016.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame on Stage – Summer 2016
The new version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been dazzling audiences across America this summer. Stunning production photos and video clips show off the dramatic qualities of this adaptation.
Audiences can purchase a studio recording to savor the Alan Menken / Stephen Schwartz songs. The album features songs written for the stage adaptation as well as familiar pieces like “God Help the Outcast” and “Hellfire” from the Disney animated feature. Among the new musical numbers are “Rest and Recreation,” “Rhythm of the Tambourine,” “Esmeralda,” “Tavern Song,” “Flight into Egypt,” “In a Place of Miracles,” and “Made of Stone.” BUY THE ALBUM – Hear clips. Stephen Schwartz served as lyricist on this project as he did for the Disney film.
New Interpretations
Disney opened up licensing of the new musical to professional companies for the first summer after the show’s development. Each production had its unique design, casting, and staging. In this article we’ll feature photos from an outdoor production in Utah, used with permission, as well as video clips from various productions. Licensing is still limited but that may open up in 2017. Read more on our MusicalSchwartz.com The Hunchback of Notre Dame – stage page.
A production in Utah at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre runs through October 15. The Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production plays in Ft. Lauderdale at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts October 20 – November 6: The Hunchback in South Florida.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Tuacahn Amphitheatre
An outdoor production at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah, included a live goat as Esmeralda’s pet, puppets, flying, pyrotechnics, and a fireworks display. The production stars Julian Decker as Quasimodo, Aloysius Gigl as Frollo, Summer Naomi as Esmeralda, David Sattler as Phoebus, and Ernie Pruneda as Clopin. A large ensemble and choir also contributed to the drama. These photos by Daryl Getman show off some of the enhancements. A video follows.
Quasimodo with gargoyles: Julian Decker and Company:
Below: Fireworks: The Tuacahn Amphitheatre Company of The Hunchback of Notre dame.
Video clips show the goat and other delights from the production at Tuacahn Amphitheatre. See below or watch directly on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_7-kcsoVNI
La Miranda – Los Angeles Premiere; Music Circus – Sacramento
This production was the first time that the character Quasimodo, who is deaf in the original novel, was played by a deaf actor, John McGinty. Dino Nicandros provided the singing voice of Quasimodo. The cast also included Cassie Simone as Esmeralda, Mark Jacoby as Frollo, Keith A. Bearden as Clopin, Eric Kunze as Phoebus, as well as a large ensemble.
Production clips:
The Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine
The first production after Paper Mill Playhouse was held at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. From a review: “Immensely evocative, with stunning design and hosting storyline both timeless and universal, Shaun Kerrison has directed a work of art.” – Portsmouth Herald. The cast included Broadway veterans F. Michael Haynie as Quasimodo, Sydney Morton as Esmeralda, and others.
Don’t miss this stirring cast album:
Enjoy the making of the studio recording with cast interviews, interviews with Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken, and scenes inside the studio.
