A large scale production of the then new musical of The Hunchback Of Notre Dame by Alan Menken (English lyrics Stephen Schwartz) was hosted by La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego in 2014 after extensive try-outs in the German language in Berlin. This particular production then transferred to New Jersey's Papermill Playhouse with the intention of it going on to Broadway. However, it never did make the Broadway theatres, as it was passed by in favour of Frozen! the Musical.
This was a highly impressive piece of Musical Theatre and I have to say I am surprised that it hasn't had a revival or been seen on Broadway or The West End yet. The music is lyrical, adding to the character and the plot progression rather than just a song for a song's sake. And it has all the requisite ingredients necessary to make it a wholly entertaining and fulfilling show.
There were a couple of things which, after watching the production on Youtube, I thought could have perhaps have been different or looked at in a slightly different way. For example, the set. As you can see from the abpve photo, the set was impressive to say the least. The interior of Notre Dame cathredral in Paris as it might have looked in 1482. However, it was a static set, and some of the scenes, especially those set outside of the cathedral would have benefitted from a different backdrop. The bell-tower interior with a set of large bells which did look as though they were chiming on stage, was highly effective though. On the other hand the fire - little more than a large red curtain - was almost laughable, which was such a shame.
The one thing which marred this production for me though was Quasimodo's make-up. He had been given black streaks on his face - I have no idea why - and it looked far more like Amazonian tribal war-paint than anything. Very strange.
It's a very strong story, and is still very relevant now. It shows The Church in a very bad light. It shows how the pious, men-of-the-cloth, were able to use religion as an excuse for murder, violence, rape, torture, extortion etc, all in the name of 'purification of the soul'. Whilst they themselves could do whatever they wanted with absolute impunity. Substitute The Church here for something else and you'll see that this is still very much a part of our society today.
Directed by Scott Schwartz, this was an enjoyable watch - obviously preferable live, but that will just have to wait for the time-being - and had a very strong cast headed by Michael Arden (Quasimodo), Clara Renee (Esmeralda), Andrew Samonsky (Phoebus), Erik Liberman (Clopin), and Patrick Page (Archdeacon Frollo). The production also used an onstage chamber chorus throughout and here it was San Diego based 'Sacra-Profana'. The singing was excellent, as were the characterisations. I would have liked more "action" though, it did become quite static at times, and the special effects were quite poor - at least on video!
Definitely a musical I would like to have the opportunity of seeing live at some point.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 18/6/20
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