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Regional Reviews: Phoenix The Hunchback of Notre Dame
With strong leads, an impressive, large ensemble, an expansive set, and lush creative elements that capture the romance and intrigue of the story, Valley Youth Theatre's production is a triumph. While it's unfortunate the show didn't have a New York run, it has found success in regional theatre; this is the fourth production I've seen in town. Based on Victor Hugo's 1831 gothic thriller about Quasimodo, a deformed man who falls in love with the gypsy girl Esmeralda, the musical features Alan Menken's rich, choral music, with succinct lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and Peter Parnell's well-structured book. The stage adaptation wisely strips away the cartoony elements and sugary optimism of the film in favor of a more serious tone that aligns more closely with Hugo's novel. It's also interesting to note that, unlike other Disney animated films turned into family friendly musicals, this one doesn't include the Disney name in the title of the show. Set in 15th-century Paris, the story unfolds around the iconic Notre Dame cathedral, where Quasimodo is held captive by the stern deacon Dom Claude Frollo. Quasimodo lives isolated in the cathedral's bell tower, from which he watches the bustling city below and dreams of freedom. During the lively Feast of Fools celebration, he ventures down to join the festivities, only to be mocked by the cruel crowd. However, he finds kindness in the gypsy girl Esmerelda and the brave Captain Phoebus. But Frollo, like Quasimodo and Phoebus, is also captivated by Esmeralda. When she spurns his advances, Frollo's obsession turns to vengeance, and he vows to destroy her, the gypsies, and anyone who stands in his way. Can Quasimodo find the strength to save Esmeralda and himself from Frollo's sinister plot? While Menken and Schwartz retained the popular songs from the animated film, they've also added new ones that expand the backstories of the main characters and enrich the plot through several expansive sequences that effectively combine dialogue and song to move the plot forward. The musical features an abundance of lush choral pieces, beautifully performed by the 40+ person cast under Mark Fearey's expert music direction. Despite the strength of the new music, the character of Quasimodo is given surprisingly little to sing, with only two new, brief solo pieces and, while he is the title character, the end result is more of an ensemble piece that successfully depicts the challenges faced by all four of the main characters. Parnell's book effectively develops the characters and stays closer to Hugo's original novel than the animated film, but it also veers into melodrama at times. There is extensive use of narration throughout to not only tell us what happens off stage but also how the characters are feeling. The stage adaptation's play-within-a-play structure works well, and the bittersweet ending, which aligns more closely with Hugo's original conclusion, offers a fitting and realistic, and very emotional, close to the story. All of Valley Youth Theatre's teenage cast deliver strong performances. Luke Chester brings sincerity and resilience to the role of Quasimodo, capturing the character's loneliness and obedience. Chester's clear singing voice soars with impressive sustained high notes in an especially impressive portrayal. James Nesbitt's Frollo effectively conveys both power and control, while also showing a conflicted sense of concern and uncertainty regarding his feelings for Esmeralda. Nesbitt's deep voice resonates on both his dialogue and songs. Gianna Arrighi shines with passion and fire as the spirited and compassionate Esmeralda, while Andrei Igdanes exudes charm, strength, and confidence as Phoebus. Shane Seidvy is playful and mischievous as the gypsy leader Clopin. Like Chester and Nesbitt, Arrighi, Igdanes and Seidvy all have impressive singing abilities. The production also features an ensemble of six performers–Bryce Bartel, Chase Carter, Gwendolyn dela Rossa, Aether Lottie, Olivia Martinez, and Brandon Thompson#8211;who skillfully portray the gargoyle sculptures that Quasimodo converses with. The ensemble and 13-member choir create some truly lush and powerful choral moments while also contributing the narration and portraying dozens of supporting characters. Director Mark Stoddard skillfully navigates the play-within-a-play concept, ensuring that the more melodramatic moments remain grounded without becoming overly exaggerated. Stoddard also stages the production seamlessly on the impressive set, which, while it's a rental, features grand arches and intricate details that evoke the grandeur of Notre Dame Cathedral, including several large bells that descend from above. Kathleen Brazie's choreography provides energy and enthusiasm in the many large ensemble scenes. Karol Cooper's beautiful costumes feature finely detailed bright, colorful garments for Esmerelda, Chopin, and their fellow gypsies, period outfits for Phoebus and the other soldiers, and grey-toned ones that resemble stone for the gargoyles and statues. The lighting by Dawson Buckholz is exquisite, with dark reds and fragments of shadows that evoke a gothic feel to the piece. Tom Holmberg's sound design features a few atmospheric effects and crisp and clear sounds from the entire cast. While the stage adaptation of Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame departs from the family-friendly tone of the original film, it ultimately delivers a powerful and moving musical experience. Like the movie, the show begins and ends with the thought-provoking question, "Who is the monster, and who is the man?" While this question will likely be one you're left reflecting on both during the performance and long after, what you'll most remember about Valley Youth Theatre's resonating production is of the vast amount of talent on stage and how the Phoenix area continues to have a large group of excellent teenage musical theatre performers. The Hunchback of Notre Dame runs through August 25, 2024, at Valley Youth Theatre at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix AZ. For tickets and information, please call 602-252-8497 or visit VYT.com. Executive Producer: Bobb Cooper Cast: |
