Hunchback

[styxfanNH]

Fan Review of Hunchback
Concert: Nashville, TN
06-Sep-97

By Scott Allen

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - a review (no spoilers)



Introduction

To anyone who has already read my story, Playing on God's Carousel, you already know that I myself have experienced a very personal interpretation and meaning to the music from the Hunchback musical, especially the song With Every Heartbeat.

For the past 14 months, since I purchased my 1st copy of the Hunchback CD for my own personal listening, (and 10 more afterwards because they make great Christmas gifts!), I have regularly and intently listened to Dennis DeYoung's and Dawn Marie's performance on that CD, and have both marvelled and been moved to tears of joy at its musical beauty, elegance, power, and vision. For the past 14 months, I had anticipated actually being in attendance to witness the theatrical debut.

As I arrived at the Polk Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee on September 6th, 1997, I was actually somewhat nervous with anticipation. As I remembered the CD rendition of the musical, I wondered...

Would the performers be able to do this work justice?
Would the (generally) older audience in attendance that night truly appreciate this work?
How could real life actors possibly compare to what I had already grown so attached and accustomed to hearing in the past 14 months on the CD?

As I sat and observed, and listened while the musical unfolded, I found myself witnessing a rose of the musical theatre blossom and flourish in all its glory, beauty, and wonder...



The Players

Frollo.

The characters themselves were performed in an outstanding manner by all the actors and actresses. I found myself actually being drawn in to the dilemma and personal torture of Frollo during his personal trials concerning his feelings for Esmerelda, something that I had neither felt nor fully understood previously. For the first time, I actually felt empathy for him, and understood his personal torment and inner pain. In addition, the power of your voice both in spoken and musical form gave command to the entire theatre, and gave for a most compelling performance.

Esmerelda

Esmerelda was irresistable in her portrayal. She was beautiful, captivating, striking, loving, kind, and witty. Her dancing was smooth, graceful, elegant, and her voice was oh so pleasing to the ear.

Phoebus

Phoebus was charming, debonair, and everything you would expect from a leader of the king's men, but not overly arrogant.

Quasimoto

Ah Quasimoto. How can such a creature with your outward appearance hide such a beautiful tenor voice within? When you sang the 1st line from With Every Heartbeat, I felt any and all lingering doubts about the success of the musical lifted away into the heavens. (Just to clarify, up until that point, you had not sung much, and that was the only unknown factor...) Your portrayal of the child-like innocence of the character was perfection, and I marvelled at how you could sing so beautifully in that posture and stance!

The cast

Although ALL the performers deserve special recognition for their outstanding work in this play, I wish to highlight that of 2 other individuals besides the four main characters: they were the lieutenant of the guard and the aunt of Esmerelda, both of whose performances truly enhanced the experience of the storyline as a whole.



The scenery

From the moment I set eyes on the stage, I knew that I was in for a treat. The lines are elegant in their simplicity, most flexible in their adaptability to the changing scenes of the storyline, and the secondary props that were used during the various scenes were exceptional. With almost no imagination needed, you feel as if you are within the church, outside the church, in the gypsy's lair, etc. The lighting effects were also exceptional in their usage.



The story

Never a dull or slow moment. Flowing, moving, compelling. Just enough humor interjected within to delight and bring small bits of comic relief just when you think your emotional barometer is going to explode.



The music.

"How can I find the words...?"

Although the music lyrics were altered slightly from the CD rendition which I had grown so accustomed to hearing, the changes only enhanced the meaning of the lyrics to the play itself and the character interactions. The score itself is most worthy of full honor and distinction as a great work that stands alone in and of itself. Combine it with the talent of all the members and staff of this production, and you have a hit most worthy of Broadway, no question.

Music is truly a universal language. The score, lyrics, and notes of the music all transferred fully to the players at hand, and all performed exceptionally well. I was once again moved by the song With Every Heartbeat, just as when I heard it for the very first time. I truly felt that I was in Paradise. It is truly amazing. I personally believe that this is one of, if not the finest workby Dennis DeYoung ever, and that is saying a lot.



Closing Remarks

I truly can not begin to find enough superlatives to describe what a TREASURE this production is to the theatre. Standing ovations at the end of the play were given by the very enthusiastic audience. They really did understand. They got it.

I hope and pray that this musical will find its way to Broadway, and stay there for many, many years to come. Someday, when my now 10-month old son is old enough to understand, I hope to be able to take him to Broadway to see, hear, and experience The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and to one day be able to tell him the story about how we too waited for him, With Every Heartbeat.

Please, do everything you possibly can to go see this musical in person and support Dennis DeYoung in his quest to take Broadway by storm. You too will be in Paradise.

[Abitaman]

A shame they never released a stage version of the show. Only one performance, wasn't it-ERIC

[mr.v]

It was more than one day but it was a very short run here in Nashville. I had opening night tickets but then had to work so my wife and son went to opening night. My wife love it so much that the next day she bought us tickets to see it again later in the week.

It was a great show and certanly Broadway worthy - but like so many other things in life it looks like who you know and how many people you pay off is more important than talent.

Sigh

[styxfanNH]

IT had a lot to do with Disney releasing Hunchback in the theatres and forcing a no compete type clause/heavy hand.

If it happened two years later, there probably wouldn't have been a big deal

[OrlandoChris]

It ran for two weeks in Nashville. It was incredible and I saw it twice.

Since his time as Frollo, James Barbour has been on Broadway, including assasins and Jane Eyre. I had the chance to meet him at the show, along with the band (i was there the night the band was). One piece you'll never hear on the track was "Swords of the King" which I believe Dennis asked JY if he could use. It was awesome to see it.

The only band member not there that night was Tommy, who I believe could not get away. It was also internet night, most of the fans who could go all went on the same night.

I think it could play well on Broadway.

[styxfanNH]

It played Sept 3 - 21

[OrlandoChris]

Okay, a little over two weeks. Good show though.