By Linne Marsh
It’s a topsy turvy time at the Hurricane Fine Arts Center. The Hunchback of Notre Dame performed by the Hurricane Theatrical Company combines the music from Disney written by Alan Menken with the book based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It is so good that I want to tell you everything, but I also want to tell you nothing, so you’ll go experience it yourself.
This production tells the story of Quasimodo, the captive hunchbacked bell ringer of Notre Dame, who longs to be out among the outside world. He decides to defy Dom Claude Frollo, his overbearing caretaker, and attend the Feast of Fools. There he meets Esmerelda, a compassionate gypsy who saves him from the ridicule of a mob. Esmerelda’s free spirit captivates him, but he is not the only one. She also catches the attention of Captain Phoebus and Frollo. As all three men vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsy’s. Quasimodo must summon the courage and strength to save them all.
This production combines music, storytelling, and an impressive call to the audience’s imagination to supply the magic of being drawn into Fifteenth Century Paris. Upon entering the theater, you step into the famed Notre Dame Cathedral. The lighting is low, and a Gregorian Chant fills the theater, setting a pious atmosphere. Set Designer Jim Blackford and team did an incredible job creating a setting that could act as both the inside and outside of the cathedral.
Every voice in this production is strong and clear, which not surprising given the fact that this show includes Tuachan alums and performing arts graduates. Hurricane is boosting some impressive talent. Musical Director Kim Dutton uses each voice to the shows advantage. The leads are especially impressive. BJ Cox (Clopin) plays my favorite part, and his voice sounds exactly like Disney’s Clopin from the 1996 movie. Nathan Myers (Quasimodo) displays incredible talent as he sings each song while hunched over. It cannot be easy to maintain that position, but he does, and his voice is clear and strong. Dane Camp (Frollo) and Greg Knell (Phoebus) are equally impressive in their performances. This production is full of strong male voices, but McKenzie Morgan’s (Esmerelda) voice stands out above the tenors and basses. Her rendition of “God Help the Outcasts” is especially moving. And a special treat is seeing the gargoyles. Grace Wells, Janessa Judkins, Laura Shrout, Abe Hegewald, Ashlie Davenport, and Colton Burner bring these loveable characters to life. The way the gargoyles are represented as stone headed puppets is such a creative way to showcase the characters.
Director Kyle Myrick makes incredible use of the stage. Although a smaller stage, his use of blocking makes it feel much larger. Also the artistic decision to use slow motion movement to portray certain scenes heightens the emotions experienced during the show. There is a moment when Quasimodo is saved from the mob by Esmerelda. The cast moves in slow motion around them, and the moment between Quasimodo and Esmeralda is even more poignant.
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The costumes are impressive in their accuracy with the Disney movie. Designer Grace Wells and team create amazing costumes and wigs. The gypsies are dazzling in an array of colors and jewelry, Quasimodo is ragged in patched clothing, Frollo is imposing in his priestly array, and Phoebus is strong with his sword and tunic. A lot of thought and time went into creating the costumes and it helped enhanced each character’s performance.
While the music and costumes are a large part of this show’s appeal, the lighting is creatively executed. Lighting Designer Jennifer Roberts, a former Walt Disney Imagineer, puts a lot of thought into how lights can help tell this story: red for anger, green for envy. Even the spotlighting is unique. I thoroughly enjoyed the subtly and emotions the lighting evoked during the performance.
There are too many wonderful things to point out about this production. The special effects, the sound, all very high quality. This cast and crew put a lot of work into this production and it pays off. This show is not only entertaining, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we treat our fellow man and the power of compassion. Run to go see the extraordinary production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Hopefully it will leave you feeling a little more of “Heaven’s Light”.
Hurricane Theatrical Company presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Hurricane Fine Arts Building, 92 S. 100 W., Hurricane, UT 84737
October 5-October 27, 2018 Monday, Friday-Saturday 7:00 PM. Saturday matinee 2:00 PM.
Tickets: $10
Contact: 435-668-9753
Hurricane Theater Company Facebook Page
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Facebook Event Page
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