The Hunchback of Notre Dame – The Argyle Theatre

Cast of: THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. PHOTO CREDIT - RICHARD TERMINE.

By Kristen Weyer.

The Argyle Theatre of Babylon continues its grand opening season with The Hunchback of Notre Dame, directed by Evan Pappas.  This musical, which has a book by Peter Parnell, is based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. While the music may be Disney, parents be aware, this is very much an adult show with intense and frequently dark themes.   Masterfully done, Hunchback is a heart-wrenching tale of passion and fear, love and hate, hope and despair.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame immerses you into another time and place. From the moment you enter the theatre, The Argyle begins your transportation as enrobed members of the choir greet and welcome to you to Notre Dame.  Comprised of members of The Long Island Musical Theatre Festival Choir, these talented singers take their places in Notre Dame’s choir boxes on stage as the play opens; where they remain and sing for the duration of the show.  This lends a beautifully authentic touch to the atmosphere.  So too does the intricately carved woodwork of the set and the three large bells suspended above the stage.  Strangely enough, while the bells’ rope was certainly swung upon multiple times during the performance, they were noticeably and disappointingly silent; hopefully this was a one time glitch.

It is Paris near the end of the 15th century. Archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo (Ryan Speakman) has raised Quasimodo, his deformed orphaned nephew, in the bell tower of Notre Dame. The product of the brother he loved and one of the gypsies he so despises, he both shelters and imprisons him.  One day a year the strict and pious rules which govern the city are lifted and ignored, The Day of Fools. For some, the shunned and the outcasts it is a day of freedom, a day to frolic without censure. For others it is a day where morality is ignored, decency left on the wayside, and criminals run rampant. But for one, a sheltered and deformed young bell ringer, it is a day of hope. For Quasimodo (Colin Anderson) it may be his only chance to get out the cathedral, his sanctuary, as much his prison as it is his home.  When he sneaks down to the Paris streets he meets both the cruelty Frollo warned of, but also his first taste of true kindness from the beautiful Gypsy, Esmeralda (Gina Naomi Baez).  She follows him back to Notre Dame and as she does so, garners the admiration and desire of not only Quasimodo, but also of Frollo, and the solider Phoebus (Leland Burnett).  When Frollo’s advances are spurned, his passions combine with his hatred for the gypsies, to create an inferno which leads to inevitable disaster.

 Colin Anderson as Quasimodo, and Ryan Speakman as Claude Dom Frollo. PHOTO CREDIT – RICHARD TERMINE.

Ryan Speakman is simply brilliant as Frollo. His gorgeous vocals ring through the theater with clarity and strength, while his perfect characterization and tonality bring humanity to Frollo; you’ll love to hate him, and you might even feel sorry for him.

Colin Anderson makes a superb Quasimodo.  His charming facial expressions and mannerisms bring through the naiveté and vulnerability of his character, and his strong vocals are wonderful.

Gina Naomi Baez brings Esmeralda to life with her passionate portrayal. Her stunning vocals are on frequent display but especially shine in “God Help the Outcasts”.

The cast of Hunchback. PHOTO CREDIT – RICHARD TERMINE.

Leland Burnett is dashing as Phoebus, with pleasing vocals and mannerisms. Rodd Farhadi is entertainingly mysterious as Clopin, and the entire ensemble performed wonderfully. Fantastic vocals and dancing come from all angles in this production. Excellent choreography by Debbie Roshe entertains throughout.

The Intelligent lighting choices of designer Graham Kindred add depth and feeling to the performance. And, of course, it would be remiss of me not to mention the impressive talent of the orchestra under the direction of Ilana Atkins.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a marvelously done production.  With soaring melodies, dramatic storyline and superb acting, this production is a must-see for theatre lovers.

 

Running Time: Approximately 2 ½ hours with one 15 minute intermission.
Advisory: Mature themes.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is playing at The Argyle Theatre until December 30th, 2018. The theater is located at 34 W. Main St., Babylon NY.  For tickets contact the box office at 844-631-5483 or click here.