The award-winning Trinity Players are pleased to present the Birmingham premiere of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'.
This production is based on the epic 1831 Victor Hugo novel and the classic 1996 Disney film. With the score and new songs by Menken/Schwartz. Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features passages from Hugo’s gothic novel. This is a story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero.
The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in 15th-century Paris. Shut away from the outside world for being different and rendered deaf by the tolling of the bells, Quasimodo looks down from his tower in Notre Dame longing for freedom. After escaping for a day, his deformities lead to cruel treatment from all but the beautiful Romani woman Esmeralda, who captivates Quasimodo amongst many other suiters. But with Archdeacon Frollo intent on destroying the Roma, it is up to Quasimodo to save them all.
This is an unusually dark and chilling piece of musical theatre, and the material is heavy, but it smartly excises comic relief in the form of giggling gargoyles. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this unforgettable musical.
The set is simple and rustic, and against a cleverly lit stage, this adds to the feel of an old cathedral. The costumes are vibrant and bring the scenes to life, especially in the dance numbers. On that note, it should be noted that the choreography from Leigh-Ann James is exciting and well-executed. A particular favourite of mine was “Topsy Turvy”, which is an energetic number. The entire cast works well together and their talents shine, for some, this is their first performance with Trinity Players.
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