The Wonderfully Poignant Hunchback of Notre Dame
I attended The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Springhouse Theater on September 17th and was thoroughly impressed with the emotional impactfulness and intent of the performance. The Hunchback of Notre Dame explores themes of piousness within the church and society outside of its walls. The famous quote “what makes a monster and what makes a man” is represented throughout the show by each character’s individual growth. Specifically, a physical manifestation of a man the world deems a monster, but he has more humanity than those whom the world accepts as men. Quaismodo challenges the people and society around him as he harbors a hunchback and distorted face. Frollo (Aaron Arsenault) and Esmeralda (Ella Claybrooks) play the most pivotal archetypes in the story, as they are all faced with a choice of how to treat Quasimodo (Matthew Henry). Frollo: the archdeacon of the church who maintains his personal interpretation of a holy life, while simultaneously treating Quasimodo, his charge, as a creature not worth living. While his opposition Esmeralda, represents everything Frollo fights against. She is a free-spirited gypsy who makes her money dancing for the public. However, she is the first person in Quasimodo’s small world, to treat him as a person. Thus, personifying her potent line “I thought we all were children of God.” This ensemble, and director, made very intentional choices within the production that carried out the morality and humanity of this show, just beautifully.
Most of the lead characters utilized sign language to demonstrate direct communication with Quasimodo. It was an excellent way of portraying the purposeful (or not purposeful) intent of the characters to speak and understand him. Esmeralda signed every word she spoke to Quasimodo, while Frollo only signed harmful and pious words such as: ugly, deformed, sanctuary, evil, devil, etc. I was gobsmacked (the only appropriate word to use in this case) when I pieced together this directing choice. It is not everyday that audiences have the opportunity to see such an inclusive approach to a classic story. Brava to director Charlotte Myhre Shealy for creating that atmosphere and adding an extra layer to an already powerful story. In that same vein, theater is such a fantastic artistic tool for difficult and provocative source material. Especially as this musical adaptation explores the darker themes of this story. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a show centered around a church claiming to be a sanctuary while in reality isolating the outcasts of the world. Experiencing this show inside of a church was so special. “God help the outcasts, or nobody will,” sung in a church sanctuary, rang true in a way it never had before.
Matthew Henry’s portrayal of Quasimodo was truly inspired. It was clear he understood every aspect of this character, and what a complex character to play! Each and every moment of Henry’s performance onstage was nuanced, the audience went through Quasimodo’s entire emotional range. Every single emotional scene was held with purpose and understanding, and the sign language on top of this added an extra depth that rounded the character out perfectly. Not to mention, Henry’s incredible vocals made me, and the audience, leap up into applause! In such a difficult score combined with insane tenor high notes, Henry hit every single mark. His performance of “Made of Stone” was so breathtaking that it deserved an encore. I would also like to highlight the very last scene of the show, a dramatic change from the Disney adaptation of this story! Quasimodo is crying over Esmeralda and explaining how his body was left after the events of the story, arguably the most emotional scene in the musical. I have never seen this particular moment accomplished so well, it was extremely purposeful and devastating. Crying onstage is one of the hardest things to do in musical theater and Henry just raised the bar, making for a truly heartbreaking display. The audience was glossy eyed and sniffling all over the place! Congratulations to Matthew Henry for such an impeccable performance.
Technically, I would have loved to see some stronger lighting that allowed for the choir to be dimmed in intimate scenes, as well as better spotlights on each lead during group numbers. In that same vein, there were some blocking moments that made the stage feel a tad bit cluttered. Specifically, whenever the gargoyles were on stage, different levels could have been utilized. Being off to the side, I was unable to see Quasimodo in several circumstances. However, these small complaints pale in comparison to how the ensemble brought this show to life.
Brooks Bennett’s portrayal of Phoebus was layered and impressive. His ability to show the emotional indecision in his character, seamlessly aided the story’s theme of choosing to be kind-hearted and noble. Aaron Arsenault gave a powerful performance of Frollo, truly making the audience mad! Hearing whispers and gasps at lines means the villainous performance was successful! Aaron Catron played the unique role of Clopin and managed to keep the energy of the space up the entire show, with many humorous moments! I would be remiss not to congratulate the choir and orchestra for incredible live music. This sound rounded out the huge score of this musical seamlessly. The excellent diction from each actor and actress onstage aided in this as well, every word was heard and understood allowing the story to be portrayed successfully. Brava to the entire cast of this production.
Springhouse Theater continues to put on incredible productions with talent that will always leave audiences speechless. Charlotte Myhre Shealy directed this wonderful show with grace and purpose, and the cast members carried out her vision effortlessly. I could not help leaving the theater a bit tear-stained! Don’t miss Springhouse’s next theatrical season by visiting their website !
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Currently studying music at Middle Tennessee State University, Vivian Acevedo is a huge theater and arts lover. She believes in the healing power of music and its importance in the world!
