HUNCHBACK La Jolla Previews- Page 10

[Eurotrash]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 5:29am

Any idea when?

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 1/20/15 at 11:44am

Robbie-Yup, I just heard that too. They should have let Newsies continue playing, so Disney could save the spot.

Eurotrash-With mixed-positive reviews and depending on how it does at the Tonys, I say Honeymoon has until the end of summer.

Anyway:

So, I saw a video of Hunchback (I know, it's illegal, but I was very curious to see what they're doing with it), but unfortunately I was disappointed. It was just good. Not great, excellent etc. just good. Much better than Tarzan or Little Mermaid, but not as good as *Yup, I'm going to say it* Aladdin, Lion King, Mary Poppins or Newsies. Besides the fantastic music and Michael Arden's locked-in Tony winning performance, nothing stands out. They need a lot of work to do if it comes to Broadway.

*SPOILERS THROUGHOUT*

Pros:

The set is beautiful and how they work with it is clever. I just wish they went on the top where the window is (There are plenty of times they could use it like Frollo, trying to throw the baby Quasimodo & "Top of the World").

The music is Alan Menken's very best. The choir made it better since they fit the atmosphere perfectly. I wonder what they are going to do with it at Broadway (Churches or actors?). The songs are all gorgeous. My least favorite though was “Place of Miracles” because it did slow that part down.

All of the actors did a great job. Michael Arden is going to win the Tony or at least be a very strong contender in 2016 (if they do get the Nederlander for this fall). He steals in the show with his renditions of OUT THERE & MADE OUT OF STONE. He did a great job with his voice to make it sound like he's deaf and he did a wonderful job with the physical stuff. In whole, he's heartbreaking, naive, innocent & strong, and they could not cast a more perfect guy. Everyone was building up Patrick Page like crazy. But, to me, he was just good, nothing spectacular. He does a great job with Hellfire, but something is missing in his performance: How big of a threat Frollo is and how insane Frollo can be. Ciara and Andrew were perfect as Esmeralda and Phoebus. Ciara has just the right physical appeal, and the vocal & acting chops for Esmeralda. She’s sexy, but feisty, compassionate, and really brings out the fear in her in Act 2. I like how they made Phoebus kind of stupid (like in the book) and ignorant, and Andrew did a great job, bringing those things to the table.

Cons:

What brought the show down is the direction. It ranges from “WTH are you doing?” to really creative. For example, the red molt at the end is really clever and gorgeous. The Court of Miracles could look more colorful, but it looks fine the way it is. Now for the “WTH are you doing?” directions…Frollo’s death is a hot mess. It looks absolutely stupid. I know it’s hard to do with the set, but come on. They need to think harder. “Bells of Notre Dame” needs a lot of work. I have mixed feelings about the narration in that numbers with the characters, saying EVERYTHING that they’re doing (Like Jehan and Florinda saying that they’re running away together). I actually like the forth wall from the characters, but at the same time, I hate it because the narration is from the actors, portraying actors, portraying a character. The direction in that number needs a lot of work too, like how Frollo tries to kill Quasimodo & how they “hid” Florinda is really awful too. Also, when everyone has a monk costume on, please give Clopin like a red color or something. He should stand out, not fade in with everyone.

And speaking of Clopin and fading in, please give him back his role as the main narrator. I know that they’re trying to stray away from the Disney movie, but without the narration role, you might as well cut him out of the show. He has zero point & zero presence to the show. He’s a memorable character in the movie because he is over-the-top and zany. In this, they cut out what’s so fun about him that they cut out his purpose in the story.

With that said, I don’t mind the narrators, but they need to cut their lines and involvement. Stop telling us what the characters are doing when we can clearly see what’s going on. Like the climax scene at Act 2, we can clearly see the guards are trying to get into Notre Dame, so please being quiet. Also, when the narrators are gargoyles, I wish they actually had costumes to make it easier to see what they are portraying as.

Another thing is that in the Act 1 finale, Phoebus refuses to burn out the brothel and then says that “it’s the greatest honor”. Well with everyone out of the house, there’s no reason to say that. If Frollo made everyone stay in the brothel to burn and die, then the scene would be a lot more powerful and a real reason for Phoebus why refusing to burn down that place is “the greatest honor”. To sacrifice his life for others.

Also, PLEASE PLEASE restore Someday back to its former glory with the whole ensemble, singing it. The ensemble makes it powerful, bone chilling, and gorgeous. With it as only a duet with Esmeralda and Phoebus, it has the message and beauty, but not the haunting hook that it is missing. And please make the Bells of Notre Reprise at the finale, higher with the notes. It’s missing its epicness since the the notes are very low.

Lastly, I don’t like that Quasimodo kills Frollo. The message of the show is “What makes a monster and what makes a man?” And I know he is trying to avenge Esmeralda, but with Quasi killing Frollo, that, kind of, makes him a monster as well.

In conclusion, I did like the show, but unless they make major changes, I don’t think I’ll be seeing it on Broadway. It’s on to a good start, but they really need to fix some stuff. The price is worthy alone for the incredible music & Michael Arden.

BTW: I would LOVE to see Norm Lewis to take over for Patrick Page as Frollo! That would be magnificent!



Updated On: 1/20/15 at 11:44 AM

[Bucky Builder]

Posted: 1/20/15 at 5:01pm

Yeah...this show isn't good. Kind of felt like I was watching a community college production.

My quick thoughts:

- Completely redo the opening. It's so boring. The brother thing doesn't really work. On film the opening is thrilling. One of the bests Disney has ever done. Onstage..oof.

- Get rid of the narrators. Or at least stop them from commenting on every little thing in the show.

- The set design. It puts the show in a cluster that doesn't seem right. Either the set is too big or the stage is too small.

- Have to agree with the comments about Frodo. The character doesn't really work well in this adaption.

This production doesn't do the film justice. The film is a big gigantic epic. It should be treated like Phantom or something. If this is the version that goes to Broadway, then don't even bother having it be an open run.

Updated On: 1/20/15 at 05:01 PM

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 1/20/15 at 5:43pm

^ All of the above, plus re-add the gargoyle trio as they were in Berlin, and you're in agreement with me. :P

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 1/20/15 at 9:09pm

I think if one is going into this show expecting the movie, they might come up feeling a little hollow. Especially for those who really liked the movie.
I saw this production twice before it left California, and I will admit that the first time I saw it, there were certain things I thought could be tweaked. Such as narration in places where it wasn't necessary.
There were certain expectations and visions I had with regard to how I thought some of the scenes (based on the movie) would be carried out. The opening scene as an example.
It didn't happen that way though.
Also, the Topsy Turvy number was one I could have seen enveloping the stage in a more flashy way than it did.
But the second time I saw it, I found myself analyzing it less, and just enjoying the play for its own unique approach to the story, separate from the movie. And apart from what Disney had done before.
It is a very dark story after all.
Aladdin it isn't.
And I just loved it.
Not sure if the previous posters on here actually saw it live or are going off video images of the play, but in the intimacy of the La Jolla Playhouse, people were quite impressed with the set design. It was simple in some ways, yet extravagant in others. Nothing negative said about the set at all.
And upon leaving the theatre, the audience (both times) seemed quite floored by what they had just seen. Talking very positively about it. A mixture of "wows," nodding approval and mesmerized discussions.
And Arden, as I've noted on here before (as have others), gives a tour de force performance. Just amazing.
In fact, I only saw one weak link among the cast, but he wasn't really one of the majors so it was really not that big of a deal.
I think if one can let go of the animated feature and just accept this as a musical that is not completely trying to ape the movie like Aladdin and other Disney theatrical ventures that have come before have done, it can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Great performances, beautiful music and a touching story.
Led by an amazing Michael Arden.
In fact, I think if this play had been done in a flashier way, it would have detracted from the meaning and message of the story.
I almost saw this as a touching and meaningful story with music behind it, rather than a music driven show that happened to throw a story in to go along with it. If that makes any sense.
Kind of like the difference between Jersey Boys, the show vs. movie. I felt the latter was more story driven. I felt the stage production was more music driven. For that particular show, I liked the flashiness of the music driven Broadway production. Conversely I was somewhat bored with the movie take.
However, with Hunchback I liked the story driven approach with gorgeous music and vocal performances to support. Considering the darkness of the show, it worked for me.

Updated On: 1/20/15 at 09:09 PM

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 1/20/15 at 10:52pm

I think if one can let go of the animated feature and just accept this as a musical that is not completely trying to ape the movie like Aladdin and other Disney theatrical ventures that have come before have done, it can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

They change the title and the billing, I'll consider that. If you're selling Disney's Hunchback, I want to see something of it on the stage in front of me. And I mean a substantial amount, not lip service to it surrounded by insertions from the novel and new material I wasn't interested in.

Updated On: 1/20/15 at 10:52 PM

[Nateben2]

Posted: 1/21/15 at 12:55am

The La Jolla Playhouse production was not sold as DISNEY'S HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, in face, you had to scan below the title

Typical Promotional Material was as such:

The Hunchback of
Notre Dame
October 26 - December 14

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Peter Parnell
Directed by Scott Schwartz
Choreographed by Chase Brock

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo.
Produced in association with Paper Mill Playhouse, by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions.

Papermill's blurb is

---

Inspired by the classic Victor Hugo novel and the only stage collaboration between two giants of American musical theater. Music by Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors), lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin). An intimate retelling of the famous love story, with a lush, emotionally rich score and a production that will leave you inspired.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Peter Parnell
Based on the novel by Victor Hugo
Choreographed by Chase Brock
Directed by Scott Schwartz
Produced in association with La Jolla Playhouse, by special arrangements with Disney Theatrical Productions.

----

No where is it billed as DISNEY's version per se.

[Bucky Builder]

Posted: 1/21/15 at 6:21am

"but in the intimacy of the La Jolla Playhouse, people were quite impressed with the set design. It was simple in some ways, yet extravagant in others. Nothing negative said about the set at all.
And upon leaving the theatre, the audience (both times) seemed quite floored by what they had just seen. Talking very positively about it. A mixture of "wows," nodding approval and mesmerized discussions."

It's La Jolla....No offense but I really wouldn't put too must stock in the comments you heard. Broadway audiences are much more tougher to please.

Nate@ No matter what the technicalities, IT IS Disney's Hunchabck. People are going into the show with the film in mind.

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 1/21/15 at 8:40am

No offense taken.

That being said, La Jolla has won the Tony for regional theater. It is run by accomplished people who know good theater and have NY experience. I doubt they will put on a lesser show just because "it's La Jolla" and the audience is "less sophisticated" than NY audiences.

Again, not offended, but that's the implication.

In addition, it's a theater that draws known talent and has sent a number of shows to Broadway which have done well. As has the nearby Old Globe.

I would dare say that's a goal for the creators at La Jolla now that it's been done numerous times. And I would think that their goal is putting on a good show rather than taking the attitude that it doesn't really matter, because we're only in La Jolla.

Pre-Broadway tryouts definitely have their purpose. Not only do they want to ready a show for the expectations of a NY audience, but they're also giving some credit to the audiences outside of NY as well to see how a show is received. They're using non-NY audiences, as well, to gauge how they think a show might do on Broadway. So in a sense the out of town audiences are just as important. Not a bad idea considering a lot of people seeing Broadway shows are going to be tourists anyway.

At the end of the day, many of the stars being seen on Broadway started in regional theater and continue to appear in regional theater when not on Broadway. A lot of talent out there on the stages of the United States, including talent in the creators of shows on pre-Broadway tryouts, have NY experience.

Not to mention when you have a good percentage of audience members who are transplants from NY sitting in CA theater seats, many of whom were raised on NY theater, dismissing CA audiences isn't always completely valid.

[Bucky Builder]

Posted: 1/21/15 at 9:57am

I'm not trying to diminish La Jolla. I'm well aware of the awards and prestige it has. My only point is, audiences react differently in different places. A show can be a hit in Boston and then flop in New York.

Yes Pre Broadway tryouts definitely have purpose and I assume the Disney team is well aware that they can't bring this production to Broadway. I would even go as far to say that, IF Hunchback goes to Broadway, it will be an entirely different production than what was on the La Jolla stage. At least we can hope.







Updated On: 1/21/15 at 09:57 AM

[owenblinky]

Posted: 2/8/15 at 9:35pm

I said it already but they need to move or get rid of Thai Mol Piyas. It really interrupts the flow of the musical by displacing Heaven's/Light Hellfire, which SO OBVIOUSLY should be the next song following Esmeralda's interaction with Quasimodo and Frollo. Having Esmeralda kiss Phoebus before we even get to heaven's light prevents us from really sharing in Quasimodo's feelings hope and heartbreak since the outcome of the love traingle has already been given away.


And as everyone else has said, the finale is broken and needs to be fixed. It just doesn't flow right musically with all the added narration and interruptions (the moment Phoebus transitions from speaking to singing is jarring). Plus it looks downright terrible at times (Frollo's "falling", Quasimodo "swinging", give me a break!)

It's a shame, because things get off to such a promising start in act 1. Everything up until Thai Mol Piyas flows together so magically. Topsy Turvy is especially incredible, with so many fluid transitions from scene to scene and so many little reprises and variations and songs within songs blending together seamlessly, it was truly a wonder for this lifetime HonD fan to behold. The transition from Phoebus' goofy version of Rest and Recreation to Frollo's darker version was beautifully written and scored. The psycho nightmare reprise of Topsy Turvy chanted by the jeering crowd while Quasimodo is humiliated and Frollo selfishly delves in his own manic insecurities was a stroke of genius.

[roadmixer]

Posted: 2/10/15 at 4:10pm

As Michael Riedel likes to say... "my spies have told me..." that the concept with Hunchback is to allow it to be licensed and produced as more of a secondary tier market property rather than expecting this to go to Broadway. Having said that, Disney's latest strategy is to always lower expectations initially by acting unambitious with their productions (as was the case with Newsies) when trying out so that they can avoid the inevitable criticism if a show doesn't go anywhere. "We never intended for the show to go beyond this level" sounds a lot better than touting a show as 'pre-Broadway' only to never get it off the ground.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 2/12/15 at 6:43am

^If this is true, that explains the constant narrating and the community college-like direction.


Updated On: 2/12/15 at 06:43 AM

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 2/12/15 at 9:22am

Ew.

[Bilbo3]

Posted: 2/12/15 at 3:58pm

"my spies have told me..." that the concept with Hunchback is to allow it to be licensed and produced as more of a secondary tier market property rather than expecting this to go to Broadway."

Not surprised at all. The production at La Jolla would have never survived on Broadway. Not even close.

Updated On: 2/12/15 at 03:58 PM

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 2/12/15 at 9:56pm

Whatever it does or doesn't do in New Jersey, or regardless of whether it makes it to Broadway or not, I'm glad I saw it. The music is beautiful, the sets breathtaking, and the performances solid.
There was an intimacy between the actors on the stage and the audience that was quite effective as they told their story.
Granted, it didn't have the showiness of Aladdin or some of the other Disney musicals I've seen, but it definitely had an emotional edge that I found touching.
Does this show have the capacity to be done on an even grander scheme? Sure.
You could take a larger stage and fill it with something pretty sumptuous. And it would be amazing.
But I also connected with the simplicity of the way this was presented too.
And sometimes an emotional and touching story can be lost among grandeur.
This one worked for me, and as I noted, if it doesn't make it to Broadway, that will be too bad.
I'm just glad I got to experience it.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 2/12/15 at 10:11pm

Bilbo, I'm betting you that they are secretly still planning on the Broadway version and using that excuse since Newsies actually succeeded. Plus, rumors are still saying that they are aiming for the Nerderlander. Which is weird because why would they close Newsies if they were saving it for Hunchback?

If they hope to go on Broadway and have a great run, they need a lot of work to do. Starting with the direction.

[A1st]

Posted: 2/12/15 at 10:43pm

I heard they closed Newsies because it was financially the same place as Mary Poppins was when it posted a notice- Wasn't loosing money but would have been within a year. I think they wanted to close Newsies and I'm pretty sure they sent the set out to tour, so it would have been a waste to build a new set only to have the Broadway show close less than a year later.

Updated On: 2/12/15 at 10:43 PM

[Bilbo3]

Posted: 2/12/15 at 10:46pm

Agreed, disneybroadwayfan22. They are probably seeing how well it does in NJ before they make the final decision. With how the show is now, it would make sense that they just want to license it for community theatre (Since it does look like a community theatre play).

It's sad. I've always wanted to see Hunchback on Broadway..but not like this.

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 2/12/15 at 11:39pm

I'm just curious how many who are reviewing it on these boards have seen it.
The ones I have read over the last couple of months who have seemed to like it.
There are some, here and there, who didn't like it as much. Though I haven't seen many of them call it an amateurish production either. There may have been some things they would have done differently. They may have had a grander vision for the show than it embodies. Perhaps staged differently. But the sets, the performances, the music get good marks.
Disneybroadwayfan22, e.g. Apparently you have seen a clip of it and consider it good, but not great. And do, in fact, give it some kudos in places.
Fair enough. You provide insight into your take on it which is fine.
Personally I have not seen any real clips from the show (of any great length) and only a few sound bytes that were removed pretty quickly. Had I not seen it I don't think I'd have much to go by.
I will admit that after listening to those sound clips that were linked on here for a while (before I saw it), I wasn't sure what I was going to think. The opening number sounded weaker than I imagined it would be, production-wise.
But when I saw it in person, it was quite good. Seeing something live will envelop you in ways that even seeing a video won't, IMO.
Now if people are expecting some grandiose opening, a la the movie, they might not dig it. It is done differently.
If they're expecting a replica of the movie, again, it might not be their thing.
I will say that one of the friends I saw it with, between the two of us, have seen probably 50+ shows on Broadway. And countless others on tour.
While we may not be experts, we do have enough experience with musicals to have something to compare it to.
Are there things in the staging I would have done differently? Perhaps.
But amateurish, in a community college-like sense, is not the adjective we would have used to describe it.
Personal opinion though.




Updated On: 2/12/15 at 11:39 PM

[Bilbo3]

Posted: 2/12/15 at 11:58pm

The performers weren't amateurish, but how the show is set up and the set is. I got what they were trying to do, but I just don't think it worked. If you want to do something different and not like the film, that's great..but then go further with it. Make it something innovative.

I'm sure the set design cost a lot, but it really did look like a community theatre production. I was especially disappointed with the Festival of fools number. I really expected so much more from that and the entire show.

The excessive narrating didn't help but that's been talked to death.

I think it's neat that they wanted to do something different, but it's not really on a Broadway level (my opinion).

[Wildcard]

Posted: 2/13/15 at 12:43am

I saw it and I loved it. Watching theater via bootleg does not have the same effect as seeing it in person with an audience.

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 2/13/15 at 1:01am

I agree, bilbo. The Topsy Turvy number was one I was expecting to be done to the hilt. It could be a real showstopper type number. It ended up being okay, but didn't floor me in the way I thought it would.
Much like the way they staged the opening scene.
It's so dramatic in the film, but in the show it's played down a bit, with a fair share of narration throughout. And I can see how this might be disconcerting when you're expecting something else.
So I, too, had some expectations that didn't come about because I was expecting the film in many ways myself.
But even despite its differences, I will admit that as the Bells of Notre Dame comes to its climax, Arden makes his appearance, his transformation ensues, and the bells lower from the ceiling, it's impressive.
When I stepped back and accepted it for what it was…not a replica of the movie…but rather a lower key, intimate, non-flashy, dramatic memory of the movie, backed by its amazing music, I was okay with it. In fact, I really liked it.
Even though it wasn't what I was expecting in all aspects, it truly touched me.
And Arden is mesmerizing, IMHO.
We all see things differently though, and it might not be your cup of tea. And that's totally cool, too.
It's what makes theater such a great and personal thing.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 2/14/15 at 7:26am

Agreed Bilbo. Topsy Turvy had no atmosphere at all. It's supposed to fun and huge! It was just people with regular costumes, dancing around in circles. Berlin had the same problem, but at least they were wearing costumes.

Oh, and as expected:

I'm working on a few things. Very front burner is the stage adaptation of (Disney's) "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Schwartz), which recently had a very well-received run at the La Jolla Playhouse in California, and we are now preparing for a production back East at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey, and so we're making some changes and revisions, as one does, in that.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/arts/2015/01/30/qa-stephen-schwartz-past-future-wicked/22360511/

Please, make great choices!

[Bilbo3]

Posted: 2/14/15 at 7:39am

When he says "revisions", I hope he means a whole new production. But he doesn't.