The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Paper Mill- Page 8

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

Posted: 3/24/15 at 7:39am

Realizing how they are portrayed here as figments of Quasi's imagination

Having seen some videos of Der Glockner, you will realize this was also done very effectively in Berlin. Hell, as I said earlier in the thread, nearly every problem people have with the overall thrust of the material in this production was handled better in Berlin.

I agree that the physical production was nothing one could replicate, and in that respect, the "morality play" approach works. But there was literally nothing else that needed changing, except maybe reinstating "The Court of Miracles." The narration (such as it was, given only Clopin really engaged in it with a recurring "Bells of Notre Dame" motif, as in the film) was not overbearing, the gargoyles were not the scenery-chewing "walking Disney toys" they were in the film and therefore proved less important to cut, the staging of death scenes were more simply and less embarrassingly handled, and the like.

(Also, and I realize this is not the last time I've said this, but I don't get everyone's apparent dislike for "A Guy Like You." Yes, it takes place around the darkest point in the film and show, but a) we haven't exactly hit rock bottom yet, b) it's one of the few bright spots in the score at that moment, and consequently, c) it is not only not inappropriate, but needed, much like "King Herod's Song" gives a similar lift to Jesus Christ Superstar. Yeah, the line about Paris being on fire is cringe-worthy, but how long has it been since Stephen Schwartz wrote a new lyric you completely liked? Don't worry, I'll wait.)

Updated On: 3/24/15 at 07:39 AM

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 3/24/15 at 8:45am

The problem with the narration wasn't that it was "constant"-- it's that it wasn't consistent. Sometimes they were there and sometimes they weren't. That's bad direction.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 12:30am

does anyone have the u/s list for Hunchback? Apparently Julian Decker's been on as Quasimodo a few times this week.

[thedrybandit]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 2:08pm

Julian Decker and Ian Patrick Gibb are understudies for Quasimodo, Jeremy Stolle understudies Phoebus. Samantha Massell covers Esmerelda, William Michals does Frollo, and Clopin's understudy is Richard Ruiz. That's all that's listed in the playbill.

Unrelated question, does anyone know if they're still doing the $20 over the phone rush tickets? I've heard different things about that.

[gstrus2]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 2:13pm

Saw Julien go on last night and thought he was phenomenal.

[MaddieBB12]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 4:38pm

^Do you know if Arden is out all weekend or just last night?

[gstrus2]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 5:06pm

I think it was just last night, but I have no inside info.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 10:38pm

Saw the show tonight. Arden was in. Yes, they still do $20 rush over the phone.

Loved the show, by the way. Haven't perused the depths of this thread, but I thought it was successfully done. While not perfect, I think with some tweaking, it could be a really great show. (Maybe less voice affectation and American Sign Language, which I guess is a bit anachronistic.)

[Patash]

Posted: 3/29/15 at 10:05am

I stopped reading this thread about 10 days ago so it wouldn't "color" my opinion of the show too much. I saw the matinee yesterday, and let me say I never saw the Disney movie.

I was overwhelmed with the show. Going back now and reading this thread, I agree with some of what was said, but I found it one of the most mesmerizing and powerful shows I've seen in years. And what I can't get over is that it simply had the BEST sound I've ever heard in any show. How much of that is the theatre acoustics, how much is the sound system, and how much is the result of someone really brilliant doing the board control I can't say. But I can't remember the last time on Broadway I saw a show when I wasn't thrown by orchestra drowning out singers, balance being way off, or simply not being able to understand words with overamplification of sound. This show was simply glorious to listen to.

I think the two minor things that jumped out at me, and these were the only ones worth quibbling about to me were A) that yes the final swinging of Quasimoto would have been more effective and well worth the trouble of actually swinging on a rope, and B) the death of Frollo was really kind of embarrassing, especially the drop of the "bundle" at the back of the stage.

But overall, I can't express enough how wonderful I think the show is. What a wonderful afternoon of fine musical theatre we had yesterday!

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 3/29/15 at 12:29pm

I would agree that this show had a terrific sound design. You can hear every instrument of the orchestra, the negotiation of the choir to the leads and ensemble... It's a big undertaking and it was superbly done. The sound in the show was absolutely thrilling, and when it came to that final crescendo at the end of the show, people were cheering through that entire last musical passage.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 3/29/15 at 12:35pm

I don't suppose anyone's heard any rumblings about a cast album or anything? Wishful thinking, I know, but still.

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

Posted: 3/29/15 at 7:02pm

On this, I will agree with everyone. The sound design is impeccable, and almost certainly worth a Tony if this show makes it to Broadway. Gareth Owen is the genius behind it!

Check out his work!

[Broadwaylover2]

Posted: 3/29/15 at 7:05pm

what needs fixing ? set costumes direction book

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/29/15 at 7:08pm

Looking at Quasi's makeup, it looks more like he had a bad day at the office. It is, in no way as grotesque as that of Lon Chaney or Charles Laughton.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 3/29/15 at 8:35pm

The makeup is applied by the actor onstage. It's not meant to look like his face is actually deformed.

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 3/29/15 at 10:22pm

Saw the show this afternoon, and was struck as soon as the music began. Everything, from the orchestra to Arden's onstage transformation, was glorious. Chill-inducing. I haven't seen the movie in a very long time, but I remember the movie saddening me in such a deep way at such a young age, but this was on another level.

I agree with those who believe it deserves a transfer to Broadway or at the very least a cast album. I'm not ready to let it go quite yet.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 3/30/15 at 7:24pm

Well, so much for Ciara reprising her part on Broadway. But congrats to her!


Broadway's Ciara Renee Joins The CW's ARROW/FLASH Spinoff as 'Hawkgirl'

[JPeterman]

Posted: 3/30/15 at 7:30pm

Warning .... avoid seats in the front row .... the stage is set fairly high.

[bwayobsessed]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 10:50pm

Saw the show for a second time tonight, Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz, Scott Schwartz, and Thomas Schmacher were all there. Tonight must be decision night!! fingers crossed for good things!!

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/3/15 at 3:38pm

Michael Arden posted something about how he feels unappreciated in his work at the moment.  Hope that doesn't mean Broadway is out...

[sctrojan65]

Posted: 4/3/15 at 5:07pm

When an actor is able to pull you into a performance to such a degree that you feel like you're watching the character himself and not the actor pretending to be that character, you know you have a talented guy.  

Michael Arden, in my opinion, was outstanding in this role.  I saw it twice in La Jolla and he sold me both times.  He made Quasimodo a strong but heartbreaking character who we could all identify with on some level.  

Whatever happens to the musical in the near future, I'm glad I got a chance to see this take on Hunchback.  

Aladdin, Lion King, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast it isn't.  But Disney allowing them to do something different with this show created a provocative evening of great music, super performances, and thoughtful theater.  

And Arden's emotional performance brought it all together so well.

[secondactfromtheleft]

Posted: 4/3/15 at 5:11pm

The cast was informed yesterday that the show will not be transferring to Broadway. 

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/3/15 at 5:27pm

That is really heartbreaking, secondact.  Having never been to Paper Mill before, there was something that drew me there for this show even thought it's a bit of a trek, and I'm so thankful I got to see it.  That music is lush and haunting, and Arden's Quasi was a true sight to behold.  When he transformed in front of me, I audibly gasped and had the chills.  Not because he looked grotesque, but because I was witnessing craft like I've rarely ever seen before.   Sad that Broadway won't be able to see it.

[Princeton Returns]

Posted: 4/3/15 at 5:33pm

This doesn't surprise me, I enjoyed it but it needed a lot of work, it really lacked any emotional core and felt a bit by numbers. Michael has a good voice but he isn't the strongest actor. 

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 4/3/15 at 5:43pm

I wondered while watching it if it might work better as an oratorio.  The choral work was glorious, the dramatic action not so much for me.