The Hunchback tolling the bells of the ancient cathedral of Notre Dame is an image of timeless appeal. Salinas citizens will want to catch the current local iteration of Victor Hugo’s tale, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” on The Western Stage at Hartnell College.
This production includes music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz from the animated Disney film. The book by Peter Parnell wends its way closer to the original novel, but keeps much of Disney’s happier characterizations.
Opening weekend audiences gasped, cheered and wept at the music and drama before them. Powerful performances by the principle cast anchor the show.
Christian McCooey makes a commanding debut at The Western Stage in the title role. In halting, tortured language, McCooey conveys the thoughts of a mind trammeled by the physical limitations of deafness and isolation, but hobbled far more by the self-image which his “protector” the archdeacon promotes. “I am ugly.” “I am monster,” Quasimodo imbibes from his master. But when he sings — oh, when he sings — he soars and thunders in pure notes and clear, unfettered voice. McCooey has made Quasimodo his own and presents him to his audience with all the power and dignity possible.
Enter the light-footed Romani girl whose life intertwines with Quasimodo’s in a sweet friendship, which begins with the cup of water she extends to him in his moment of extreme humiliation and is solidified as they sing their shared pleasure in the view of Paris from the bell tower in “Top of the World.” Rosie Quintana, in her debut on The Western Stage, gives us a teasing and fiery, strong and compassionate Esmeralda. Quintana’s impassioned vocals on “God Help the Outcast” are lovely and full-throated. Her voice is a delight, her performance, pleasing and potent.
Veteran of The Western Stage, Jared W. Hussey drives the story in the role of Dom Claude Frollo, the archdeacon of Notre Dame, blinded by pride and eaten by lust for Esmeralda. Hussey is convincing and finessed as we watch his Frollo descend unaware into depravity. Hussey fills the many songs that chronicle his descent with a low vibrato and gives admirable intensity to his evil prayer in “Hellfire.”
Another seasoned actor, Mike Baker, returns to The Western Stage in the role of Clopin, the king of the Paris vagabonds. He dances, sings, cavorts and exercises his authority on stage with ease and comic flair. Dale Thompson plays Captain Phoebus, the irresistible lady’s man whose search for rest and relaxation belies a higher quest for meaning and purpose. He cuts a fine romantic figure and plays tender love scenes with the equally irresistible Esmeralda.
These principles are buoyed by a wonderful orchestra under the direction of Don Dally, ensconced in a beautiful set with wooden scaffolding, a clever moving stairway of stone and huge, real-looking bells for the tower, and the cast are dressed in realistic yet attractive costume, which is, at times, donned and removed to further the plot.
A set of living gargoyles gives voice to Quasimodo’s inner conflicts. Gargoyle Anna Schumacher is also a standout as a townswoman, and Pat Horsley plays a Madame with poise and comedy.
Every iteration of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” includes Quasimodo pouring molten lead onto the besiegers of the cathedral (the 1923 silent film with Lon Chaney; the 1939 version with Charles Laughton and Maureen O’Hara; the Disney film), and the Salinas production has invented its own clever depiction. Along with its re-creation of such iconic moments, the production showcases a story that examines perennial matters of racism, prejudice toward disabilities, lust, love and friendship and what makes true beauty.
Fans of the Disney film or Victor Hugo’s story will want to come out for this fine and moving musical drama. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 3-18, at The Western Stage, Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave., Building K, in Salinas. Call 831-755-6816 or visit westernstage.com for more information.
