Disney music shines, but local version of Hunchback is not a Disney story
While the Kelowna Actors Studio’s production of the Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the popular music from the Disney animated feature of the same name, audiences shouldn’t expect the musical to have a Disneystyle candy-coated ending.
Instead, the story stays true to Victor Hugo’s novel of hope, love and passion.
The Actors Studio is one of the Àrst regional theatres to present this adaptation of the Hunchback.
The production includes favourite songs from the Disney feature including Topsy Turvy, HellÀre and the Bells of Notre Dame, along with new songs by the Academy Awardwinning team of composer Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz.
The production is set in 15th-century Paris, with much of the action taking place in and around Notre Dame Cathedral with its everpresent giant bells.
The cast is led by Chad Abrahamson as deformed Quasimodo, who was raised in Notre Dame Cathedral. Initially, his only friends are the cathedral’s gargoyles who come to life when alone with Quasimodo.
Abrahamson, who starred in Actors Studio’s Catch Me If You Can as Frank A bag na le Jr ., Áips back and forth between the Quasimodo who can speak and sing with his friends the gargoyles, and the Quasimodo that everyone else sees who can barely talk.
Abrahamson’s vocals were strong and the passion he put into his performance of Made of Stone made the number a show-stopper.
Julia Chambers, a student of the Kelowna Actors Studio Academy, portrays the free-spirited gypsy Esmerelda who enchants Quasimodo, Capt. Phoebus and Dom Claude Frollo.
Chambers was last seen in the Actors Studio’s Cabaret as Sally Bowles. Her sweet voice moved the audience in numbers such as God Help the Outcasts.
Desmond Parenteau plays Dom Claude Frollo, archdeacon of the cathedral, who reluctantly raises Quasimodo in Notre Dame Cathedral. Parenteau, whose last role was Eddy is Sister Act, changes gears to play an archdeacon who manipulates people in the name of faith to get what he wants.
One of the highlights of his performance is his tortured rendition of HellÀre.
Newcomer Dane Smit takes on the role of Phoebus de Martin, captain of the Cathedral Guard who shows he has a conscience.
Vinny Keats, another newcomer, plays Clopin, the King of the Gypsies, a charismatic and mysterious character who can vanish in a puff of smoke.
Members of the Kelowna Community Chorus add their voices to the Actors Studio company for beautiful choral music that strengthen the cathedral atmosphere of the production.
The production, which questions what makes a monster and what makes a man, is moved along by cast members who share the narration and move the props around during the action to distinguish different locations.
While the musical doesn’t have a Disney ending, the themes of bravery, strength and friendship are woven throughout.
There are limited tickets available for the Hunchback of Notre Dame, which continues until April 29. Get your tickets at Kelowna Tickets in Orchard Park mall, by calling 250862-2867 or online at KelownaTickets.com.